Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott

5 Famous Professional Gambler Nicknames and How They Got Them

5 Famous Professional Gambler Nicknames and How They Got Them In the world of professional gambling, earning a nickname often signifies more than just a catchy moniker. These names reflect players’ personalities, playing styles, and sometimes, notorious reputations. Below are five notable gamblers and the stories behind their famous nicknames.

1. Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott:

Dave Ulliott, a British poker legend, earned his nickname “Devilfish” during a poker game at the Las Vegas Binion’s Horseshoe. The name was suggested by poker pro Steve “The Bald Eagle” Zolotow after Ulliott outplayed a tough opponent. The “Devilfish” is a poisonous, highly aggressive sea creature, and Zolotow thought it perfectly captured Ulliott’s fearsome, unpredictable poker persona. The name stuck, and Ulliott proudly embraced it throughout his career. Known for his flamboyant style and razor-sharp wit, Ulliott became a well-respected and much-loved figure on the global poker scene.

2. Stu “The Kid” Ungar:

Stu Ungar is widely regarded as one of the greatest poker players of all time, but his nickname “The Kid” came early in his gambling career. When Ungar burst onto the Las Vegas scene, he was just 24 years old and looked much younger. His boyish face, combined with his youthful arrogance and prodigious talent, quickly earned him the nickname. Ungar was known for his prowess in both poker and gin rummy, winning the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event three times. His precocious rise to the top of the gambling world solidified “The Kid” as an apt moniker.

3. Phil “The Poker Brat” Hellmuth:

Phil Hellmuth, another poker legend, is known for his emotional outbursts and often fiery temperament at the poker table. His nickname, “The Poker Brat,” stems from his notorious behavior whenever things don’t go his way, such as berating other players or storming off after a bad beat. While Hellmuth’s antics have garnered mixed reactions from the poker community, they’ve also made him one of the most colorful characters in the game. The nickname perfectly encapsulates his larger-than-life persona, combining both his legendary skills and his infamous tantrums.

4. Johnny “The Orient Express” Chan:

Johnny Chan’s nickname, “The Orient Express,” was coined due to his fast and aggressive playing style, which mirrored the speed and precision of the famous train route. Originally born in China, Chan’s smooth yet deadly approach to poker gained him worldwide recognition. After winning the WSOP Main Event in 1987 and 1988, his nickname became well-known throughout the poker world. His methodical approach, mixed with flashes of bold moves, helped him become one of the greatest players in history. The nickname reflects both his heritage and his relentless ability to steamroll opponents.

5. Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson:

Doyle Brunson, often referred to as the “Godfather of Poker,” was initially given the nickname “Texas Dolly” as a misunderstanding. Sports journalist Jimmy Snyder intended to call him “Texas Doyle,” reflecting his Texas roots and cowboy style, but mistakenly called him “Dolly” during a broadcast. Brunson’s Texan charm and easygoing nature meant he didn’t mind the slip-up, and the name stuck. Despite the humorous origin, “Texas Dolly” became synonymous with his career, as Brunson revolutionized poker strategies and wrote one of the game’s most famous books, Super/System.

Nicknames in the world of professional gambling often reflect not just a player’s skill, but their quirks, style, or the way they dominate the table. For players like Dave Ulliott and Phil Hellmuth, these names became legendary, adding to their mystique in the high-stakes world of poker.

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How Many UK Poker Players Have Won World Series of Poker (WSOP) Bracelets?

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How Many UK Poker Players Have Won World Series of Poker (WSOP) Bracelets? The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the pinnacle of the poker world, where players from across the globe gather to compete for the prestigious gold bracelet awarded to event winners. For UK poker players, winning a WSOP bracelet not only signifies mastery of the game but also cements their place in poker history. As of today, several UK players have accomplished this incredible feat, contributing to the nation’s growing prominence on the global poker stage.

Early Breakthroughs for UK Players:

The UK’s journey to WSOP success began in the late 1990s when Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott became the first British player to win a bracelet. In 1997, Ulliott triumphed in the $2,000 Pot Limit Hold’em event, paving the way for future British players to follow. His victory put the UK on the poker map and inspired a generation of players to chase WSOP glory.

