Dave Ulliott

Dave Ulliott (1954-2015), known as “Devilfish,” was a British professional poker player celebrated for his charisma and skills. Born on April 1st, 1954, in Hull, England, he amassed over $6.2 million in live tournament winnings and secured a WSOP bracelet at the 28th WSOP in April 1997 in Las Vegas

In 2007, he achieved his largest cash prize of $674,500 by finishing 3rd at the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic and was named European Poker Player of the Year. He authored his book, Devilfish: The Life and Times of a Poker Legend, published in 2010. Ulliott passed away on April 6th, 2015, after a battle with colon cancer, which had been diagnosed in February 2015. Despite his death, Devilfish left a lasting legacy, and in 2017, he was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Dave Ulliott: Early Life

Dave Ulliott was born on April 1st, 1954, in Kingston upon Hull, England. Growing up, he had an unconventional childhood; at just five years old, he displayed a knack for mischief by selling disguised gravy packets as sweets to his classmates. By the age of 15, he had left school and discovered poker while playing with his parents around the kitchen table, sparking a passion that would shape his life.

He started working on shields and trophies, and during lunchtime, he played poker with his colleagues. Although he initially struggled with plain draw poker, an older player named Jack recognized his potential and invited him to the 51 Club, Hull’s only small casino. It was there that Ulliott began to excel, especially at Three-Card Brag, where he utilized his keen card-tracking skills.

Dave has also faced challenges, including property crimes and two prison sentences. However, everything changed when he met his second wife, Mandy. Wanting a fresh start, Ulliott teamed up with Gary Whitaker, a café manager who became not only his friend but also his poker partner, traveling the country together as they chased success, while Whitaker managed Ulliott’s winnings.

Showdown at the Table: Devilfish vs. Tony G

Dave was no stranger to controversy, occasionally clashing with his opponents at the table. In 2007, he notably got into a fight with Tony G in the Party Poker Premier League. “The sooner they drag you back in the water the better, you fucking fat idiot, Let’s get on with it” Hailed Devilfish towards Tony G, Tony is no stranger to controversy himself, having notoriously gotten into fights with high-profile pros like Phil Hellmuth.

Dave Ulliott: Live Tournament Participation

Dave Ulliott began his poker career in January 1993. He participated in a £200 Seven Card Stud event at the Grosvenor Spring Classic in London. Ulliott finished 6th and pocketed $308.

He secured his first WSOP bracelet in April 1997. Dave competed in a $2,000 Pot Limit Hold’em at the 28th WSOP in Las Vegas. He took 1st place and won $180,310. 

In January 2003, he captured a WPT title at the Fourth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica. He won the $10,000 + 100 No Limit Hold’em Championship for $589,175. 

Four years later, in June 2007, he placed 3rd in a $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 38th WSOP in Las Vegas, taking home $349,811 in prize money.

His best live cash occurred in December 2007. He took part in a $15,000 + 400 Doyle Brunson Classic No Limit Hold’em at the 2007 Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas. Dave finished 3rd and earned $674,500. 

Ulliott’s last live tournament was in June 2014. He entered a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Monster Stack event at the 45th WSOP in Las Vegas. Dave placed 265th and cashed for $6,368.

Conclusion

Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott was a talented poker player who brought charm to the game. With more than $6.2 million in live tournament earnings, a WSOP bracelet, and his posthumous induction into the Poker Hall of Fame, he continues to inspire players to blend skill with personality, even after his passing in 2015.