Francis Dubois

Francis Dubois began his poker journey in the Quebec amateur circuit, as evidenced by his participation in the Circuit Poker Québec (CPQ). Records show he played daily tournaments at venues like Taverne Montcalm in Gatineau, earning 660 points in a May 2019 daily event (#28070) and 120 points in an April 2019 event. He also qualified for a monthly tournament in May 2019 through that win. His CPQ membership lists him as active from Gatineau, Canada, though he is also known as a French player.

Dubois's most notable achievement came in July 2011 when he won the Partouche Poker Deepstack at the Pasino d'Aix-en-Provence, France. The tournament attracted 500 players and lasted three days. Dubois entered the final table as chip leader, having eliminated three players. The three remaining players—Francis Dubois, Christophe Girard, and Frédéric Veillon—agreed to a deal securing €27,000 each, with the remaining prize pool awarded to the winner and runner-up.

In a pivotal hand, Dubois called Girard's bets with 10-8 of diamonds, hitting a superior straight on the turn when an 8 gave him the nuts, eliminating Girard in third place (€18,100 actual payout after deal). Heads-up, Dubois held A-Q against Veillon's 10-7 of diamonds; an ace on the flop and a set on the river sealed the victory. Dubois officially won €45,000 for first place (including the deal).

After his 2011 victory, Dubois continued playing. In October 2011, he participated in another Partouche event, as described in the blog "Au bois," where he doubled up after a tough hand against Aissa Sebbar. He also returned to the Canadian amateur circuit; in September 2023, he registered for a monthly tournament at Bar Billard Terminus in Gatineau (though he earned zero points that day).

Accounts from the 2011 tournament describe Dubois as a player who "mastered his subject" during the semi-finals and final, winning important pots and benefiting from necessary luck. In the "Au bois" hand, he opened UTG for 11k, then shoved over a 3-bet with a light hand (according to the author), showing aggression. However, he can also fold when outmatched. His style blends aggression with calculation, typical of players who excel in live events.

Francis Dubois remains a notable figure in French poker, with his sole major recorded win being the 2011 Partouche Deepstack. He bridges the amateur Canadian circuit and European tournaments, demonstrating that success in local events can lead to international recognition. His career highlights the importance of seizing opportunities in mid-stakes events.