The first round of Poland's presidential election results unfolded overnight with late polls showing a tight race between Rafał Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki. By 7:29 AM, the National Electoral Commission announced complete results: Trzaskowski secured 31.36% against Nawrocki's 29.54%, with both advancing to the runoff. The election saw record first-round turnout in Poland's post-1989 history.

The strong performance of radical candidates became a central narrative, with Sławomir Mentzen placing third and Grzegorz Braun unexpectedly fourth. Political maneuvering began immediately, with the Polish People's Party (PSL) officially endorsing Trzaskowski by mid-day. Nawrocki announced a "Great March for Poland" on May 25 and characterized a potential Trzaskowski victory as making the president "a notary for Tusk's decisions."

International observers from OSCE issued their assessment, noting "serious problems" with the electoral process, while stock markets responded negatively to the results.