Jean-Noel Thorel 🇫🇷

Born in 1947, the 78-year-old Torrell is a pharmacist and biologist who transformed a small invention into a global skincare empire. While often referred to as an "amateur" due to his primary wealth derived from NAOS, he has been a professional on the live poker circuit since 2008. He is a regular on the Triton Super High Roller and the European Poker Tour (EPT). In 2018, he solidified his legendary status by donating all of NAOS's assets to a shareholder foundation dedicated to philanthropy and skin health research.

Torrell is known for his fearless, aggressive style, which often puts world-class pros in a difficult position. Elite Pressure: His strategy revolves around applying maximum pressure with a large chip stack, often ignoring standard ICM (Independent Chip Model) restrictions that might limit other players. Unpredictability: He is known for his ability to handle a wide range of hands, making it difficult for opponents to predict his hand range. Mental Fortitude: His performance at the WSOP Paradise 2025 – dominating Day 2, Group B and entering the final table with nearly 40% in chips – demonstrated elite endurance and focus.

According to Hendon Mob, Thorel's total live poker winnings exceed $21,794,639, making him one of the most successful high-stakes players in the world and currently ranking 57th on the all-time money list. As of December 18, 2025, he is competing in the final table of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise Super Main Event (buy-in $25,000). He enters final day with a 142-big-blind chip lead, vying for the $10,000,000 first-place prize. His highest tournament winnings to date include: runner-up in the $100,000 Main Event at the Triton Poker Centre in Jeju Island in March 2024, winning $2,875,000; runner-up in the $125,000 Main Event at the Triton Poker Centre in London in August 2023, winning $2,830,000; runner-up in the PCA Super High Roller in January 2023, winning $2,137,100; and fourth place in the Monte Carlo Triton Invitational in October 2023, winning $1,390,000. Jean Noel Thorel – Image source: Triton Poker