Xuan Liu

Xuan Liu is a Canadian professional poker player and media personality who was born in Tianjin, China, and grew up in Toronto after moving to Canada as a child. She later attended the University of Waterloo, where she studied subjects including political science and social development before pursuing financial trading and studying toward the CFA designation.

Liu’s path into poker started unusually early. She has said that the Hong Kong film *God of Gamblers* sparked her fascination with card games, and as a child she even played imaginary games against stuffed animals. During university, she gained experience from the other side of the table by working as a casino dealer and later a floor supervisor at the Canadian National Exhibition.

Poker eventually became Liu’s primary profession, with substantial experience in both online and live cash games. She has also built a broader career within the industry through commentary in English and Mandarin, teaching and advisory work with Poker Power, and a former special-projects role with the World Poker Tour. Her appearances have included major streamed cash-game shows such as Hustler Casino Live, Bally Live Poker, Poker at the Lodge, and High Stakes Poker.

Away from regular competition, Liu has combined poker with travel, media, and education. She documented a journey playing poker across every Canadian province and territory, has spoken repeatedly at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and has created poker and travel content online. Her career has also included partnerships with several major poker brands, with Ignition announcing a new collaboration with her in 2026.