Jonathan Duhamel

Jonathan Duhamel was born on August 24, 1987, in Boucherville, Quebec, Canada. He started playing poker with his high school friends and later studied business administration and finance at the University of Quebec. However, he did not graduate, choosing instead to pursue a career as a professional poker player.

Duhamel entered the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event and quickly became a force at the tables. He was chip leader heading into the final table, which is remembered for its exceptionally strong lineup, including Joseph Cheong, Matthew Jarvis, and Michael Mizrachi. One of the most memorable hands of the tournament occurred with two tables remaining when Duhamel rivered a straight to crack Matt Affleck's aces, eliminating Affleck in 15th place. At the final table, Duhamel maintained his chip lead and ultimately defeated John Racener heads-up to win the title and the $8,944,310 first-place prize. This victory made him the first Canadian to win the WSOP Main Event. Duhamel donated $100,000 of his winnings to the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation.

In 2011, Duhamel was the victim of a home invasion. Two men entered his home, attacked him, and stole several items, including money, a Rolex watch, and his 2010 WSOP Main Event bracelet. In 2012, the bracelet was discovered by a street sweeper in Montreal, and half of the stolen money was eventually recovered.

Duhamel continued to excel in high-stakes tournaments. At the 2012 EPT PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, he final-tabled four events in one week, winning one event and earning a total of $1.2 million in cash prizes. In 2015, he left PokerStars and later that same year added two more WSOP bracelets:

• 2015 WSOP Event #58: $111,111 High Roller for One Drop – first place for $3,989,985.
• 2015 WSOP Europe Event #10: €25,600 NLHE High Roller – first place for €554,395.

These victories solidified his reputation as a dominant force in high-roller events.

Duhamel has three World Poker Tour (WPT) cashes, including two final tables. In 2011, he finished seventh at the WPT Marrakech €3,000 Main Event for $30,100. In 2012, he placed second in a side event at the L.A. Poker Classic and then finished 13th at the Bay 101 Shooting Stars $9,500 Championship Bounty tournament. His top five lifetime cashes include the Main Event victory, the two 2015 WSOP wins, and runner-up finishes in PCA high-roller events:

• January 2012 PCA High Roller ($25,500) – 2nd place for $634,550.
• January 2012 PCA Super High Roller – 4th place for $313,600.

Duhamel's total live earnings exceed $18 million, placing him 6th on the Canada All Time Money List and 71st globally.

Duhamel is known for an aggressive and fearless playing style. He frequently applies pressure with large bets and raises, especially when in position. He adapts well to different stages of a tournament, using his stack to bully opponents. His strategy often involves isolating weaker players and exploiting marginal situations, a style that served him well in both the Main Event and high-roller fields.

Jonathan Duhamel remains a respected figure in the Canadian poker community and has inspired many young players. Despite facing personal challenges, including the home invasion and a public legal issue, he maintained his focus on poker. He continues to play high-stakes tournaments and is considered an ambassador for the game.

After his 2010 WSOP Main Event victory, Jonathan Duhamel became a member of Team PokerStars Pro, one of the most prestigious sponsorships in online poker. He represented PokerStars at various live events and online promotions, helping to grow the brand. However, in 2015, Duhamel parted ways with PokerStars, shortly before winning his second WSOP bracelet in the $111,111 High Roller for One Drop. This departure marked a new phase in his career as an independent player, allowing him to seek his own tournament opportunities.

As of 2025, Jonathan Duhamel's live tournament earnings stand at $18,009,547, placing him 71st on the all-time money list and 6th on the Canada all-time money list. His three WSOP bracelets and consistent results in high-roller events have cemented his legacy as one of Canada's most successful poker players. He remains active in the tournament circuit, particularly in high-stakes events, and continues to add to his impressive career totals.

The 2010 WSOP Main Event attracted 7,319 entrants, creating a prize pool of $68,799,059. Duhamel's victory not only earned him the $8,944,310 first prize but also made history as the first Canadian to win the prestigious event. The final table was notable for its strength, including Joseph Cheong, Matthew Jarvis, and Michael Mizrachi, all of whom were formidable opponents. Duhamel's dominance throughout the tournament, including the key blow to Matt Affleck, showcased his skill and cemented his place in poker history.