Koen De Visscher Breaks Belgian Drought at 2026 PokerStars Open Namur
Koen De Visscher claimed victory at the 2026 PokerStars Open Main Event in Namur, ending an 11-year drought for local players at the prestigious Belgian tournament. De Visscher secured the title and a €220,000 top prize after defeating German player Henrik Veldhoen in the final heads-up duel. This win marks a significant return to form for De Visscher, an experienced competitor with a long history in the European Poker Tour circuit.
A Historic Win for the Home Crowd
The triumph at the Circus Casino Resort in Namur represents the first time a Belgian player has topped the Main Event podium since Arne Coulier’s consecutive victories in 2015. While De Visscher is not a regular fixture in international poker databases, his professional pedigree is established by notable deep runs, including a third-place finish at the 2011 EPT Snowfest in Hinterglemm, Austria, where he earned €147,000, and a fifth-place finish at Campione d’Italia in 2012 for €124,000.
The final table action on the concluding day saw a high-stakes environment with live streaming coverage provided by the Circus Poker YouTube channel. De Visscher entered the final phase as a dominant force, eventually overcoming a field that included seasoned international professionals.
Final Table Results and Key Eliminations
The final day of the Main Event saw nine players compete for the title. The structure and high-level play resulted in several notable exits before the final heads-up match:
- 1st Place: Koen De Visscher (€220,000)
- 2nd Place: Henrik Veldhoen
- 3rd Place: Andrew Hulme (United Kingdom)
- 4th Place: David Docherty (Scotland)
- 5th Place: Dario Quattrucci (Italy)
Dario Quattrucci provided a strong performance for the Italian contingent, finishing in fifth place for a career-best live tournament result of €60,000. Quattrucci’s departure occurred after he pushed his stack with a pair of nines, only to be eliminated by the pocket aces held by David Docherty.
The final heads-up battle between De Visscher and Veldhoen was short-lived. De Visscher held a massive 10-to-1 chip lead when the final hand concluded, with his King-high card besting Veldhoen’s Queen-high, officially securing the trophy for the Belgian champion.
What Happens Next in the Tournament Circuit
With the conclusion of the Namur stop, the PokerStars Open tour immediately shifts its focus to Spain. The next event is scheduled to take place in Malaga from June 22 to June 28, 2026. Players and fans of the circuit will look to see if the momentum from the Namur Main Event continues on the Mediterranean coast.
Key Takeaways
- End of a Drought: Koen De Visscher is the first Belgian winner of the Namur Main Event since 2015.
- Career Milestone: The €220,000 prize represents the largest live tournament cash of De Visscher’s career.
- Tour Progression: The PokerStars Open tour moves to Malaga, Spain, for its next scheduled series starting June 22, 2026.