Eli Elezra

Eli Elezra, nicknamed “Mr. Vegas,” is an Israeli family man, businessman, and professional poker player from Jerusalem, Israel, now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has amassed total live earnings exceeding $5.7 million, with his highest single live cash amounting to $1,024,574. Elezra has earned 5 gold WSOP bracelets and was inducted into the 2021 Poker Hall of Fame. He is also known for appearing on High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark. Additionally, his autobiography Pulling The Trigger was published in the US in 2019. 

Eli Elezra: Early Life

Elezra is a former Lieutenant in a highly decorated infantry unit who served during the 1982 Lebanon War. His military career ended due to a leg injury during the war. After being discharged, he relocated to the United States. He began his career as a taxi driver in Alaska before transitioning to opening a small convenience store. During this time, he began playing poker with fellow taxi drivers. His journey led him to Las Vegas, where he followed his sister and brother-in-law to capitalize on business opportunities. In Las Vegas, Elezra ventured into retail, establishing successful enterprises including film development and t-shirt shops. Alongside managing his businesses and investing in commercial properties, Elezra began taking poker more seriously, frequenting nearby casinos. As his business ventures flourished, he also ventured into competing in major poker live tournaments.

Eli Elezra: Live Tournament Participation

Eli Elezra’s first recorded live tournament cash was in November 1996 at the United States Poker Championship in Atlantic City. He finished 7th in a $1,500 + 70 Pot Limit Omaha event, earning $3,570..

His first victory was recorded in July 2003 in a $2,500 Triple Draw Lowball event at the Bellagio Special Poker Events in Las Vegas. Elezra took home a prize of $14,550.

July 2004 marked a major victory for Elezra at the Mirage Poker Showdown in Las Vegas. He won in a $10,000 + 200 No Limit Hold’em Final Day event. He claimed his best live cash amounting to $1,024,574.

Continuing his success, in March 2007, he won in a $1,000 + 80 No Limit Hold’em event. Eli pocketed a total prize of $109,125 at the Bellagio Weekly Tournaments in Las Vegas.

Continued Live Tournament Success

He clinched another win at the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas in December 2015. Eli triumphed in a $1,500 + 100 No Limit Hold’em Seniors event adding $36,000 in his total earnings.

Moreover, in September 2016, Elezra secured victory in a $350 + 50 No Limit Hold’em Saturday Series Deep Stack event at the WPT Borgata Poker Open in Atlantic City. He won $34,156.

Participating in a $10,000 8-Game Mix event in June 2021 at the PokerGO Tour U.S. Poker Open (USPO) in Las Vegas, he won a whopping $169,600. 

In February 2023, Elezra won at the PokerGO Tour Mixed Games in Las Vegas. He played in a $10,000 + 300 Triple Stud Mix event. He incurred a grand prize of $155,000.

His most recent appearance was in June 2024 at the 55th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Elezra finished 11th in a $1,500 Limit Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better event, cashing for $8,716.

Eli Elezra on Winning 5 WSOP Bracelets

Elezra won his first WSOP bracelet at the 38th WSOP in Las Vegas in June 2007. It came with a grand prize of $198,984 in a $3,000 World Championship Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better event.

Another victory followed in July 2013 finishing 1st at the 44th WSOP in Las Vegas. He participated in a $2,500 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball event. He won $173,236 and his second golden bracelet. 

In June 2015, Elezra obtained his third WSOP bracelet and $112,591 in a $1,500 Seven Card Stud event at the 46th WSOP in Las Vegas.

4 years later, in June 2019, he won $93,766 in a $1,500 Seven Card Stud tournament at the 50th WSOP in Las Vegas. It also came with his fourth WSOP bracelet. 

He won his fifth WSOP bracelet at the 53rd WSOP in Las Vegas in June 2022, competing in a $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship. He also took home a championship prize of $611,362.

Conclusion

Eli “Mr. Vegas” Elezra represents a remarkable journey from military service to thriving entrepreneurship and professional poker success. Originally from Jerusalem, Elezra moved to the United States after his military career, establishing himself in retail and real estate. His entrepreneurial milestones laid the groundwork for a poker career in Las Vegas.

Elezra’s mastery of poker is evident in his impressive record, which includes five WSOP bracelets and induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2021. With earnings exceeding $5.7 million from live tournaments, his expertise spans diverse formats like Pot Limit Omaha and Seven Card Stud. Beyond financial accomplishments, Elezra’s resilience and dedication reflect his journey from humble beginnings to fame in the global poker community. His autobiography, “Pulling The Trigger,” published in 2019, offers a personal insight into his extraordinary life and enduring impact on professional poker.