Max Kruse biography
Max Kruse is a decorated German professional footballer who built a parallel career as a serious poker hobbyist over nearly a decade. As a footballer, he served as captain of SV Werder Bremen, earned 14 caps for the German national team, and played for clubs including VfL Wolfsburg. Kruse's poker breakthrough came when he won a World Series of Poker Europe bracelet in a €1,650 No-Limit Hold'em event in the Czech Republic, defeating a field of 413 entries for €134,152.
He also finished runner-up at the German Poker Championship for €48,764, reflecting on the result with characteristic good humor despite falling short of the title. Kruse has credited a former Werder Bremen teammate with introducing him to the game. While football has remained his primary profession, his poker results have made him one of the most recognizable athlete-crossover players in the European tournament scene.
Career summary
A decorated German international footballer and Werder Bremen captain who won a WSOP Europe bracelet as a serious poker hobbyist.
Max Kruse poker winnings
Verified live tournament earnings: $200,000+, plus 1 WSOP bracelet.
WSOP Europe €1,650 No-Limit Hold'em (Czech Republic) - 1st Place - €134,152 (bracelet, 413 entries)
German Poker Championship - 2nd Place - €48,764
Max Kruse playing style
A recreational player who competes selectively around his football career, producing standout results in German and WSOP Europe events.
Cash games
Plays poker recreationally around his professional football career and post-retirement schedule.
Business & sponsorships
Decorated German international footballer; served as captain of SV Werder Bremen, earned 14 caps for the German national team, and played for clubs including VfL Wolfsburg.
Max Kruse Net Worth
As of November 2026, Max Kruse net worth estimates range from $10 million to $20 million (primarily from football career).
Verified live tournament earnings account for $200K of prize money. Sponsorships, business ventures and cash games, covered above, make up the rest of the picture. Tournament prize money is not the same as profit: buy-ins, staking deals and taxes are not deducted, so all net worth figures are estimates based on public reporting.
Why Max matters
The Bundesliga captain and German international footballer who won a WSOP Europe bracelet as a poker hobbyist.
FAQ about Max Kruse
What is Max Kruse's primary profession?
Professional football — he served as captain of SV Werder Bremen and earned 14 caps for the German national team.
What was Max Kruse's biggest poker achievement?
Winning a WSOP Europe bracelet in a €1,650 No-Limit Hold'em event in the Czech Republic for €134,152.
How much has Max Kruse won playing poker?
Max Kruse has won $200,000+ in live tournament earnings.
How many WSOP bracelets does Max Kruse have?
Max Kruse has won 1 WSOP bracelet.