Guy Laliberté

Guy Laliberté, born on September 2, 1959, in Quebec City, Canada, is not only recognized as the Canadian billionaire co-founder of Cirque du Soleil alongside Gilles Ste-Croix in 1984 but also as a prominent poker player. His entrepreneurial journey began after being inspired by the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, leading to a versatile early career in Europe as an accordion player, fire-eater, and stilt-walker. Cirque du Soleil, initially a one-year project to celebrate Jacques Cartier's discovery of Canada, transformed into a global phenomenon under Laliberté's leadership, expanding its reach to five continents and enlisting talents from over 40 countries. Beyond the circus, Laliberté's interests have seen him venture into space as Canada's first space tourist in 2009 and delve into high-stakes poker, where despite significant losses, he contributed to the sport's community through the One Drop Foundation. His personal achievements are matched by his contributions to philanthropy and environmental awareness, highlighted by his purchase of the Nukutepipi atoll for conservation purposes and his numerous accolades, including the National Order of Quebec and the Order of Canada.