Jan Heitmann

Jan Heitmann was born on September 20, 1976, in Olpe, Germany. He studied business administration at the Wissenschaftliche Hochschule für Unternehmensführung in Vallendar from 1998 to 2003, graduating as a Diplom-Kaufmann. He is married and has two daughters, and he resides in Munich.

Heitmann first encountered poker in 1994, but his real introduction to the game came during his university years when he played cash games at the Spielbank Wiesbaden. There, he played Pot Limit Omaha, Limit Hold'em, and Stud. After completing his degree, he embarked on a poker journey across Europe, financing his travels through poker winnings. As the poker boom reached Germany, Heitmann leveraged his skills and media presence to become one of the most recognizable figures in the German poker scene.

Heitmann's career highlights include a second-place finish at the European Poker Classics in the Victoria Casino London, two final tables at the European Poker Tour in Monte-Carlo in 2005, and a ninth-place finish at the World Heads-Up Championships in Barcelona in 2006. In 2012, he finished 26th in the World Series of Poker Main Event at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, earning nearly $300,000—his largest live tournament payout to date. A month later, he won the German Championship of Poker Main Event, adding €104,800 to his earnings. Over his career, he has accumulated approximately one million US dollars in live tournament winnings.

Beyond playing, Heitmann has built a reputation as a poker coach and media personality. He served as a poker expert for Sport1 and was a celebrity trainer for the TV total PokerStars.de Nacht on ProSieben until the show ended. He has also worked as a keynote speaker, applying poker concepts to business decision-making. He was a member of Team PokerStars until the end of 2015.

Heitmann is known for a solid, disciplined approach to the game, emphasizing bankroll management and emotional control. His academic background in business administration likely contributes to his analytical and risk-aware style at the tables. He has stressed the importance of discipline and focus in interviews, and his success across multiple formats—from cash games to major tournaments—reflects a versatile and thoughtful approach to poker.

Jan Heitmann remains a respected figure in German poker, both for his tournament achievements and his contributions as a coach and commentator. His nickname "Erdnase" pays homage to S. W. Erdnase, a legendary card magician, reflecting his appreciation for the artistry and skill involved in card games. With nearly a million dollars in live earnings and a lasting impact on the German poker community, Heitmann's career serves as an example of how solid fundamentals and continuous learning can lead to long-term success in poker.