Updated: 2026.03.07

Daniel Neilson is an Australian professional poker player who has been a consistent force in the game for over fifteen years. From his early days as an online powerhouse to becoming one of the most successful live tournament players in Australian history, Neilson has built a reputation for staying at the top of the rankings. Currently sitting in the top 10 of Australia’s all-time money list, he is known for his deep runs in some of the world’s toughest events.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament winnings of nearly $6 million (according to The Hendon Mob), Neilson is a familiar face at final tables across the globe. His biggest live score came in 2023 at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas, where he finished 8th in the $10,400 Main Event for a career-best $600,300.

Earlier in his career, he made a massive splash in Europe by finishing 3rd in the 2011 EPT San Remo Main Event, which earned him €285,000 (~$414,943). Neilson also has a strong track record in high-stakes tournaments closer to home. In 2024, he took 2nd place in the Triton One Jeju $25,000 Silver Main for $491,000 and secured another huge payday of $321,000 with a 4th-place finish in a $40,000 Mystery Bounty event during the same series.

Daniel Neilson (photo courtesy of Asian Poker Tour)

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Daniel Neilson’s rise in the poker world started during the online poker boom. Playing under the screen name “dougiedan678,” he became one of the top-ranked online players in the world, winning millions in virtual tournaments before moving his focus to the live arena. His transition was seamless, and he quickly became a regular at the Aussie Millions and various Asia-Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) stops. Unlike many players who disappear after a few good years, Neilson has remained active and profitable for well over a decade, proving his ability to adapt as the game changes.

Play Style & Strategy

Neilson is often praised for his aggressive but calculated approach to tournament poker. Having started in the fast-paced world of online multi-table tournaments, he developed a sharp technical game that allows him to navigate large fields effectively. He is particularly skilled at “short-handed” play, where his ability to apply pressure and read his opponents’ ranges gives him an edge. While he is a specialist in No Limit Hold’em, his recent success in the Triton Super High Roller Series shows he is comfortable competing against the absolute best players in the world at the highest stakes possible.

Want to follow Daniel Neilson as he competes in the biggest events around the world? You can track his latest results and stats here: