Pierre Neuville, a prominent figure in Belgian and international poker, has died at age 83 following a long illness. Known for his deep WSOP Main Event run and EPT achievements, his passing marks the end of a notable era in European poker
Pierre Neuville, one of Belgium’s most accomplished poker professionals, has died at age 83 after a prolonged fight with prostate cancer. Neuville’s career spanned decades and included a memorable appearance at the 2015 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event final table, where he finished seventh and earned $1,203,293. His consistent results in major tournaments made him a respected figure in both European and international poker circles.
Career Highlights and Tournament Results
Neuville’s poker journey began in the late 1950s, but his most significant achievements came after he retired from business in 2008. He quickly established himself on the live tournament scene, recording his first in-the-money finish in November 2007. Notably, Neuville was runner-up in two European Poker Tour (EPT) Main Events—Vilamoura in 2009 and Copenhagen in 2012—and twice finished second in WSOP six-max events. His ability to qualify for 23 consecutive EPT Main Events earned him the “Online Qualifier of the Year” title from PokerStars in 2012. His top five live results include:
- 2015 WSOP Main Event: 7th place, $1,203,293
- 2014 WSOP $5,000 NLHE 6-Max: 2nd place, $385,041
- 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, €228,400
Personal Background and Industry Impact
Born in Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium, on January 2, 1943, Neuville’s early years included studies at Universite Libre de Bruxelles and a successful business career, including a decade as Vice President at Hasbro. He later provided consulting services to high-profile clients before retiring to focus on poker. Neuville’s presence at major events, including the PokerStars EPT and WSOP, helped raise the profile of Belgian poker internationally. His story is part of a broader trend of European players making deep runs in major tournaments, as seen in events like the recent return of Fedor Holz to EPT Barcelona.
Final Years and Legacy
After 2020, Neuville shifted his focus to lower-stakes live events in Belgium and Czechia, but he remained active in the poker community. He attended the 2024 WSOP in Las Vegas and made his last public appearance at the 2025 PokerStars Open Namur festival. In May 2025, Neuville publicly disclosed his late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis. His passing has prompted condolences from across the poker world, including tributes to his wife Claudine, family, and friends. Neuville’s career is remembered for both his competitive achievements and his role in promoting poker as a skill game in Europe.
Understanding the significance of Neuville’s results requires context on tournament poker structures. Major events like the WSOP Main Event and EPT Main Events feature large fields and multi-day formats, with prize pools determined by player entries and buy-ins. Deep runs in these tournaments are rare and often define a player’s legacy, as final table appearances and runner-up finishes reflect both skill and endurance over extended play. For many professionals, such results are career milestones that influence sponsorships, rankings, and long-term recognition within the poker community.
