Benjamin Pollak

Benjamin Bernard Pierre Pollak was born in Paris, France, and later moved to London, England. Before poker, he was a competitive chess player, which honed his strategic thinking and discipline. He discovered poker in 2006 and quickly progressed through the stakes, transitioning from online to live tournaments. His chess background is often credited for his patient, analytical approach at the tables.

Pollak's first major live cash came in 2009 at the WPT Marrakech, finishing 11th. He continued to build a reputation on the European Poker Tour (EPT), with deep runs in side events and main events. His breakthrough came in the 2013 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 27th for $285,488. Four years later, in 2017, he reached the final table of the same tournament, ultimately finishing third for $3,500,000—his largest cash to date. That year also saw him place third in the €10,300 EPT Barcelona High Roller for €688,701.

In 2018, Pollak had a phenomenal year. He won the €50,000 Single-Day High Roller at EPT Barcelona for €979,000, finished fifth in the €100,000 Super High Roller for €445,300, and placed third in the €25,500 WSOP Europe Super High Roller for €370,219. He also took down the $25,500 US Poker Open event for $416,500. In 2019, he added another title: the €25,000 EPT High Roller in Monte Carlo for €705,840. These victories solidified his status as one of France's top tournament players.

Pollak's career is highlighted by consistent deep runs in high-stakes events. His top results include:

• 2017 WSOP Main Event – 3rd place, $3,500,000
• 2018 EPT Barcelona €50,000 High Roller – 1st place, €979,000
• 2019 EPT Monte Carlo €25,000 High Roller – 1st place, €705,840
• 2017 WSOP Europe €25,500 High Roller – 2nd place, €460,622
• 2017 EPT Barcelona €10,300 High Roller – 3rd place, €688,701
• 2018 US Poker Open $25,500 Event – 1st place, $416,500
• 2018 WSOP Europe €25,500 Super High Roller – 3rd place, €370,219
• 2014 EPT Barcelona €10,300 High Roller – 5th place, €219,000
• 2013 WSOP Main Event – 27th place, $285,488
• WPT Barcelona 2012-2013 – 2nd place, $162,822
• WPT Prague 2011-2012 – 4th place, $139,999

As of 2025, his total live earnings exceed $13.1 million, placing him 110th on the all-time money list and second among French players behind Bertrand Grospellier.

Pollak is known for a calm, methodical style at the table. He excels in deep-stack play, leveraging position and precise hand reading to apply pressure. His decision-making in final tables is particularly strong, with a keen understanding of ICM considerations. While aggressive when opportunities arise, he avoids unnecessary risks, maintaining a balanced range. His chess background contributes to his patience and ability to think several moves ahead. Fellow players often describe him as the "French poker gentleman" for his courteous demeanor and sportsmanship.

In 2020, Pollak joined Team partypoker as an ambassador. "They’ve supported players from the beginning and see the game as I do," he said at the time. He has also been recognized by the Global Poker Index, winning France Player of the Year and GPI National Player of the Year awards. Despite having no WSOP bracelet, his consistent deep runs and high roller successes have earned him widespread respect in the poker community.

Pollak continues to compete in major events around the world. In 2022, he finished 11th in the EPT London Main Event for £49,350. In 2024, he cashed in the EPT Barcelona High Roller (30th for €25,150) and the WSOP Main Event (1467th for $15,000). In 2026, he placed 24th in a $5,000 6-Handed event at the WSOP for $37,196. He remains a regular presence on the European circuit, demonstrating that his skills have endured over two decades of play.