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Eric Afriat is a Canadian professional poker player and businessman who has become a legendary figure on the World Poker Tour. Originally from Montreal, he has balanced a high-level career in the business world with a fierce competitive drive at the poker table, earning him a reputation as one of the most successful “amateur” pros in the game. With three WPT Main Event titles and over $6.4 million in live winnings, he currently sits among the top 15 players on Canada’s all-time money list.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of over $6.4 million (according to The Hendon Mob), Afriat is a dominant force in major North American events. His most significant live payday came in 2014 at the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, where he defeated a massive field to win $1,081,184. This win made history as it was the largest $3,500 buy-in tournament ever held at the time.
Afriat is one of only a few players to win three WPT Main Event trophies. Besides his Florida win, he took down the WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open in 2018 for $651,928 and the WPT Fallsview Poker Classic in 2020 for $383,539. His 2026 season has already started with a 3rd-place finish in the WPT Global Winter Classic for $61,655.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Afriat’s journey is different from many full-time pros. He is a successful entrepreneur and importer who treats poker as a high-stakes passion rather than a primary job. He began playing in local Montreal games and quickly moved into the professional tournament scene, recording his first major cashes in the late 2000s. Even as he won millions, he stayed close to his roots, often traveling with a “Canadian rail” of friends and family to support him during his big final tables.
Play Style & Strategy
Afriat is widely known for his passionate and vocal presence at the table. Unlike the quiet “poker robots,” Eric is famous for speaking his mind and using psychological pressure to throw his opponents off their game. He is an aggressive player who relies heavily on his instincts and “feel” for the situation rather than just pure math. While his intense emotions have sometimes led to famous “tilt” moments on camera, his ability to win major titles across different decades proves that his unorthodox and fearless approach works against even the toughest pros.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Eric Afriat as he chases his fourth WPT title and continues his 2026 run in major events? You can track his latest stats and updates here:
