Julien Martini

Julien Martini is a French professional poker player celebrated for his deep mastery of mixed games and his consistent success on the World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit. With four WSOP bracelets and live tournament earnings approaching $6 million, he stands among the most accomplished French players of his generation. Martini first came to national attention as a "nouvelle sensation du poker français" (new sensation of French poker), a label that proved accurate as he went on to win titles across multiple poker disciplines.

Born and raised in France, Martini's introduction to poker was, by his own account, almost accidental. He once described walking into a smoky back room where a game was in progress: "J'ai vu de la lumière au fond d'une petite salle enfumée. Ça jouait au poker. Je me suis approché. On m'a demandé 5..." ("I saw a light in a small smoky room. They were playing poker. I approached. They asked me for 5..."). That casual start quickly grew into a professional career as he refined his skills in both cash games and tournaments.

In the French poker scene, Martini's rise was swift. He was featured on the cover of LivePoker magazine for February, with the publication describing him as the new sensation of French poker. The cover story helped introduce him to a wider audience and marked him as a player to watch.

Martini's first taste of WSOP gold came in 2018 at the 49th World Series of Poker. He triumphed in the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better event, outlasting a tough field and securing his first bracelet.

Three years later, at the 2021 World Series of Poker Europe in Rozvadov, Martini captured two bracelets in rapid succession. He first won a No Limit Short Deck Hold'em event, demonstrating his adaptability to fast-paced, unconventional formats. He then followed up by winning an 8-Game Mix event, showcasing his all-round mastery of mixed games.

His fourth bracelet arrived at the 2022 WSOP in Las Vegas, where he won the prestigious Razz Championship (Event #79). The victory in a high-level championship event further cemented his reputation as one of the best mixed-game players in the world. Martini's four bracelets place him in an elite group of European players with multiple WSOP victories.

Beyond his bracelet wins, Martini has compiled an impressive record of deep runs and final tables. He has recorded 105 live tournament cashes and total earnings of $5,968,512 as of late May 2025. His most recent cash at that time was a payday of $20,280 on 31 May 2025.

His career earnings grew steadily over the years, surpassing $5.9 million after his 100th recorded cash in September 2024, and reaching $5,938,159 by October 2024. This consistent accumulation of results reflects a player who regularly reaches the money in high-stakes tournaments.

One of Martini's most notable non-WSOP achievements came at the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC), where he reached the final table. PokerStars France marked the occasion with a tweet: "Julien @JulienJRMARTINI Martini en table finale du #PSPC" ("Julien Martini at the final table of the PSPC"), and his run at this prestigious event helped raise his international profile.

Martini is widely regarded as a mixed-game specialist, with particular strength in games such as HORSE, 8-Game Mix, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Razz. His success in Short Deck Hold'em also shows his willingness to embrace new variations.

His playing style is characterized by patience and precise hand reading. In mixed games, where the rules change on every round, Martini's ability to switch gears and adapt seamlessly is a crucial advantage. He is known for his emotional control and disciplined approach, rarely letting a bad beat disrupt his decision-making process.

Within the poker community, Martini has been given the nickname "French Hammer," a nod to his aggressive yet controlled style and his prominence in the French poker scene. His dedication to mixed games has also made him a respected figure among his peers, many of whom consider him one of the toughest opponents in those formats.

Martini's achievements have not gone unnoticed by the poker media. The LivePoker magazine cover feature, which styled him as the new face of French poker, remains a memorable milestone in his career. His success has also been amplified by the support of PokerStars France, who regularly highlight his progress through social media and sponsored content.

As a professional, Martini has also contributed to the growth of poker in France, inspiring a new generation of players to explore mixed games. His willingness to compete in less mainstream events, such as Short Deck and Razz, has helped popularize these formats among French audiences.

Martini continues to compete at a high level. As of the end of May 2025, his most recent recorded cash was a $20,280 result on 31 May, highlighting his ongoing presence in live tournaments. With four WSOP bracelets and nearly $6 million in career earnings, he has already secured his place in French poker history.

His legacy, however, is not just about titles and money. Martini represents a rare breed of professional who excels in the most complex forms of poker while maintaining a balanced approach to the game. His career serves as a model for aspiring players who want to specialize in mixed games. As the World Series of Poker continues to expand its roster of non-hold'em events, Martini's style of play ensures he will remain a threat in any championship field.