Mehdi Chaoui
Morocco
Mehdi Chaoui is a Moroccan professional poker player and high-roller regular, born in 2001, who rapidly rose to become the all-time money leader from Morocco with over $3.7 million in live earnings. Discovered poker at 18 while studying in France, he was recruited by Team Winamax in early 2023 and has since amassed an EPT title and multiple high-stakes victories, including a runner-up finish in a Triton Mystery Bounty event for $473,000. Known for his modern, adaptive playing style and composure at the tables, Chaoui represents an emerging force from the Arab world in global poker.
Early Life and Background
Mehdi Chaoui was born in 2001 in Casablanca, Morocco. He discovered poker at the age of 18 while studying in France, initially grinding online under the nickname "Carence en L." He quickly transitioned to live tournaments, showing remarkable talent. In early 2023, at just 22 years old, his potential led to a sponsorship by Team Winamax, placing him alongside elite players like Adrián Mateos. Chaoui divides his time between Casablanca and major stops on the PokerStars Live circuit, constantly working to improve his game.
Tournament Success and Major Results
Chaoui's career earnings exceed $3.7 million making him the top-ranked Moroccan player on the all-time money list. His career-best live cash came in September 2025 when he finished 2nd in a $20,000 + 2,400 + 20,000 Triton Poker Series Mystery Bounty event in Jeju, South Korea, earning $473,000. Other notable results include:
- $315,000 – 1st place in the BSOP $20,000 Super High Roller (his first trip to Brazil)
- $300,000 – 2nd place in the $10,400 Millions by Merit Poker Classic in Cyprus (April 2025)
- $174,500 – 26th place in the Triton Jeju 2026 Main Event ($100,000 buy-in, March 2026)
- $71,000 – 26th place in the Triton Jeju $25,000 WPT Global Slam (March 2025)
- £59,300 – 2nd place in the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Main Event (January 2026)
- $41,000 – 27th place in Triton Jeju $20,000 8-Handed (March 2026)
- €13,000 – 105th in EPT Paris Main Event (March 2026)
- $32,040 – 1st place in a $3,300 No Limit Hold'em Deepstack in Cyprus (April 2025)
He also recorded a deep run in the APT Manila Main Event in November 2024, finishing 127th out of 639 entries, and cashed in the Eureka Main Event at Merit Poker in October 2024. As of early 2026, Chaoui has accumulated over 18 WSOP-related cashes (including Triton and EPT events) and consistently posts results across high-roller and main event fields.
Playing Style and Strategy
Chaoui employs a modern, adaptive playing style that blends mathematical precision with psychological insight. While his generation often relies on GTO (Game Theory Optimal) solvers, Chaoui is noted for his strong instincts and ability to read opponents. He rarely displays tells and maintains composure even when playing for millions of dollars. His game is well-rounded, excelling in both No Limit Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha, and he adapts seamlessly between high-stakes Triton events, EPT stops, and WSOP tournaments. This mix of theoretical knowledge and practical intuition keeps his opponents guessing.
High-Stakes and Online Presence
Chaoui is a regular on the Triton Super High Roller Series, APT, and EPT circuits. He has attended 17 events in the Asia-Pacific region, cashing in 15, with his biggest win in the region being $747,000 from a Triton event in Jeju (March 2026, 1st place in a $30,000 Turbo). His Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking has reached as high as 199th in the SPI (SMP Poker Index). He maintains a profile on The Hendon Mob and Global Poker Index for fans to track his results.
Recent Form and Legacy
Chaoui continues to be a dominant force in 2026, with multiple cashes already including a 2nd place in the GUKPT Main Event and deep runs in Triton and EPT tournaments. As the leading Moroccan player in poker history, he has become an inspiration for aspiring players from the Arab world. His disciplined approach, combined with his youth and adaptability, suggests a long and successful career ahead. He remains committed to studying and traveling the circuit, representing Morocco on the global stage.
Personal Life
Chaoui resides in Casablanca, Morocco, but spends much of the year traveling for tournaments. Despite his young age, he is known for his professionalism and maturity. He has no major public controversies and is often described as a quiet grinder who lets his results speak for themselves.
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