Tony Bloom

Tony Bloom, widely recognized as ‘The Lizard’ is a prominent British businessman renowned in poker and sports betting. With an impressive track record in live tournament poker, his winnings exceed a remarkable $3.8 million. Notably, Tony Bloom also serves as the chairman of English Premier league club Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club showcasing his talents in both the sports and business worlds. Many see Bloom as top-rated poker player if it was not for his business endeavour’s he would no doubt be playing more. Tony Bloom’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.3 Billion.

Tony Bloom: Early Life

Born in 1970 in Brighton, England, Tony Bloom’s upbringing was steeped in the world of gambling, with both his father and grandfather being avid players. It was only natural that Bloom would cultivate a deep affection for poker during his early years, regularly engaging in games with family and friends. Consequently, this ignited his enduring passion for the game.

Following his academic pursuits, Bloom embarked on a professional poker career, swiftly rising to prominence in a short span. His rapid ascent in the poker world was marked by numerous tournament victories, firmly establishing him as one of the industry’s most formidable players.

Tony Bloom Poker Career

Tony Bloom achieved his first major poker victory by winning the Australasian Poker Championship in Melbourne In January 2004. He secured a $323,456 first prize among 133 entries contributing to a $1,008,668 prize pool. The following year, Bloom won the £5,000 NLH VC Poker Cup Final in London, securing a $351,401 first-place prize. This achievement brought his total live earnings to $1.24 million since his debut tournament in 1994.

In 2005, Bloom reached fourth place in the WSOP Tournament of Champions, earning $150,000 after being eliminated by Phil Hellmuth. Bloom also secured $426,221 with a second-place finish at the Australian Poker Millions in Melbourne in January 2009.

In December 2010, Bloom came close to winning a million pounds but had to settle for second place. Gus Hansen defeated him in the Poker Million IX event in London. Bloom then kicked off 2011 with another impressive second-place finish at the Aussie Millions Poker Championship where he earned $964,296.

In July 2016, Bloom joined the WSOP $111,111 NLH High Roller, earning $166,212 despite not clinching victory. After a three-year break from poker, he triumphed in Poker Masters – Event #8: $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha in September 2022. Bloom defeated 45 entries and secured a $360,000 first-place prize and 216 PGT points.

As of September 2023, Tony Bloom’s total live tournament winnings have surpassed $3.8 million.

Tony Bloom The Lizard’s Success

Tony Bloom, leveraged his poker nickname “The Lizard” and substantial bankroll to get on a new venture, shifting roles in the industry. Bloom teamed up with Matthew Benham to establish Premier Bet, a company he later sold for £1.2 million. This became the seed money for his next venture, Starlizard, founded in 2006 as a consultancy agency headquartered in London.

Starlizard employs intricate statistical models to predict football match scores. Starlizard’s core strategy uses precise statistical models to create better odds than the market, aiming for a 1-3% profit margin, with a strong focus on its growth.

In 2008, when Brighton & Hove Albion FC faced financial turmoil, Bloom stepped in with a generous £93 million donation. This substantial investment earned him a 75% stake in the club, making him the majority owner.

Over the years, Bloom’s commitment to the club has exceeded £360 million. This remarkable journey saw Brighton & Hove Albion rise from the third league in 2007 to the pinnacle of English football.

Conclusion

Tony Bloom, the majority owner and chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, transformed the club from the third league to the Premier League. He actively engages with fans, traveling and celebrating with them.

Furthermore, Bloom’s transition from a successful poker champion to football mogul reflects determination, hard work, and passion. Despite challenges, he’s highly successful, respected, and his legacy inspires others in both poker and football.