Andy Bloch

Andrew Elliot Bloch, commonly known as “Andy,” is an American professional poker player from New Haven, Connecticut. Born on June 1st, 1969, Bloch has accumulated over $5.3 million in live tournament earnings and secured a WSOP gold bracelet during the 43rd WSOP in May 2012. Notably, his largest live cash of $1,029,600 was achieved when he finished as the runner-up at the 37th WSOP in July 2006.

Bloch is a former member and manager of the MIT Blackjack Team. He holds two degrees in electrical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a law degree from Harvard University, and is a licensed attorney. Additionally, Bloch was once a shareholder and sponsored pro of the now-defunct Full Tilt Poker. He has also appeared on Poker After Dark.

Andy Bloch: Early Life

Born on June 1st, 1969, Andy Bloch grew up with an early interest in card games, which laid the groundwork for his future in poker. He attended MIT, where he earned dual degrees in electrical engineering and computer science, graduating in 1992. His poker journey began at Foxwoods casino, where he was inspired by a poker tournament winner’s board. He started playing in small local tournaments and quickly gained success.

In 1993, after being fired from his engineering job, he joked about playing poker for a living and eventually did so. He also dabbled in other casino games and joined the MIT blackjack team, which led him into professional gambling. Despite a successful stint with blackjack, he found poker more engaging and continued to play it alongside his legal studies at Harvard Law School. After graduating, he decided not to pursue a legal career and instead focused on poker and trading stocks.

Andy Bloch: Poker Journey on Poker After Dark

Andy Bloch debuted on September 5th, 2011, in PAD Season 7 Episode 21. He participated in a $300/600 +$500BBA No Limit Hold ’em game with Huckleberry Seed, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, and others. Bloch won $12,600.

His biggest loss occurred on September 14th, 2011, in PAD Season 7 Episode 28. In a $300/600 +$500BBA No Limit Hold ’em game with Justin Smith, Annette Obrestad, and others, he lost $48,300.

Andy achieved his best live cash of $35,000 on September 15, 2011, during PAD Season 7 Episode 29. He played in a $300/$600 + $500 BBA No-Limit Hold’em game with the same players as in episode 28.

His most recent appearance was on September 16th, 2011, during PAD Season 7 Episode 30. Competing in a $300/$600 + $500 BBA No-Limit Hold’em game with the same group of players, he ended the night down $6,400.

Andy Bloch: Live Tournament Participation

Andy Bloch recorded his first live cash in December 1993. He participated in a $100 No Limit Hold’em event at the 1993 World Poker Finals in Mashantucket. Bloch finished in 1st place and won $4,840.

In July 2006, he achieved his best live cash at the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas. He competed in a $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event, finishing in 2nd place cashing a whopping $1,029,600.

Bloch won his first WSOP bracelet in May 2012 at the 43rd WSOP in Las Vegas. He took 1st place in the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event and received $126,363 in prize money.

His most recent live tournament participation was in July 2023. He took part in a $1,979 No Limit Hold’em Poker Hall of Fame Bounty Bracelet Event at the 54th WSOP in Las Vegas. Bloche ended up in 133rd place and pocketed $3,918.

Conclusion

Andy Bloch’s journey in poker shows his incredible skill and dedication. From his early days with the MIT Blackjack Team to winning a WSOP gold bracelet, Bloch has proven himself as a top player. His impressive $5.3 million in live tournament earnings and appearances on shows like Poker After Dark highlight his versatility and passion for the game.