All 13 candidates faced off, fielding questions from one another and trading jabs over key issues including the economy, defence, migration, foreign policy and national security.
The debate exposed deep divisions on topics such as healthcare, housing, abortion and minority rights.
Candidates also sparred over Poland's role in the European Union and the euro currency, offering sharply contrasting visions for the country's path ahead.
The 160-minute debate, hosted by the tabloid Super Express, was aired by multiple broadcasters including state-run TVP Info.
It featured prominent figures such as Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate of the ruling centrist Civic Coalition (KO); opposition contender Karol Nawrocki, backed by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party; far-right hopeful Sławomir Mentzen; and parliamentary Speaker Szymon Hołownia, co-founder of the centre-right Third Way alliance.
Other participants included Senator Magdalena Biejat of the co-governing New Left group; Adrian Zandberg from the leftist opposition Together party; controversial far-right politician Grzegorz Braun; and right-wing Republican candidate Marek Jakubiak.
Leftist senator Magdalena Biejat speaks to reporters ahead of the presidential debate in Warsaw on Monday. Photo: PAP/Rafał Guz
Also on stage were left-wing veteran Joanna Senyszyn, economist Artur Bartoszewicz, lawyer Marek Woch, entrepreneur Maciej Maciak, and journalist Krzysztof Stanowski, who is running a campaign based on irony and satire.
This latest showdown followed a mid-April debate hosted by the right-wing station TV Republika, where 10 presidential hopefuls clashed.
Earlier this month, eight candidates debated in the south-central town of Końskie, with live coverage provided by Poland's three largest broadcasters.
The next debate featuring all candidates is scheduled for May 12 and will be aired by state television TVP and private broadcasters Polsat and TVN.
Poles will head to the ballot box on May 18 to elect their next president, with a second round slated for June 1 if no candidate secures an outright majority.
The winner will serve a five-year term as head of state, overseeing defence and foreign policy and holding veto power over legislation.
Incumbent President Andrzej Duda, in office since 2015, is barred from seeking a third term under Poland's constitution. His second term ends on August 6.
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Source: TVP Info, TVN24