Eli Elezra

Eli Elezra has built himself into one of the most feared, and yet admired Poker players on the World Series of Poker Tour. Born in Israel in 1960, Eli moved to the United States to become a successful businessman, and then club owner, on the famed Las Vegas Strip. He discovered his love for the game of Poker after becoming injured while serving in the Israeli Army. While confined to a bed Eli picked up the basis for the game that would eventually become his legacy. Eli, while making a name for himself in the Poker community, has also picked up a couple of nicknames along the way. Better known as the Wizard, or Mr. Vegas, Eli’s identity is certainly not in question. Calling the city of Las Vegas home, Eli has ample opportunities to practice his craft and wait for his next big win. If history is any indicator of future victories that next big win is right around the corner.

Virtually a self made man Elezra was discharged from the Israeli military after serving his time after becoming injured while fighting for his homeland and moved to Alaska in search of his dreams. He knew there was money to be made in the United States but still wasn’t sure how to go about finding where that money was. His roots as a businessman were born here and he purchased a convenience store before parlaying that into several more successful businesses. Several smart moves later he is the proud owner of one of the hottest clubs in Las Vegas, “Seven.” Being a family man and a businessman far out shadow what he thinks of himself as a Poker player, but a Poker player he is indeed. Playing in the Big Game rooms of Las Vegas’ most prestigious casinos keep this businessman occupied when he is not with his family.

Eli’s professional Poker career has spanned nearly a decade with a World Series of Poker Tour entry in 1999. He garnered an eleventh place standing before going out that year while winning just over five thousand dollars. The road was paved with more cash for Eli before winning his first World Series of Poker Tour tournament in 2007. His winnings for that tournament were listed at just under two hundred thousand dollars. A side bet that he made actually paid off a little better than that and Eli had cemented himself as one of the best in the game. The side bet he made was that he would win one of the coveted bracelets before the end of the year. This bet was reportedly worth a sweet quarter of a million and made winning that almost priceless piece of jewelry that much sweeter for the soldier turned gambler. It all didn’t come easily for Eli Elezra, however, as he suffered what some may regard as a terrible defeat in 2004 in where he came in a stunning one hundred and seventieth place. His winnings were nothing to scoff at during this loss, however, netting a cool fifteen grand.