Olivier Busquet is a highly respected American professional poker player, widely considered one of the greatest heads-up specialists in the history of the game. Known for his aggressive, analytical style and a smooth transition from a successful Wall Street trading career to the professional circuit, Busquet has remained a dominant force on the international stage for nearly two decades.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings of approximately $9,399,988 (according to The Hendon Mob), Busquet is a long-time staple of the high-stakes scene. He first gained national attention in 2009 by winning the World Poker Tour (WPT) Borgata Poker Open for $925,514, defeating the largest field in WPT history at the time. His largest career live score came in 2014 when he took down the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona €50,000 Super High Roller for $1,188,996. Busquet continues to compete at an elite level, recently winning the 2025 Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship for $255,135. While he has been a consistent performer at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) with numerous deep runs and final tables, he remains one of the most successful players to have not yet secured an elusive gold bracelet.

Biography & Poker Background

Born in Katonah, New York, Busquet’s journey to the poker table is unconventional. He began his professional life on Wall Street, working as a trader, where he developed the sharp risk-assessment and analytical skills that would later define his poker success. He credits his trading background with giving him a unique edge in understanding the math and human behavior behind the game. Outside of the card room, Busquet is a multifaceted competitor; in 2016, he famously entered the world of MMA, winning a high-profile, sanctioned charity fight via third-round technical knockout. He is also a vocal advocate for mental and physical health in professional gaming and has long been a respected voice on strategy, often providing commentary and insight for major poker broadcasts.

Play Style & Strategy

Busquet is the archetype of the modern aggressive professional. As a former world-class heads-up Sit & Go specialist-often cited as the first player to earn seven figures in that specific format-he possesses an unmatched ability to play short-handed pots. His game is defined by a deep theoretical understanding of GTO (Game Theory Optimal) concepts, which he balances with a highly exploitative, aggressive approach in live settings. He is widely praised by peers for his “fearless” style, frequently putting pressure on opponents in high-leverage spots. Whether playing a $25k High Roller or a major championship event, Busquet is known for his ability to dictate the pace of play and relentlessly pursue chips throughout the later stages of a tournament.

Social Media & Online Presence

Follow Olivier Busquet’s tournament travels and insights here:

• The Hendon Mob Profile
• WSOP Profile
• Twitter (X) Profile

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