Jean-Noel Thorel is a French entrepreneur, pharmacist-biologist, and poker player. He is currently the #1 ranked player on France’s All-Time Money List, having surpassed Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier.
Unlike most players at the highest stakes who play professionally, Thorel is technically an "amateur" who built his wealth in the pharmaceutical industry before becoming a fixture in the global Super High Roller circuit.
Jean-Noel Thorel Background
Born in 1947, Thorel is the founder and CEO of NAOS, a major French skincare company that owns world-renowned brands such as Bioderma He is credited with inventing micellar water technology.
He also founded the Jean-Noël Thorel Foundation, which is part of the NAOS shareholder foundation, focusing on human potential and ecobiology.
Jean-Noel Thorel Poker Career
Thorel is famous for his highly creative, aggressive, and often unpredictable playing style. He began recording live tournament results in 2008 and has since become one of the most respected recreational players in the world, regularly competing against top professionals in Triton and EPT Super High Roller events.
He was the first French player to cross the $20 million mark in live tournament winnings.
His career-best live cash occurred in 2024 at the Triton Poker Series in Jeju, where he earned a staggering $2,875,000 for a runner-up finish in the $100,000 Main Event. He achieved a nearly identical feat one year prior, in London in 2023, taking home $2,830,000 for another second-place finish in a Triton Main Event.
Other career highlights include a $2,137,100 score at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) and a high-profile victory in the EPT Barcelona €30,000 High Roller in 2024.
Jean-Noel Thorel Top 5 Biggest Cashes
| Rank | Event | Year | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Triton Poker Series Jeju - $100k Main Event | 2024 | 2nd | $2,875,000 |
| 2 | Triton Poker Series London - $125k Main Event | 2023 | 2nd | $2,830,000 |
| 3 | PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) - $250k Super High Roller | 2023 | 2nd | $2,137,100 |
| 4 | World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) - €100k Diamond High Roller | 2019 | 2nd | $1,493,347 |
| 5 | Triton Poker Series Monte Carlo - $200k Invitational | 2023 | 4th | $1,390,000 |