Over the following two decades, the number of UK bracelet winners steadily grew. Players from Britain began competing more frequently in Las Vegas, with increasing numbers of them taking home the coveted bracelet.

How Many UK Players Have Won WSOP Bracelets?

As of 2024, more than 40 UK players have won at least one WSOP bracelet. These victories span a wide range of events, from Hold’em to Omaha and beyond, demonstrating the versatility and depth of British poker talent. Here are a few standout examples:

Chris Moorman: One of the most successful online poker players in history, Moorman finally captured his WSOP bracelet in 2017 in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed event.

John Gale: Gale, who passed away in 2019, was another notable British player who won two WSOP bracelets, the first in 2006 and the second in 2015.

Barny Boatman: A member of the famous “Hendon Mob,” Boatman won his first WSOP bracelet in 2013 in a Pot-Limit Hold’em event and followed it up with a second victory in 2015.

Praz Bansi: A skilled player known for his tournament prowess, Bansi secured two WSOP bracelets, one in 2006 and another in 2010.

These are just a few of the many names that have helped the UK make its mark on the WSOP stage.

Recent Successes:

The UK’s presence at the WSOP has only grown stronger in recent years. The emergence of young talents such as Jack Sinclair and Ben Heath has continued the country’s tradition of success at the tables. Sinclair won the 2018 WSOP Europe Main Event, while Heath claimed his first WSOP bracelet in 2019 in the $50,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller.

With the rise of online poker and its integration into the WSOP through events like the WSOP Online series, many more UK players are likely to win bracelets in the future. The increased accessibility has allowed British players to compete without needing to travel to Las Vegas, opening new doors for poker success.

The Importance of a WSOP Bracelet:

For many UK players, winning a WSOP bracelet is a defining career achievement. It not only represents personal accomplishment but also enhances the UK’s reputation as a stronghold of poker talent. Over the years, these British winners have helped create a lasting legacy for the nation in the poker world.

A Bright Future:

With more than 40 WSOP bracelet winners from the UK and counting, the country continues to produce world-class poker talent. As poker becomes even more globalized, and more young players hone their skills both online and live, it’s likely that the number of UK bracelet winners will continue to rise. The UK’s contributions to the WSOP are a testament to the nation’s enduring love for the game and its place at the forefront of competitive poker.

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Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott: The Colorful Life of a Poker Legend

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Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott: The Colorful Life of a Poker Legend Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott was one of the most charismatic and influential figures in professional poker. Born on April 4, 1954, in Hull, England, Ulliott’s path to stardom was as unconventional as his personality. He went from being a small-time gambler and safe-cracker to becoming a poker icon who left a lasting mark on the game. Known for his sharp wit, flashy style, and formidable skills at the table, Ulliott’s life was filled with high-stakes drama both in and out of poker.

Early Life and the Road to Poker:

Ulliott’s early life was far from glamorous. Growing up in a working-class family, he turned to gambling at an early age. By his teens, Ulliott was already involved in petty crimes, including safe-cracking and armed robbery. His early years were filled with brushes with the law, and he spent several stints in prison. However, it was during these tough times that Ulliott honed his skills in card games, playing for cigarettes and small stakes behind bars.

After getting out of prison in the 1980s, Ulliott decided to go straight and began playing poker more seriously in local clubs. He quickly built a reputation as a fierce competitor, with a particular affinity for the game of Texas Hold’em. His confidence, aggressiveness, and ability to read opponents set him apart from the average player.

Rise to Poker Stardom:

The 1990s saw Ulliott rise through the poker ranks, with his big break coming in 1997 at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. Ulliott won his first and only WSOP bracelet in Pot Limit Hold’em, a victory that solidified his status on the global poker stage. This win also earned him his now-famous nickname, “Devilfish,” coined by fellow player Stephen Au-Yeung after the dangerous, predatory fish.

Ulliott’s devil-may-care attitude and flashy persona made him a media favorite. He would often show up to tournaments in expensive suits, sporting gold rings and jewelry, with his trademark arrogance. Yet, his talent was undeniable, and he amassed over $6 million in career tournament earnings. One of his most memorable quotes from this period encapsulates his self-assured nature: “Some people say poker is 99% luck. Well, they obviously don’t know what they’re talking about.”

High Points and Legacy:

Aside from his WSOP victory, Ulliott’s most significant career achievement came in 2003 when he won the World Poker Tour (WPT) event in Tunica, Mississippi, earning $589,175. This victory showcased Ulliott’s flair for playing under pressure, further enhancing his reputation as one of the best British players of all time.

Throughout his career, Ulliott became a regular on televised poker shows, particularly in the UK, where his larger-than-life persona drew a huge following. He was a frequent competitor on “Late Night Poker,” a British TV show that helped popularize the game in Europe. As Ulliott once said, “I was born to play poker. It’s not just a game to me; it’s a way of life.”

Final Years and Death:

In his later years, Ulliott’s health declined, and he was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer in 2015. He passed away on April 6, 2015, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most unforgettable characters in poker history. After his death, tributes poured in from across the poker community, with many remembering him for his sharp humor, fearlessness, and unmatched love for the game.

As poker pro Phil Hellmuth once said, “Devilfish wasn’t just a player; he was a legend. You always knew when he was at the table.”

Ulliott’s legacy lives on, not only through his poker accomplishments but in his autobiography, Devilfish: The Life & Times of a Poker Legend, where he shared his remarkable journey from the streets of Hull to poker superstardom. His wit, charisma, and undeniable talent will ensure his place in the annals of poker history for generations to come.

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Can You Remember Late Night Poker?

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Can You Remember Late Night Poker? Late Night Poker, a groundbreaking television series that aired in the UK, played a pivotal role in transforming poker from a niche game to a mainstream phenomenon. First broadcast on Channel 4 in 1999, the show was the brainchild of Rob Gardner and Nick Szeremeta, who sought to create a poker program that would captivate audiences with the drama and intensity of the game. Little did they know, they were about to revolutionize televised poker.

The Birth of Late Night Poker:

Before Late Night Poker, televised poker was virtually non-existent in the UK. Gardner and Szeremeta realized that in order to make poker appealing to a broader audience, they needed to bring viewers into the heart of the action. To achieve this, they introduced the now-iconic “hole cam” technology, which allowed viewers to see the players’ hidden cards. This innovation provided a new level of insight into the strategies and mind games involved, turning poker from a game of chance into a battle of wits.

The show was filmed in a dark, smoke-filled studio, adding to the atmosphere of secrecy and tension. The format featured a single-table tournament, with players competing for a substantial prize pool. The combination of high stakes, the hole cam, and the intense setting created a captivating experience that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Players:

Late Night Poker attracted a diverse group of players, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs. Some of the most notable players who participated in the series included Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott, a brash and charismatic player who became one of the show’s biggest stars; Victoria Coren Mitchell, who later became the first woman to win an event on the European Poker Tour; and Phil Hellmuth, an American poker legend known for his competitive spirit and frequent outbursts.

These players, along with others like Liam Flood, Ram Vaswani, and Surinder Sunar, became household names in the UK, helping to popularize poker and inspire a new generation of players.

Impact on the Game of Poker:

Late Night Poker’s impact on the game of poker cannot be overstated. The show introduced millions of viewers to the intricacies of Texas Hold’em, the most popular variant of poker, and demonstrated that poker was not just a game of luck, but one that required skill, strategy, and psychological acumen.

The success of Late Night Poker also paved the way for other poker shows and tournaments to be televised, contributing to the poker boom of the early 2000s. Online poker sites, such as PartyPoker and PokerStars, saw a surge in popularity as more people became interested in the game. The show’s influence extended beyond the UK, inspiring similar programs in other countries and solidifying poker’s place in popular culture.

5 Points of Interest:

1) Hole Cam Innovation: The use of the hole cam in Late Night Poker was the first of its kind and set the standard for all future poker broadcasts.

