Top Dutch Poker Players Who Mastered The Game

When you lose at poker, most players brush it off with a casual, "It's just a game!" But for some Dutch poker pros, it's far more than that. For these players, poker isn't just a pastime—it's a way of life. These individuals have traveled the globe, competing in tournaments, and racking up impressive winnings along the way. Their dedication to the game has turned them into legends, and their stories are nothing short of inspiring.

Dutch Poker Stars Making Waves

The Netherlands has produced a number of world-class poker players who have carved out successful careers in the game. Some, like Marcel Lüske and Jorryt van Hoof, have lived luxuriously thanks to their poker prowess. Even athletes like Fatima Moreiro de Melo, who swapped her hockey stick for poker chips, have found success at the tables. These players didn't just get lucky—they worked hard, studied the game, and honed their skills to perfection.

Marcel Lüske: The Poker Legend

Let's kick things off with the undisputed king of Dutch poker, Marcel Lüske. Born in 1953, this poker icon has been crushing it for decades. His big break came in 1999 when he took home a hefty sum at the Hendon Mob tournament. But even before that, Marcel was already making waves in the poker world. Year after year, he's ranked as the top Dutch player on the Hendon Mob All-Time Money List. You'll often see him on TV poker shows, either as an analyst or as a competitor.

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Marcel has a signature look, too—you can spot him at any table by his upside-down sunglasses. And let's not forget his catchy motto: "Give a little bit, give a little bit of your chips to me." With over $5 million in tournament earnings, it's no surprise that many aspiring players look up to him. He's a true legend in every sense of the word.

Jorryt van Hoof: The Modern-Day Ace

No list of Dutch poker greats would be complete without Jorryt van Hoof. This Eindhoven-born star has consistently ranked among the world's best, even overtaking Marcel Lüske in the Hendon Mob rankings. Currently holding the 245th spot globally, Jorryt moved to London to focus on his game after the Dutch gambling market was legalized. His career reached its peak in 2014 when he won a staggering $3.8 million at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). He even made it to the final table of the prestigious "November Nine," where he faced off against top competitors like Martin Jacobsen and Felix Stephensen.

Although Jorryt hasn't snagged a WSOP bracelet yet, his resume is still impressive. He's won multiple titles, including the Dutch Master Classics of Poker and the Aussie Millions. Online, you might catch him under the username "TheCleaner11." With over $3 million in winnings on PokerStars alone, Jorryt continues to dominate both live and virtual tables.

Tobias Peters: Consistency Personified

If you're looking for a player who excels through consistency, look no further than Tobias Peters. This guy consistently performs well in tournaments around the world. His steady approach has kept him high on the Hendon Mob performance list, where he currently ranks 12th on the All-Time Money List. While Tobias hasn't hit the multi-million-dollar jackpot like some of his peers, his ability to consistently cash in is what sets him apart. His biggest win came when he pocketed $108,000 during a tournament.

But Tobias' achievements don't stop there. For three years running, he's been crowned the winner of the Dutch GPI Ranking. In 2018, he also claimed the title of WPT Deepstacks Europe Player of the Year. These accolades underscore his reliability and skill, making him a role model for aspiring players everywhere.

Pim de Goede: A Hidden Gem

Pim de Goede is another name that belongs in the pantheon of Dutch poker greats. From the very start of his career, Pim showed promise, cashing in big during his second appearance at the Hendon Mob in 2011. That year, he walked away with €200,000 after winning the 5K 8-Max at the EPT Grand Final in Madrid. Just a month later, he added another $168,000 to his winnings at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

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Between 2011 and 2018, Pim focused heavily on online poker, where he amassed a significant portion of his earnings. His crowning achievement came in December 2018 when he finished second in the world's largest online poker tournament, the Millions Online. This victory netted him over $2.3 million. When you add up all his winnings, Pim has earned more than $6 million throughout his career. While he may not be as active today as he once was, his legacy as a poker powerhouse remains unshaken.

Fatima Moreiro de Melo: Athlete Turned Poker Pro

Fatima Moreiro de Melo may be best known as an Olympic hockey champion, but she's also a formidable force in the poker world. After winning a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Fatima decided to pursue her passion for poker full-time. Her transition was nothing short of remarkable—within her first year as a professional, she reached the final table of the Master Classics of Poker, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Netherlands.

From 2010 to 2021, Fatima served as an ambassador for Team PokerStars Sportstars, using her platform to promote poker and dispel outdated stereotypes. Over the years, she's amassed over €460,000 in tournament winnings. Her efforts have helped make poker more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, proving that the game is for everyone.