Isabelle Mercier aka "No Mercy"

Canadian player Isabelle Mercier graduated from the University of Montreal and began practising law soon after. Although she had the chance to work for a prestigious investment company, Isabelle realized that an office job was not for her, deciding instead that she wanted to see the world. Figuring that working in the casino business would mean lots of travel, she went to Paris to work at the famous Aviation Club De France. It was an experience that would give her the skills she needed for her next career move.

Starting off as dealer, Isabelle worked her way up to the role of poker room manager, eventually being nominated for ‘Staff Person of the Year’ at the European Poker Awards. Throughout her time on the casino floor, Isabelle was learning how to play poker herself; observing how people played their cards and made big money. She eventually decided it was her that should be getting dealt the cards. Many final table appearances and cash finishes later, today she stands firm as one of the most aggressive players around. Isabelle’s first major success came at a WPT invitational tournament in 2004, where she took 1st place in the Ladies Night Out event. Although the cash prize of $25,000 was nice, the victory helped introduce her to millions of TV viewers across the world. Legendary WPT host Mike Sexton was so impressed with Isabelle’s fearless playing style that he began calling her ‘No Mercy’, a nickname that’s stuck ever since. In 2005, she just missed out on making the final table at the Grand Final of EPT Season 1, taking away $31,811 for finishing 10th. A month later, Isabelle earned another $56,616 for a 28th place finish at the $25,000 WPT Championship event. She’s also made several cashes at the WSOP*, including a 5th place finish for $175,404 at the $5,000 No Limit Hold’em event in 2006.

Isabelle keeps very busy away from the table. She has provided expert commentary for many TV poker shows, including several WPT broadcasts. She recently wrote her autobiography, and has also hosted a poker strategy DVD. When she finds spare time, Isabelle enjoys both music and fashion.

If anyone lives up to their poker nickname, then it’s Isabelle. Her aggressive approach is one that’s taken some of the biggest names in the game off their guard and paid dividends in the process. Her next major win is surely just around the corner. Isabelle is a member of Team PokerStars Pro and plays using the screen name ‘NoMercy’.

For more information, visit the official Isabelle Mercier site.

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