Ken Claessens

Ken Claessens' first recorded live cash dates back to September 2021, when he finished 12th in a Casino de Namur Recurring Tournament for €1,108. Over the next few years, he built a steady record of results in Belgian poker festivals, primarily at the Circus Casino Resort in Namur.

In October 2023, Claessens finished runner-up in the SEVEN HANDED HIGH ROLLER at Namur, earning €9,430 from a field of 76 entries. Later that year, he placed 12th in the CPS 6 HANDED event for €3,205. In May 2024, he reached 14th place in the BPC Mystery Bounty Championship #27, cashing €1,900.

Claessens' most notable performance came at the 2024 Oktoberfest in Namur. In a €350 Mystery Bounty Main Event that drew 1,578 entrants, he dominated much of the final table as the long-time chipleader. After a four-way ICM deal, Claessens secured the second €25,000 bounty prize and finished 4th, taking home €22,600 in prize money plus €29,500 in bounties for a total of €52,100. The event was won by Dutch player Nicky Steenland.

During the Oktoberfest final table, Claessens was described as showing "some good poker" and maintaining a commanding chip lead for an extended period. His ability to navigate ICM pressure and extract value in bounty tournaments has been noted by observers.

Claessens has also been mentioned in reports of several other Namur festivals, including the Winter Festival and PokerStars Open Namur, indicating he is a regular on the Belgian live tournament circuit.