Michel Molenaar is a Dutch professional poker player recognized for his rapid ascent in the international circuit, widely established as one of the most successful rising stars from the Netherlands.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Michel Molenaar has accumulated over $1,963,000 in total live tournament earnings. His career-best live cash of €210,000 (~$221,755) was achieved in November 2023 when he claimed victory at the Irish Poker Festival MILLIONS Main Event in Dublin. He currently holds a prominent position on the Netherlands All Time Money List, ranking 24th overall.

The 2025 season has been highly productive for Molenaar, yielding over $440,000 in annual earnings. His recent triumphs include a 3rd-place finish at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Championship Taipei in the NTD 165,000 Single Day High Roller for NTD 1,400,500 (~$45,653) and a runner-up finish at WPT Cambodia in the $5,000 High Roller for $128,620. Additionally, he secured a 6th-place finish at the 2025 WSOP in the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout for $84,730. These consistent high-stakes results significantly contribute to his status as a major force on the global stage.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Volendam, Netherlands, and currently residing in Austria, Michel Molenaar transitioned from a focus on chess to professional poker at age 19. He built his early reputation as a dominant force in the European circuit, famously winning the Festival Bratislava Main Event in 2022 for €126,650. Now a nomadic traveler on the high-roller circuit, he is a familiar face at major stops like the EPT, WPT, and WSOP, successfully transitioning from a promising regional talent to a world-ranked professional.

Play Style & Strategy

Michel Molenaar is known for a calm and calculated play style, drawing on his background in competitive chess to maintain extreme focus during long tournament grinds. He excels in No Limit Hold’em Freezeout and High Roller formats, where his technical precision and ability to adapt to elite fields allow him to maintain high finish rates. His strategy effectively balances patient stack accumulation with the aggressive maneuvers required for final table success, particularly in the fast-paced dynamics of modern “Single Day” events.

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