Bruno Fitoussi

Bruno Fitoussi, also known as “King,” is a French professional poker player born on September 21st, 1958, in Paris, France. He has nearly $4 million in live tournament earnings, with his best live cash of $1,278,720 earned after finishing as the runner-up to Freddy Deeb in the $50,000 event at the 38th WSOP in June 2007, held in Las Vegas. Fitoussi has significantly influenced the poker scene in Europe as a commentator for WSOP events on RTL9 on channel Direct 8 in France.

He is responsible for the WPT’s first European stop, held at the Aviation Club de France, one of the world’s most prestigious poker clubs. Without Bruno, the landscape of poker in Europe, not just in France, might be very different today. He also created the magazine Poker 52, which is available at newsstands and for free in casinos throughout France.

In 2004, he was inducted into the European Poker Hall of Fame. Additionally, he founded VIP-Gaming, a consulting company, and in July 2017, he received the WPT Honors Award alongside Mike Sexton.

Fitoussi serves as a TexApoker ambassador and a partypoker LIVE ambassador. He shares his expertise through his MasterClass at www.sport-coach.vip.

Bruno has been nominated four times for the Poker Hall of Fame, with another nomination for 2024 from TexApoker. In addition to his poker accomplishments, Fitoussi is a world-renowned chess grandmaster, having competed in international tournaments and represented France in several Olympic Games.

Bruno Fitoussi: Early Life

Bruno Fitoussi was born on September 21st, 1958, in Paris, France. Initially trained as an architect, he later ventured into the music industry as a producer. His career took a significant turn when he founded VIP GAMING, a consulting firm where he currently serves as President. 

Fitoussi’s passion for poker developed during this period, inspiring him to create the poker magazine Poker 52, which is sold at newsstands and distributed for free in casinos across France. With over 30 years of experience in the poker world, he worked as a consultant at the Aviation Club de France for two decades and has provided commentary for numerous poker tournaments on European television. He introduced Texas hold’em to France at the club in 1995. The iconic Paris Poker Room permanently closed its doors in February 2015.

Bruno Fitoussi: Live Tournament Participation

Bruno Fitoussi’s poker career began in June 1991. He participated in a  £100 Pot Limit Lowball event at the Festival of Poker in London. Fitoussi placed 3rd and pocketed $2,710.

After a long period, in June 2007, he achieved his best live cash at the 38th WSOP in Las Vegas. He competed in a $50,000 World Championship H.O.R.S.E event. Bruno finished second and earned a whopping $1,278,720.

The following year, in April 2008, Fitoussi took part in a $5,000 + 180 No Limit Hold’em event at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas. He took second place and cashed for $205,385.

Several years later, in June 2012, he competed in a $50,000 Poker Players Championship at the 43rd WSOP in Las Vegas. Bruno finished eighth and earned $169,879.

In June 2018, Fitoussi entered in a $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo 8 or Better event. It happened at the 49th WSOP. He placed second and took home $150,990.

Moving forward to February 2023, he played in a €5,200 Pot Limit Omaha event. It took place at the European Poker Tour in Paris. Fitoussi finished 1st and won $146,404.

In a recent appearance in September 2024, he entered in a €880 + 120 No Limit Hold’em CdF Main Event at the Championnat de France de Poker in Aix En Provence. Bruno finished 58th and received $2,482.

Conclusion

Bruno Fitoussi, known as “King,” has left an indelible mark on the European poker scene through his impressive tournament successes, including a notable runner-up finish at the WSOP, and his pioneering efforts in promoting the game in France. As a respected player, commentator, founder, and Hall of Fame inductee, Fitoussi’s contributions have not only elevated the status of poker in Europe but have also inspired a new generation of players.