Pierre Neuville, legendary poker player and November Niner, passes away at 83

Pierre Neuville, a historic member of Team PokerStars Pro and one of the most remembered November Niners, passed away at the age of 83. Neuville reached the final table of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 2015, achieving seventh place and a prize of $1.2 million. His professional poker career established him as a figure in the European Poker Tour (EPT) and earned him recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Global Poker Awards.

Pierre Neuville's Journey in International Poker

Neuville was born in Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium, in 1943 and began playing poker during his university years. His early professional years were linked to the board game industry. He created a game dedicated to cyclist Eddy Merckx, which led to his association with a Belgian toy company that was later sold to Hasbro. At Hasbro, he served as vice president for ten years before turning to consulting while simultaneously developing his passion for poker. It wasn't until 2008, at 64 years old, that he secured his first official cash in tournaments. Since then, his activity on international circuits has been constant and successful.

Key Achievements of Pierre Neuville: From EPT to WSOP

Neuville was nicknamed "The Serial Qualifier" after qualifying online for 23 Main Events of the EPT, reflecting his dedication to the European circuit. His results include two runner-up finishes in EPT Main Events in 2012 (Copenhagen) and 2016 (Vilamoura), showcasing a consistency rarely seen among high-stakes recreational players.

At the WSOP, his most notable achievement was the seventh place in the 2015 Main Event, where he earned $1,203,293. That same year, the Global Poker Awards awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to global poker. He achieved at least one official cash every season since 2008, finishing his career with 330 cashes and a total exceeding $5 million in winnings.

Major Results in Pierre Neuville's Career

His ten best cashes, all in high-profile competitions, include:

• 2015 WSOP Main Event: 7th place – $1,203,293
• 2014 WSOP $5K Six-Max: 2nd place – $384,041
• 2009 EPT Vilamoura Main Event: 2nd place – $383,962
• 2012 EPT Copenhagen Main Event: 2nd place – $282,843
• 2016 EPT Malta High Roller: 2nd place – $249,043
• 2016 WSOP $1,500 Six-Max: 2nd place – $213,837
• 2009 EPT Sanremo Main Event: 9th place – $103,199
• 2012 Venetian $2,200 Big Bounty: 1st place – $79,080
• 2010 EPT London: 8th place – $71,829
• 2017 PokerStars Championship Barcelona: 6th place – $65,814

Throughout his career, Neuville was a frequent contender in WSOP, EPT, and PokerStars-associated circuit tournaments, solidifying his presence on the international scene.

Final Appearances and Legacy in Poker

Neuville publicly announced his diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer in 2025 after last competing in the PokerStars Open in Namur. At the 2024 World Series of Poker, he added three new cashes in bracelet events. His competitive longevity and perseverance ensure he is remembered as a reference for those who start late in professional poker. Pierre Neuville's legacy, both within Team PokerStars Pro and on the international circuit, is immortalized by his professionalism and achievements. For the industry, his life exemplifies the transition from the business world to success in high-stakes poker.

“Pierre Neuville built an exemplary career that inspires generations of players with his consistency and competitive spirit." — Global Poker Awards Team

Neuville, the Belgian Figure in Poker History

Belgium thus loses one of its most prominent gaming personalities, a reference in the European Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker. His late entry into professional poker and rapid rise in major international circuits marks an unusual profile, valued by both peers and fans and operators.