2) Cultural Impact: The show brought poker into mainstream consciousness, leading to a significant increase in the number of players both online and in live tournaments.

3) Celebrity Players: Late Night Poker helped create poker celebrities, such as Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott, who became a cult figure in the poker world.

4) Female Representation: Victoria Coren Mitchell’s success on the show was a significant milestone for female players in a male-dominated field.

5) Enduring Legacy: Even years after it first aired, Late Night Poker is remembered as a trailblazer that changed the face of televised poker and contributed to the game’s global popularity.

Late Night Poker was more than just a television show; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought poker out of the shadows and into the spotlight, forever changing the way the game was perceived and played.

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Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott: The Legend of UK Poker

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Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott: The Legend of UK Poker Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott was more than just a professional poker player; he was a larger-than-life character who left an indelible mark on the world of poker. With his sharp wit, trademark swagger, and undeniable skill at the poker table, Ulliott became a household name in the UK and beyond, representing the quintessential poker pro at a time when the game was exploding in popularity. His journey from the streets of Hull to international poker fame is a story of resilience, charisma, and mastery of the game.

The Early Years: A Rough Start:

Born in 1954 in Kingston upon Hull, England, Dave Ulliott’s early life was far from glamorous. Raised in a working-class family, Ulliott left school at the age of 15 and soon found himself involved in a life of petty crime. His early years were marked by a series of run-ins with the law, including time spent in prison for safe-cracking and other criminal activities. However, it was during this period that Ulliott began honing his skills in poker and other gambling games, often playing with fellow inmates.

This rough-and-tumble upbringing shaped Ulliott’s approach to life and poker. He was streetwise, tough, and always ready to take a risk—qualities that would later serve him well at the poker table.

Rise to Poker Fame: The Devilfish is Born:

Ulliott’s journey to becoming “Devilfish” began in the late 1990s. He was a regular in the underground poker scene in the UK, but it wasn’t until he started traveling to the United States that he made a name for himself. His big break came in 1997 when he won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, securing his first WSOP bracelet in the $2,000 Pot Limit Hold’em event. This victory catapulted him into the limelight and earned him the nickname “Devilfish,” a moniker given to him by fellow poker player Steve “The Crown” Vaughan, who likened Ulliott’s aggressive playing style to the deadly pufferfish known as the devilfish.

Ulliott’s poker career took off from there. He became a regular on the international poker circuit, known for his fearless play, quick wit, and sharp tongue. His presence at the table was unmistakable—dressed in flashy suits, sunglasses perched on his nose, and a collection of rings adorning his fingers, Ulliott was the epitome of a poker star. But it wasn’t just his persona that made him famous; Ulliott was an exceptionally talented player who combined psychological insight with a deep understanding of the game.

Television Fame and Cultural Impact:

As poker grew in popularity in the early 2000s, Ulliott became one of the most recognizable faces in the game, thanks in large part to his appearances on televised poker shows. He was a star on programs like “Late Night Poker” in the UK, where his brash personality and poker prowess made him a fan favorite. His catchphrases and banter, often delivered in a thick Hull accent, became iconic.

Ulliott’s television presence helped bring poker to a wider audience in the UK and Europe, contributing to the poker boom of the 2000s. He wasn’t just a player; he was an entertainer, and his ability to connect with viewers helped demystify the game for many.

A Legacy Remembered:

Dave Ulliott’s life was not without its struggles. Despite his poker success, he faced personal challenges, including financial difficulties and health issues. However, his impact on the poker world remains profound. Ulliott passed away in 2015 at the age of 61 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential poker players of his generation.

In 2017, he was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man who had done so much for the game. Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott will always be remembered as a pioneer of UK poker—a player whose skill, personality, and passion for the game made him a true legend in the world of poker.

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by Dave 'Devilfish' Ulliott professional gambler 0

Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott

5 Famous Professional Gambler Nicknames and How They Got Them

How Many UK Poker Players Have Won World Series of Poker (WSOP) Bracelets?

Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott: The Colorful Life of a Poker Legend

Can You Remember Late Night Poker?

Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott: The Legend of UK Poker

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