Linus Loeliger

Linus Loeliger was born on January 4, 1995, in Switzerland. He developed an interest in poker before reaching legal age, studying strategy from books. After turning 18, he created a PokerStars account and began playing low-stakes games. In 2013, he posted a challenge on the Two Plus Two forum to build a bankroll from $150 playing low stakes until he was properly rolled for $100NL, documenting his progress. Initially struggling with bankroll management and tilt, he rapidly improved. While balancing a job at an IT company and preparation for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, he gradually moved up limits. A gap year allowed him to focus on poker, and he even moved to Malta for a period to concentrate on the game.

Loeliger gained prominence under the alias "LLinusLLove" on PokerStars. In May 2016, he began playing high-stakes online poker. By the end of 2017, he was competing at $200/$400 NLHE. On February 21, 2018, he won $112,306 from cash games, predominantly against fellow high-stakes reg Jonas "OtB_RedBaron" Mols. From January to April 2018, he accumulated $699,973 in NLHE cash game profits. In February 2018, professional player Andres "Educa-p0ker" Artinano ranked Loeliger among the top three six-max no-limit hold'em players in the world, alongside Timofey Kuznetsov and Jonas Mols. As of 2018, his total online earnings had surpassed $1.4 million. He later added significant online tournament scores, including a win in the World Championship of Online Poker for $600,000 and deep runs in Poker Masters Online 2020 ($1,511,818) and Super High Roller Bowl Online 2020 ($1,062,983).

Loeliger's first live tournament cash came at the 2015 EPT Malta, where he finished 14th for $4,649. In April 2016, he won the UKIPT £2,000 No Limit Hold'em event for £55,650. In the 2018 Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP), he finished runner-up to Michiel "utreg" Brummelhuis in the $2,100 NLHE event, earning $145,314.66. That same year, he won the World Championship of Online Poker for $600,000. In 2020, he posted scores of $1,511,818 in Poker Masters Online and $1,062,983 in Super High Roller Bowl Online. On the live circuit, he has become a regular in the Triton Poker series. Notable results include 6th place in the Triton Mediterranean Poker Party $75,000 NLH for $400,000, 13th in the $50,000 NLH for $105,300, 10th in Triton Madrid €100,000 NLH for $200,000, and 8th in the €50,000 NLH for $187,000. His best live cash is $3,900,000. As of 2025, his lifetime live tournament earnings exceed $9.1 million, and total tournament earnings (including online) are approximately $9.98 million. He is the all-time money leader from Switzerland.

Loeliger is known for an ultra-aggressive, mathematically-driven approach to no-limit hold'em. He employs large bet sizing and complex mixed strategies to apply pressure, often deviating from traditional solid play. His style emphasizes precise range reading and balanced frequencies, making him a formidable opponent in both cash games and tournaments. He focuses almost exclusively on no-limit hold'em. Peers have cited him as one of the best six-max players in the world. His journey from a $150 bankroll challenge to a top high-stakes pro has inspired many aspiring players. He continues to be a respected figure in the poker community, both online and live.

In 2023, Linus Loeliger reached the #1 position on the Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking, becoming the highest-rated poker player in the world. This achievement is a reflection of his consistent high-level performance across both online and live tournaments. He is the first Swiss player to hold the top spot on the GPI, cementing his legacy among the global elite.

On the All Time Money List, Loeliger has achieved a career-best rank of 177th. As the all-time money leader from Switzerland, he holds the #1 position on the Switzerland All Time Money List, with live tournament earnings verified by The Hendon Mob. His best live cash of $3,900,000 remains the largest by a Swiss player, and his total live earnings place him among the top 200 earners in poker history.