Julien Sitbon, a professional poker player with career earnings exceeding $4.5 million, found himself in a familiar, yet complicated, situation recently: succumbing to the allure of the game despite a promise to his wife. The incident, detailed on the RMC Poker Demonstrate on Sunday, February 16, 2026, involved an impromptu tournament that ultimately netted him $83,000 in winnings. This unexpected windfall came just weeks after committing to a poker-free vacation with his partner in Asia.
The story unfolded on the popular French program, RMC Poker Show, where Sitbon recounted the events leading to his participation in the World Poker Tour (WPT) Cambodia event. The temptation proved too strong, he explained, when faced with the opportunity to compete in a high-stakes tournament. The unplanned detour from his vow to abstain from poker resulted in a fifth-place finish and a substantial payout.
A Promise Broken, A Tournament Entered
Sitbon’s predicament highlights the often-conflicting demands of professional life and personal commitments. He had reportedly pledged to his wife that his trip to Asia would be a complete break from the competitive poker circuit. Although, the allure of the WPT Cambodia event and the potential for significant earnings, proved irresistible. The RMC Poker Show segment detailed how the tournament arose somewhat spontaneously, adding to the impulsive nature of his decision.
According to the Hendon Mob Poker Database, Sitbon has amassed $4,527,075 in lifetime poker earnings as of February 16, 2026. His profile on the database shows a consistent record of cashes in major tournaments around the world, with his most recent recorded cash being $60,829 on December 17, 2025.
The RMC Poker Show and the French Poker Scene
The RMC Poker Show, broadcast on RMC Sport, is a prominent platform for covering the world of poker, with a particular focus on the French poker scene. The program features interviews with professional players, analysis of major tournaments, and discussions of current events in the poker world. Recent segments, as highlighted on the RMC Sport website, have included discussions on players like Christian Spitalas, a mathematics professor who recently won a tournament in Aix-en-Provence, and Nicolas Dumont’s new coaching concept. The segment featuring Sitbon’s story aired on February 15, 2026.
The French poker community has seen significant growth in recent years, with a number of players achieving international success. The RMC Poker Show plays a key role in showcasing these achievements and fostering a vibrant poker culture within France. Other recent topics covered on the show include the success of amateur champion Roman Barret and the activities of players like Moundir, who has been consistently competing in various tournaments.
Sitbon’s Recent Performance and WPT Cambodia
Whereas the $83,000 win in Cambodia is a notable addition to Sitbon’s earnings, it’s not his largest single score. His career has been marked by several larger cashes in prestigious events. However, the circumstances surrounding this particular win – the broken promise to his wife – add an interesting layer to the story. A recent Facebook post highlights his fifth-place finish in the WPT Cambodia event, noting the dominance of Zhengnouvelle in the final table.
The WPT Cambodia event itself is a significant stop on the World Poker Tour, attracting players from around the globe. The tournament offers a substantial prize pool and provides a platform for players to compete at the highest level. Sitbon’s deep run in the event demonstrates his continued skill and competitiveness in the poker world.
As of today, February 16, 2026, there is no further information available regarding the fallout from Sitbon’s broken promise to his wife. However, the story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by professional poker players in balancing their careers with their personal lives. The next scheduled event for the RMC Poker Show is expected to feature further analysis of recent tournaments and interviews with prominent players.
What are your thoughts on Julien Sitbon’s situation? Share your comments below and let us know what you think of the challenges faced by professional poker players.
