Ylon Schwartz

Ylon Schwartz is an American professional poker player from Brooklyn, New York. Throughout his career, he has earned $5.1 million in live poker winnings, including one WSOPC ring and one WSOP bracelet. His best live cash of $3,794,974 came when he finished in 4th place at the 39th WSOP in July 2008. He was also a sponsored pro of PokerStars.

Ylon Schwartz: Early Life

Born on February 11, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, Ylon grew up in Manhattan. His passion for chess began at the age of 13, and by the time he was 16, he was already making a living from chess in East Village. His commitment to the game paid off when he earned the title of International Master in 1993.

Despite his success in chess, Ylon struggled academically and dropped out of Borough of Manhattan Community College after only a year. He had done various jobs, including working at a daycare center, preparing food in a restaurant, and serving as a special education assistant in a public school. Although chess remained his primary focus, he spent a considerable amount of time socializing with backgammon players. One of these individuals, a man he referred to as Fat Nick, introduced him to Texas Hold’em.

In 2000, Fat Nick invited Ylon to a small poker club, where he decided to try his luck. Over the course of the weekend, Ylon entered two tournaments, and to his surprise, he won both. Walking away with $12,000, this unexpected success sparked his interest in poker, setting him on the path to becoming a competitive player.

Ylon Schwartz: Live Tournament Participation

Ylon Schwartz’s first recorded live cash occurred in September 2004 at the United States Poker Championship. He finished in 6th place in a $300 + 35 Limit Hold’em, cashing $3,874.

In July 2008, Ylon was eliminated in 4th place at the 39th WSOP in Las Vegas in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship. The payout of $3,794,974 marked the biggest live cash of his career.

Then, in June 2009, he placed 3rd at the 40th WSOP. He earned $112,967 in a $2,500 No Limit Hold’em.

Subsequently, in May 2010, Ylon placed 3rd at the 41st WSOP in the $1,500 Omaha Hi/Lo 8 event, earning $94,561.

In the following years, he made his mark by securing his first bracelet at the 43rd WSOP in June 2012, winning $267,081 in Event #27, the $1,500 H.O.R.S.E.

In September 2013, he clinched his first ring at WSOPC Biloxi, winning $12,474 in a $365 No Limit Hold’em event.

Ylon placed 3rd at the 45th WSOP in May 2014, pocketing $157,926 in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em Event #4.

In November 2024, Ylon competed in a $125 No Limit Hold’en at the Talking Stick Recurring Tournaments. He ended up in 10th place, earning $125.