Maxime Chilaud

Maxime Chilaud began his live tournament journey in 2013, building experience over nearly a decade before achieving his first six-figure cash. That milestone came in November 2022 when he won the High Roller at the Merit Poker Vintage Series at the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino in North Cyprus, taking home $184,000. This victory opened the door to a string of strong performances at the same venue.

Chilaud's most notable triumph came in April 2023 at the Merit Poker Carmen Series $3,300 Main Event. He bested a field of 765 players to claim the trophy and a career-best $376,800 top prize. Chilaud described his run: "It was really crazy. I doubled my stack on Day 1 after ten minutes, and after that, I was always a top stack until the final table or right before. I had a really good three days. I had to be lucky a few times." He ended Day 2 and Day 3 as the chip leader and dominated heads-up play against Michael Magalashvili. Reflecting on his success in Cyprus, he stated, "Cyprus is really good for me. I don’t do many live tournaments, but I always go to Cyprus. There are really good tournaments here."

In January 2025, Chilaud added another final-table finish at the Merit Poker Western Series $5,300 High Roller, placing third for $89,900. This result pushed his live earnings close to the $2 million mark. The final table included top players such as winner Sergei Varnaev and runner-up Lyudmil Ivanov.

While specific technical details are limited, Chilaud's results suggest a balanced and adaptive style. He demonstrated the ability to build and maintain a large stack, as seen in the Carmen Main Event where he was chip leader for two consecutive days. His play combines aggression with patience, and he values tournament structure and position. In his own words, he acknowledges the role of luck but also emphasizes consistent decision-making. His preference for the Merit Poker series indicates a comfort with certain tournament structures and environments.

Maxime Chilaud's total live tournament earnings stand at $2,034,907 as of mid-2025. His best single cash is $456,500. He resides in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France, and ranks 41st on the France All Time Money List. On the global All Time Money List, he sits at 1,381st. His Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking places him among the top French players in recent years. Chilaud continues to be a regular contender at Merit Poker events and remains a respected figure in the European tournament scene.