Isabelle Mercier Bio & Articles

Ever thought about packing your bags and selling your house in order to pursue your dream? Well that is exactly what Isabelle Mercier did.

After completing her studies in Law at the University of Montreal, and working for 6 months in the industry, Mercier decided the regular 9 to 5 life wasn't for her, so she sent her resume to casinos around the world in order to fund a lifestyle of travel.

Off to Europe as a Poker Dealer

Without even securing a job, she flew to Paris to try and land a position at Aviation Club de France where she ended up being employed as a poker dealer while she completed her masters in International Law.

Quit, Sell Everything & Turn Pro

After working her way up the ranks and rubbing shoulders with some of the top names in the game, Mercier left her job and sold all her possessions in order to pursue a full time poker career.

Living out of a suitcase and following tournaments around the world, Isabelle first broke into the European circuit in 2002 after finishing 2nd in the Masters Classic of Poker.

Hard Work Pays Off For Isabelle Mercier

In 2004 she made her mark on the rest of the world by winning the World Poker Tour Ladies Night Tournament, taking home $25,000 and earning herself the nickname 'No Mercy' thanks to Mike Sexton and Mercier's aggressive playing style and intense intimidating stare.

It takes me quite a while to get ready for a tournament, I would say about two hours. By the time I wake up, get out of bed, drink a juice, have coffee, take a bath with candles (yes, I do that in the morning!), do the hair, the make-up, and get dressed, have a quick look at my emails, get down at Starbucks and start to walk the mile between my room and the poker room

Her performance in the tournament secured Isabelle a sponsorship deal with PokerStars for which she is now the international spokesperson for the company, and is fulfilling her dream of travelling around the world funded by playing poker tournaments.

Marcel Luske vs Isabelle Mercier