Guy Laliberté is a Québécois entrepreneur, philanthropist, poker player, space tourist and currently the CEO of Cirque du Soleil. Starting out street performing as an accordion player, stiltwalker and fire-eater; Laliberté created his circus which is a synthesis of all circus styles around the world. In 2006, the 95% share holder of the US $1.2 billion Cirque Du Soleil was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
In September 2009, Guy Laliberté became the first Canadian private space explorer. His mission was dedicated to raising awareness on water issues facing humankind on planet Earth, making his spaceflight the first, in his own words, "Poetic Social Mission" in space. Under the theme Moving Stars and Earth for Water, this first Poetic Social Mission in space aimed at touching people through an artistic approach: a special 120-minute webcast program featuring various artistic performances unfolding in 14 cities on five continents, including the International Space Station.
In April 2007, Laliberté finished fourth in the World Poker Tour Season Five event at Bellagio in Las Vegas and won $696,220. Laliberté also played on GSN's High Stakes Poker Season 4 show. He also took part in Poker After Dark season 4.
