Angel Guillen

Angel Guillen, recognized by the moniker Boloban, is a Mexican professional poker player born in 1983. Currently, he boasts a WSOP gold bracelet, accompanied by a substantial sum of live earnings exceeding $2.4 million, with his highest single live cash amounting to $530.5K.

In addition, Guillen is married to Lynn Gilmartin, an Australian actress and television host renowned for her role as the WPT anchor on Fox Sports Networks. Guillen extends his involvement in the poker community by serving as a WPT Mexico Commentator and holds the esteemed position of WPT Global Ambassador. He has also participated as a player and representative for Team PokerStars. Furthermore, Guillen’s influence extends to his noteworthy standing as the 2nd-ranked player in the Mexico All-Time Money List.

Angel Guillen: Early Life

Angel Guillen was born in 1983 in Mexico City. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Guillen pursued higher education in economics at a college in Mexico City, coming just a few credits short of obtaining his degree. Notably, he is married to Lynn Gilmartin, an Australian poker player and reporter, and the couple welcomed their son in 2021.

With a background in business, particularly in investments, Guillen’s professional trajectory took an intriguing turn when he delved into live tournament poker in January 2009. His foray into the poker world bore fruit, making him the second Mexican national to clinch a coveted WSOP gold bracelet, following in the footsteps of Victor Perches, the inaugural Mexican WSOP title winner in 2006.

Beyond his personal achievements, Guillen stands as a fervent advocate for legalizing poker in his homeland. Expressing a hopeful outlook, he aspires that his triumph at the WSOP will serve as inspiration for more Mexicans to embrace the game, potentially catalyzing a shift in the existing laws prohibiting casinos and poker tournaments. In addition to his poker pursuits, Guillen finds joy in diverse interests, including chess, reading, math puzzles, and traveling.  

Angel Guillen: Poker Career

Angel Guillen began his poker career in January 2009. He marked his first live tournament cashes at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in Paradise Island. Competing in the $9,700 + $300 No Limit Hold’em Main Event, he secured 51st place and cashed for $27,500.

Shortly after, on June 5th, 2009, Guillen made a notable appearance at the 40th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished 2nd in the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event and earned $312,800.

His breakthrough came on June 15th, during the same WSOP in Las Vegas, where Guillen emerged victorious in the $2,000 No Limit Hold’em event. He won his first WSOP gold bracelet and a grand prize of $530,548. 

In May 2012, Guillen participated in the $2,300 + $200 No Limit Hold’em Main Event. It took place at the Latin American Poker Tour in Uruguay, Punta del Este. He secured 2nd place and added $126,240 to his winnings.

August 2012 saw Guillen triumph in the Col$ 1,000,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Event. It took place at the Latin American Poker Tour in Colombia, Medellin. He finished in 1st place and won a grand prize of $30,856.

In June 2013, Guillen took part in the Col$ 5,500,000 + 500,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller event. It took place at the same location. He finished in 1st place and won $35,800.

Guillen’s Unyielding Streak: A Trail of Triumphant Performances

In February 2023, Guillen participated in the A$ 4,700 + $300 No Limit Hold’em event. It took place during WPT Prime in Gold Coast. He finished in 1st place, winning a trophy along with $122,864 in winnings.

His consistent performance persisted in June 2023 at the 54th WSOP in Las Vegas. He claimed 6th place in the $7,000 + $3,000 No Limit Hold’em event and earned $127,515.

In September 2023, Guillen took part in the A$ 1,800 + $200 No Limit Hold’em Mini Main Event. It occurred at the WPT in Australia, Gold Coast. He secured 22nd position and took home $3,982.

Conclusion

Angel Guillen stands as a formidable force and a testament to Mexican excellence in the game. With the distinction of being the second Mexican national to capture a prestigious WSOP gold bracelet, Guillen has carved an indelible mark in poker history. His achievements extend beyond the felts, as he not only thrives as a WPT Global Ambassador but also lends his insights as a WPT Mexico Commentator, showcasing his multifaceted contributions to the poker community.

Guillen’s journey from his debut at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure to his recent triumphs in the World Poker Tour Prime reflects a consistent commitment to excellence. Notable among his victories is the pinnacle reached at the 40th World Series of Poker, where he secured his first WSOP gold bracelet in the $2,000 No Limit Hold’em event, a moment that propelled him into the echelons of poker greatness. As the second-ranked player in the Mexico All-Time Money List, Angel Guillen’s legacy continues to unfold, leaving an indomitable impact on the international poker stage.