Ross Boatman

Roscoe Maxim Boatman, also known as Ross Boatman, is an English actor and poker player. He played fireman Kevin Medhurst in London’s Burning from 1988 to 1995 and has portrayed Harvey Monroe in EastEnders since July 2021. He is a member of the poker-playing group The Hendon Mob and the younger brother of Barny Boatman. He has total live earnings of $2 million, with his best live cash of $199,724 from the WPT in Marrakech in October 2009.

Ross Boatman: Early Life

Born in England, Ross Boatman grew up observing his older brother Barny Boatman playing poker with friends at their house in the 1970s. Fascinated by the game, Ross begged to join, and although initially discouraged, he eventually played his first poker session under Barny’s guidance. By the mid-’70s, Barny began teaching him poker in earnest. By the age of 12, Ross was gambling in games like “pitch and toss” behind his school gym.

In the early 1980s, Boatman further honed his skills, by watching poker games at his local pool hall, where he learned the basics of poker strategy. He started participating in local poker events whenever possible and eventually turned professional in 1992.

Ross Boatman: Live Tournament Participation

Ross Boatman recorded his first live cash at The October Fest in October 1995. He placed 3rd in the £50 Omaha/Hold’em event and earned $707.

In January 1998, he competed in the FF 5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event. At the Euro Finals of Poker in Paris, finishing 2nd and taking home $15,550.

In October 2002, Boatman won significantly at the European Poker Classics in London. He secured 1st place in the £2,025 No Limit Hold’em event and earned $115,944.

In March 2006, he then placed 6th in the €10,000 No Limit Hold’em EPT Grand Final in Monte Carlo. He added $168,627 to his poker earnings.

In September 2009, Boatman finished 4th in the £5,250 Pot Limit Omaha event at the WSOPE in London, earning $113,804. Later that year, in October, he recorded his best live cash by winning the €9,000 NLH High Roller event. There at the WPT in Marrakech, he took home $199,724.

In a recent appearance in November 2024, Boatman participated in the £330 No Limit Hold’em event at the UK & Ireland Poker Tour in Nottingham, finishing 29th and earning $896.