Luck returns for poker ace Devilfish
Hull's multi-millionaire poker champion has returned to winning ways after a luckless year, scooping £150,000 at a tournament in Paris.
Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott won the Euro Finals of Poker main event at the Aviation Club de Paris.
As well as the cash prize, the Hull-born player, who now lives in North Ferriby, won a diamond bracelet for topping the event, which saw 115 players buy in for £€5,000.
Speaking to the Mail from a poker table in the south of France, where he is playing for a million Euros, Devilfish said he was "over the moon" after the victory – already his second of the year.
Devilfish, who only travelled to France at the last minute, said: "What a great start to the year.
"I didn't win a single event in 2008 after having the best year ever in 2007.
"I won 35,000 Euros in Ireland at the beginning of the month and hopefully I can take the jackpot of the tournament I'm in now.
"I'm over the moon and hopefully I can take the winning streak forward.
"I was originally going to go to the Aussie Millions, but changed my mind and I'm damned glad I did. I'm in Deauville now to make it a hat-trick."
The Parisian final table hosted players of the caliber of French veteran Paul Testud and World Series of Poker bracelet winner Theo Jorgensen, but it was $1m-plus career winner Roger Hairabedian who got heads up with Devilfish.
The Englishman held a two-to-one chip lead going into the final two and ground the Frenchman down, ultimately taking the jackpot by calling his pair of fives with a pair of sevens.
21 Comments
View all
by bryce, central Hull
Friday, January 23 2009, 7:20PM
“why is it that people are told that smokein is bad for u, but now its ok 2 gamble which i think destroys peoples lives more than smokein.”
by Rob, Hull
Friday, January 23 2009, 9:43AM
“Pete, the point is that people addicted to gambling keep paying taxes, those that indulge other harmful habits tend to drop dead. So from the government perspective gambling is much better and replaces the lost tax revenue from the reduced revenue of fewer smokers and drinking in pubs dropping off. It excludes the drug users of course, but that's a very complex issue and I've no idea what to do about that one.”
by jealous guy, North Ferriby
Thursday, January 22 2009, 9:18PM
“Long live the Devilfish - I love seeing a Hummer go past my house!”
by Jon, East Yorkshire
Thursday, January 22 2009, 8:37PM
“Money doesn't buy you happiness though - not in the long run. One day, you may lose it all, and then what is left? The Humber Bridge?”
by KingLenny, Hull
Thursday, January 22 2009, 8:20PM
“Well done Devilfish, im starting off playing poker and you are a big inspiration, people who think poker is a gambling addiction need to get its a game of skill which you invest in to win, like any sport, footballer's wouldn't be rich if we didnt buy shirts etc and spend our money on them so why not spend it on having fun and winning some back!”
by Devilfish, HULL
Thursday, January 22 2009, 8:12PM
“Still considerably more richer than yow ;-)”
by DMC, HESSLE
Thursday, January 22 2009, 8:07PM
“Money cannot buy taste , check out the jewellery ! He would be a perfect candidate for the Big Brother house , another moron for public humiliation .”
by DEVIL, HULL
Thursday, January 22 2009, 7:43PM
“im f****** minted tho pal ;-)”
by DMC, HESSLE
Thursday, January 22 2009, 7:24PM
“Having met Mr Ulliott , I can confirm to Jon , East Yorks , that he is indeed quite correct , Mr Ulliott is a foul mouthed moron and is a very poor advert for our city ! FACT .”
by Ernesto, Hull
Thursday, January 22 2009, 5:44PM
“Its a good enjoyable game when done in moderation between mates and a few beers.
Strictly speaking its not gambling because there is a big element of skill involved.”