Pierre Neuville biography
Pierre Neuville was born on 2 January 1943 in Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium, where he lived all his life. He discovered poker in 1957 and studied at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. He designed a board game named after cyclist Eddy Merckx and founded a toy company, which he sold to Hasbro in 1982, serving as a Hasbro vice president for about a decade. He later ran a consulting business and retired in 2008.
Neuville cashed his first live tournament in 2007 and soon became a fixture of the European Poker Tour. He finished 2nd in the EPT Main Events in Vilamoura in 2009 and Copenhagen in 2012, and in 2012 PokerStars named him its Online Qualifier of the Year after he had qualified for 23 EPT Main Events in a row, earning him the nickname "The Serial Qualifier". In 2015, at 72, he reached the WSOP Main Event November Nine and finished 7th for $1,203,293. He was also runner-up in WSOP bracelet events in 2014 and 2016.
Neuville received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Global Poker Awards. He died in August 2026, aged 83, after a long illness.
Career summary
Belgian businessman Pierre Neuville took up poker in retirement, became "The Serial Qualifier" and finished 7th in the 2015 WSOP Main Event at 72.
Pierre Neuville poker winnings
| Year | Event | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | EPT Malta €10,300 High Roller | 2nd | €228,400 |
| 2015 | WSOP Main Event | 7th | $1,203,293 |
| 2009 | EPT Vilamoura Main Event | 2nd | €257,681 |
| 2008 | PCA Main Event | 18th | $48,000 |
Verified live tournament earnings: $2,000,000+.
Pierre Neuville playing style
Neuville was a patient, disciplined player who made up for starting late with relentless volume and a sharp tournament sense.
Business & sponsorships
Founded a toy company that he sold to Hasbro in 1982, then served as a Hasbro vice president for about a decade before starting a consulting business.
Why Pierre matters
Businessman Pierre Neuville took up tournament poker in retirement and, at 72, reached the November Nine of the 2015 WSOP Main Event.
FAQ about Pierre Neuville
Why was Pierre Neuville called "The Serial Qualifier"?
He qualified online for 23 consecutive EPT Main Events and was named PokerStars' Online Qualifier of the Year in 2012.
How did Pierre Neuville do in the 2015 WSOP Main Event?
He finished 7th for $1,203,293, at the age of 72.
When did Pierre Neuville die?
In August 2026, aged 83.
How much has Pierre Neuville won playing poker?
Pierre Neuville has won $2,000,000+ in live tournament earnings.
How many WSOP bracelets does Pierre Neuville have?
Pierre Neuville has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.
