Dave Ulliott
Childhood
Born on 1 April 1954 in Kingston upon Hull, England, Dave Ulliott was introduced to gambling at an early age. He left school at 15 and frequently accompanied his father to bookmakers, developing a passion for betting. His early exposure to gambling set the stage for a life intertwined with risk-taking—both at the poker table and beyond.
Career
Ulliott’s poker career began in Hull’s underground games. He gained notoriety in the 1990s, organizing poker games in the back of his pawn shop. His big break came in 1997 when he won a WSOP bracelet in the $2,000 Pot Limit Texas Hold’em event, defeating Chris Truby in a dramatic final hand.
Key Poker Achievements:
- 1997 WSOP Bracelet – Won $180,310 in Pot Limit Hold’em.
- 2003 WPT Jack Binion World Poker Open – Defeated Phil Ivey to win $589,175.
- Late Night Poker Champion (1999) – Won £40,000 in the UK’s first televised poker series.
Ulliott earned his nickname "Devilfish" during a high-stakes Omaha game in Las Vegas when his friend Gary Whitaker cheered him on against Men "The Master" Nguyen. The name stuck, becoming synonymous with his unpredictable and aggressive style.
Personal life
Ulliott was married three times and had eight children. Despite his tough exterior, he was known for his loyalty to friends and family. In his later years, he softened his image, ditching his signature sunglasses and slicked-back hair.
Revenue
Beyond tournament winnings, Ulliott profited from endorsements, his autobiography (Devilfish: The Life & Times of a Poker Legend), and his online poker site. His larger-than-life persona made him a sought-after figure in poker media.
Interesting facts
- Once used a grandfather clock as a buy-in for a poker game.
- Banned from British bookmakers after consistent gambling wins.
- Claimed he once laid down four of a kind in Omaha after correctly reading an opponent’s straight flush.
- He was banned from Fox Sports Net for advertising his website during a live broadcast.
Legacy
Ulliott passed away on 6 April 2015 after battling colon cancer. In 2017, he was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a poker legend. His influence extended beyond the felt, inspiring a generation of British poker players.
Frequently asked Questions
During a 1997 poker tournament, his friend Gary Whitaker cheered him on against Men "The Master" Nguyen by shouting, "Go on the Devilfish!" The name stuck after Ulliott won the event.
Yes, he was involved in safe-cracking and armed robbery in his youth, serving multiple prison sentences before turning to poker.
His 2003 WPT victory ($589,175) was his largest cash prize, though his WSOP bracelet in 1997 remains his most famous win.
During a live broadcast, he flashed a "DevilfishPoker.com" sign violating FSN’s advertising policies.
Aggressive and unpredictable, excelling in Pot Limit Omaha and Five-Card Stud.
