Dave Colclough

Dave Colclough was a Welsh poker player from Carmarthen, Wales, widely respected for his achievements and influence in the poker community. Known by the nickname “El Blondie,” Colclough won the European Player of the Year title twice, in 2003 and 2005. In 2004, he co-founded Blonde Poker, an online poker forum named after his moniker, although he departed from the company two years later.

Over his career, Colclough amassed total live earnings of $2,639,639. His largest single cash win occurred on July 3, 2004, when he won the £2,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event at the European Poker Championships in London, earning $182,628.

Dave died on October 18th, 2016 after a battle with cancer at 52 years old. Colclough’s legacy endures in the poker world, where he is remembered for his contributions and his notable accomplishments on the felt.

Dave Colclough: A Journey from IT to Poker Stardom

Dave Colclough was born on March 4, 1964, in Carmarthen, South Wales. Raised by a Welsh mother and an English father, he discovered his love for cards at an early age, even earning detention twice for playing poker in his school’s common room. Although his passion for poker was clear, his initial career path led him into the IT sector, where he worked as a computer programmer for organizations including the Post Office, National Health Service, Inland Revenue, and Fujitsu. However, Colclough eventually left the IT field when the long hours conflicted with his desire to pursue poker seriously.

Transitioning to poker full-time was not without its obstacles. Colclough faced significant financial difficulty after a failed investment in a nightclub called the Cincinnati Club in Glasgow’s Bridge Street, which absorbed much of his earnings. However, this setback coincided with his decision to commit fully to poker, a move that ultimately brought him success.

Colclough resided in Birmingham with his wife, Rhowena Colclough, a former William Hill TV presenter. He also had one daughter, Sian, from a previous marriage to Anna.

Dave Colclough: A Poker Pioneer

Colclough rose to fame through appearances on Channel 4’s iconic Late Night Poker, a show that brought him into the spotlight and showcased his strategic skills. His success in live tournaments continued steadily through the early 2000s. At a time when British players were particularly dominant in European poker, Colclough stood out as one of the country’s finest talents, especially excelling in Omaha.

Though Colclough largely stepped back from the European poker scene after relocating to the Philippines, his legacy remained strong. He continued to be remembered as a pioneer in British and European poker, admired by both peers and fans for his accomplishments and skill.

Dave Colclough: Live Tournament Participation

Dave Colclough began his poker journey on February 27th, 1995, at the Grosvenor Spring Classic in London, England, where he finished 8th in the £100 Pot Limit Hold’em event, earning $553. 

His talent quickly shone through, leading to a remarkable 2nd place finish at the 31st World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas on May 2nd, 2000, in the $2,070 Pot Limit Hold’em event. There, he amassed $89,300.

Colclough continued to excel at the WSOP, achieving another 2nd place finish on April 30th, 2003, in the $1,500 Limit Omaha event, bringing in $31,900. 

One of his most notable achievements came on July 3rd, 2004, when he triumphed at the European Poker Championships in London, winning the £2,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event and taking home $182,628.

On October 22nd, 2014, he captured 1st place at the World Poker Tour (WPT) National Philippines in Paranaque City, winning the $165 No Limit Hold’em – Retro event and earning $1,646. 

His final recorded participation was on March 11th, 2016, at Pokerstars Live Manila, where he secured 3rd place in the ₱5,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event for $3,407.

Dave Colclough is remembered for his significant contributions to the poker community and his remarkable achievements on the circuit. His legacy endures through the memories of those who knew him and the players he inspired throughout his career.