Zoe has covered major poker series across Asia, including APT and the Players Series. With solid experience as a live reporter, she now joins SoMuchPoker to deliver in-depth coverage and share her insights from the tables.

Updated: 2026.03.12

Javier Zarco is a professional poker player from Madrid, Spain, who has become one of the most respected figures in the Spanish poker community. Now based in the United Kingdom, Zarco is known for his quiet intensity and a remarkable ability to navigate through some of the largest tournament fields in the world. From making deep runs at the World Series of Poker to leading major WPT events, he has built a reputation as a consistent winner who thrives under the pressure of the global stage.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Javier Zarco has won over $4.3 million in live tournament earnings. His career changed forever in 2015 when he finished as the runner-up in the $1,500 Millionaire Maker at the World Series of Poker. Battling through a field of 7,275 players, he took home a life-changing $791,690.

Zarco is a consistent force on the international circuit with several other massive scores. In 2017, he won the $3,500 Deepstack Extravaganza at the Venetian for $557,804, and in 2022, he finished 6th in a $5,000 WPT Venetian event for $188,000. He is also a champion at the Seminole Hard Rock, recently winning a Lucky Hearts Poker Open title in 2024 for over $73,000. His 2025 and 2026 seasons have remained strong, with deep runs in the WPT World Championship and the Grosvenor UK Poker Open, including a recent high-stakes score in Pot-Limit Omaha.

Javier Zarco poker — Javier Zarco (photo credit: PokerNews)

Biography & Poker Background

Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Javier Zarco eventually moved to Leeds, England, to pursue his poker career at the highest level. Like many of his fellow Spanish pros, he started his journey in the highly competitive online streets under the screen name “zarco1128” and “minusth3bear.” He quickly became an online wizard, winning a SCOOP title in 2018 for over $233,000. While he still plays online, his primary focus shifted to live tournaments after his massive 2015 WSOP run. Zarco is part of a tight-knit group of Spanish players living in the UK, often sharing strategy and traveling to major festivals like the EPT and WPT together.

Play Style & Strategy

Zarco is known for a balanced and highly technical approach to the game. Coming from a strong online background, his strategy is built on a deep understanding of modern theory and mathematical odds. However, unlike many “math-only” players, he is also highly observant at the table and knows when to shift his aggression based on his opponents’ tendencies. He is particularly effective in large-field tournaments, where his patience and mental endurance allow him to stay focused during the long days of play. Whether he is playing No Limit Hold’em or transitioning into Pot-Limit Omaha, Zarco remains a lethal competitor who is always looking for the slightest edge.

Want to follow Javier Zarco as he continues his 2026 run in the EPT and WPT events? You can track his latest stats and tournament cashes here: