Updated: 2025.11.26

Daniel Neilson is a veteran Australian professional poker player and high roller specialist, widely recognized for his longevity in the game and his resurgence as a dominant force in the Asian and International tournament circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With over $5.3 million in total live earnings, Daniel Neilson sits comfortably in the top 10 of the Australian All Time Money List on the Hendon Mob. His career is defined by remarkable consistency across two decades, but his largest financial score came during the 2023 WSOP Paradise Main Event, where he finished 3rd for $900,000. Neilson has enjoyed a massive run of form in 2024 and 2025, securing multiple titles. Notable recent victories include the APT Taipei Single Day High Roller (October 2024) for ~$59,000 and the WPT Prime Gold Coast High Roller (March 2025) for ~$51,000. These consistent five- and six-figure results have solidified his status as one of the most profitable tournament grinders in the Asia-Pacific region.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Sydney, Australia , Neilson was a standout player during the original “poker boom,” capturing major titles like the ANZPT Sydney High Roller as early as 2009. Unlike many peers from that era who faded away, Neilson successfully evolved his game. After years of traveling the global circuit – often described as a “nomad” of the poker world – he has recently refocused on the booming Asian market and major Australian festivals. He gained widespread sympathy and support from the poker community in late 2023 following a controversial dealer error at the WSOP Paradise final table, which cost him a significant chip advantage and potentially a bracelet.

Play Style & Strategy

Neilson is known for a “hybrid” style that combines old-school exploitability with modern technical precision. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in Turbo and High Roller structures, where ICM (Independent Chip Model) pressure is highest. His ability to navigate short-stacked situations is legendary; he frequently turns “stumps” into deep runs. The dealer error incident at WSOP Paradise ironically highlighted his sharp awareness – he was the only one at the table who realized the count was wrong, showcasing his acute attention to game state details.