Patrick Bruel

Patrick Bruel, born on May 14th, 1959, in Tlemcen, Algeria, now resides in Paris. He is a French singer, actor, poker player, and one of the founders of Winamax, amassing a total of $1,673,044 in earnings. His standout achievement was securing 4th position and earning $332,190 in prize money at the WPT $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – WPT LA Poker Classic Main Event on March 1st, 2014, in Los Angeles, United States. Additionally, Bruel started his YouTube channel on June 24th, 2011. He has 231K subscribers and has uploaded 93 videos, which feature his official music videos.

Patrick Bruel: Early Life

Bruel’s father left when he was a baby, and his family moved from Algeria to France in 1962. He grew up in Argenteuil, near Paris. Initially interested in football, he changed his path after seeing Michel Sardou perform in 1975, deciding to pursue singing.

Although he started as an actor and appeared in many movies and TV shows, Bruel never gave up on his music. His first single, “Vide” (“Empty”), didn’t do well in 1982, but “Marre de cette nana-là” (“Fed up with that chick”) made him famous.

Bruel’s music career soared with four hit albums in France, making him the highest-paid singer in France by 2002. In 2003, he officially added “Benguigui” to his name, combining his stage name with his birth name. He also became a father, with his partner Amanda Maruani giving birth to their son, Oscar, in August. They got married in 2004 and had another son, Léon, in 2005.

Patrick Bruel: Poker Career

In April 1996, Patrick Bruel made his debut in recorded tournaments, showcasing his skills in the FF 10,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the Spring Tournament 1996 in Paris, France. Securing the 7th position, he garnered $1,981 in prize revenue.

Moving forward to May 9th, 1998, in Las Vegas, United States, he entered the WSOP $5,000 Limit Hold’em event at the 29th World Series of Poker – WSOP 1998. With exceptional skill and strategy, he emerged victorious, claiming the 1st position and acquiring $224,000 in prize earnings.

Fast forward to May 13th, 2002, still in Las Vegas, United States, he participated in the WSOP $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 33rd World Series of Poker – WSOP 2002. Demonstrating remarkable skill and determination, he secured the 2nd position, pocketing $100,580 in prize money.

On April 28th, 2014, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, he competed in the €5,300 No Limit Hold’em – 8 Handed event at the European Poker Tour – EPT Monte Carlo Grand Final. Exhibiting his skill and strategic acumen, he secured the 3rd position, earning $129,108 in prize funds.

His most recent appearance was on December 18th, 2023, in Las Vegas, United States, where he participated in the No Limit Hold’em – WPT x Daniel Arsham Celebrity Invitational, an entry-restricted event. Showcasing his poker talent among celebrities, he secured an impressive 2nd position, although the exact amount of cash won remains undisclosed.