Roger Hairabedian
France
Roger Hairabedian, often called 'Big Roger,' is a French professional poker player known for his aggressive style and longevity in the tournament circuit. With over 350 cashes and $5.2 million in earnings, he is one of France's most successful players.
Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Roger Hairabedian, often called "Big Roger," was born in France and developed a passion for poker in his youth. He started playing in local clubs and quickly moved to higher-stakes cash games, where his natural talent for reading opponents and fearless aggression set him apart. By the late 1990s, he was a prominent figure in the French poker scene, transitioning to tournament poker with remarkable success. His early career laid the foundation for a decades-long presence on the international stage.
Career Milestones and Tournament Success
Hairabedian has amassed over 350 live tournament cashes, with total earnings exceeding $5.29 million according to major poker databases. His career includes multiple final table appearances at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the European Poker Tour (EPT), where he competed against the world's best. He consistently ranks among the top French players in the Global Poker Index (GPI) standings. Notable achievements include a deep run at the EPT Grand Final, where his skill and experience were on full display. He has also cashed in events across Europe, Asia, and North America, demonstrating versatility and adaptability. His largest recorded cash remains a highlight of his career, though specific amounts are not publicly detailed.
Awards and Honors
In January, during EPT Deauville, Hairabedian received a prestigious award at the France Poker Awards, recognizing his contributions to French poker. Poker journalist Mad Harper remarked, "Hairabedian is highly experienced and consistently does well." This honor cemented his status as an icon of French poker, alongside his peers. His longevity and sustained success have earned him respect from fellow players and fans alike, making him a household name in the European poker community.
Playing Style and Personality
Hairabedian is renowned for his aggressive playing style, marked by well-timed bluffs and excellent hand-reading abilities. He excels at using positional advantage to apply pressure, especially in the later stages of tournaments. Off the table, he is described as friendly and humorous, with a larger-than-life personality. His Twitter activity reflects his confident persona, with a notable tweet: "I'm like fire be careful." He also engages with fans, once posting about a Facebook page hack. This combination of on-table intensity and off-table charm makes him a memorable figure in poker.
Recent Activities and Legacy
Despite being a veteran, Hairabedian remains active on the tournament circuit. His latest cash was on August 2, 2025, earning $1,063, indicating continued involvement. With 352 cashes and over $5.2 million in earnings, his legacy as one of France's most enduring poker players is secure. He inspires newer generations, demonstrating that patience and aggression can coexist effectively. His career serves as a testament to the value of experience, adaptability, and a fiery competitive spirit.
Name Variations and Recognition in Poker Databases
Roger Hairabedian is known by numerous name variations in poker databases, including "Hairabedian Roger," "Roger Patrick Hairabedian," and misspellings such as "Roger Gairabedian," "Roger Hairabedan," "Roger Hairaedian," and "Roger Hairebedian." These aliases appear across platforms like The Hendon Mob and Global Poker Index, where his total live earnings are recorded as $5,296,606 across 352 cashes. His latest cash of $1,063 on August 2, 2025, further demonstrates his enduring involvement. This wide recognition underscores his status as a seasoned tournament player.
Involvement in the Global Poker Index and Hendon Mob Community
Hairabedian's career stats are prominently featured on the Hendon Mob and GPI platforms, which track his results and rankings. He is part of the GPI World Cup and other initiatives, and his profile appears in leaderboards for all-time money list and number of cashes. The Hendon Mob database, which includes over 976,000 players and 741,000 events, serves as the largest live poker database globally. Hairabedian's integration into this infrastructure highlights his enduring impact on the sport and his recognition within the poker community.
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