Arne Coulier Explains What Makes Belgians Crazy About Poker

Arne Coulier has almost $600,000 in lifetime earnings, with the vast majority of his cashes having come in his native Belgium. We asked him what makes the Belgian poker community so special.

“Because we all like to gamble!” said Coulier with a grin. “We just like having a good time and playing poker. Having some drinks and getting to know people!”

Coulier is seated in Day 1a of the Main Event, and has been wandering around the tournament room constantly talking with friends.

“When the weather is bad,” continued Coulier, “It’s just enjoyable to be sitting inside. Everyone [in Belgium] is super friendly, whether you speak French, English or Dutch.”

If you’ve ever travelled around the world on the poker circuit, you always notice that Belgians are such a tight-knit group when they travel abroad.

“When we play abroad, most of the time we rent an apartment or a hosue together. It just creates a super fun atmosphere. And who doesn’t want to win a poker tournament?

“When we play together, and someone makes a final table, it just makes poker feel more like a sport. Think about it; if you win a tournament do you want to be celebrating on your own or with twenty of your closest friends?”