Fresh from winning the PartyPoker Tour Manchester Main Event, Michael “Breen Machine” Breen is already looking ahead to the next stop on the tour. While the trophy and career-best score mark a significant milestone, our conversation revealed something equally important: for Michael, the PartyPoker Tour is as much about the people as it is the poker.
His Manchester victory came through a field packed with experienced professionals and former champions. Walking into the tournament alongside his friend Liam, Michael immediately recognized just how competitive the event would be.
“We looked at each other when we saw the likes of Andrew Wilson and a lot of the top English regs coming through the doors,” he recalled.
Rather than feeling intimidated, however, he embraced the challenge.
Throughout the tournament, Michael found himself sharing tables with some of the UK’s most respected players, including Andrew Wilson and Alex Montgomery. Far from being overawed, he described competing against established professionals as both motivating and enjoyable.
“It’s so cool to be able to play with people that you’ve admired or looked at from afar,” he said.
That sentiment captures much of what makes the PartyPoker Tour so appealing. Events attract a fascinating mix of seasoned professionals, ambitious regulars and enthusiastic recreational players, creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best.
Michael was also full of praise for the tournament itself.
“The staff, the dealers and the structure were incredible”
highlighting the deep structure and Day Two blind rollback as features that give players plenty of room to play proper poker.
Image: Nunzia Esposito
He was equally complimentary about the satellite system, which allows players to qualify for £500 Main Events at a fraction of the cost.
“The tour’s great… nothing but compliments,” he added.
As the tournament progressed, Michael navigated increasingly difficult tables while maintaining his composure. He admitted there were moments when fortune smiled on him, but equally recognized the quality of the opposition throughout the final stages.
His respect for fellow competitors was evident even when discussing his heads-up battle with Andrew Wilson. The pair shared plenty of laughs after the event, with Michael joking that he had no intention of letting Wilson back into the match after several double-ups.
It is that balance between fierce competition and genuine camaraderie that defines the atmosphere on the PartyPoker Tour.
The sense of community extends well beyond the tournament floor. Michael spoke warmly about traveling with friends, catching up with familiar faces, and celebrating afterward over a well-earned steak with fellow players Daryl Kearney and Liam. These moments, he suggested, are every bit as memorable as lifting the trophy itself.
Now attention turns to the next stop.
Michael already has his sights firmly set on PartyPoker Tour London, taking place from 4–12 July at Genting Casino, Stratford. Having accumulated several satellite packages, he hopes not only to compete again but also to bring his partner and children so they can enjoy London while he returns to the tables.
“I can’t let Sam (Acheampong) down,” he laughed, confirming that the Breen Machine will be making the trip.
If Manchester was anything to go by, London promises another week of high-quality poker, welcoming staff, excellent structures, and the unique sense of community that continues to make the PartyPoker Tour one of the highlights of the live poker calendar.
