Eliahu Ilan Elezra

Childhood

Growing up in Jerusalem during a turbulent era, Elezra was introduced to card games at a young age but initially aspired to serve in one of Israel’s elite military units rather than pursue a career in poker. His determination led him to join the Golani Brigade, a prestigious infantry unit, despite initial resistance and a brief stint in military prison for disobeying orders. His military career was cut short by a leg injury sustained during the 1982 Lebanon War, which forced his discharge and prompted a reevaluation of his future.

Career

Following his military service, Elezra immigrated to the United States, initially working in the fish industry in Alaska and taking on various jobs such as taxi driving and managing a convenience store. In 1988, he moved to Las Vegas to co-found a film-developing business with his brother near the Stardust Casino. This venture was highly successful and provided him with the financial foundation to pursue poker seriously.

Elezra’s poker career took off in the early 1990s, and he quickly became a formidable player in both tournaments and cash games across Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He is celebrated for his versatility across poker variants, including Omaha, Texas Hold ’em, Seven Card Stud, and Draw games. Elezra has earned five World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, with victories spanning from 2007 to 2022, and a World Poker Tour (WPT) title, notably winning the 2004 Mirage Poker Showdown for over $1 million.

He gained widespread public recognition through appearances on popular televised poker shows such as GSN’s High Stakes Poker (seasons 1–6) and Poker After Dark. His reputation as a fearless and strategic player earned him the nickname "Mr. Vegas," reflecting his status as one of the iconic figures in the poker world.

Personal life

Elezra’s personal history is marked by his military service in the Golani Brigade and the challenges he faced, including imprisonment for disobedience and a severe war injury. After relocating to the United States, he transitioned from manual labor jobs to successful entrepreneurship before fully dedicating himself to poker. He resides in Las Vegas and owns over 20 retail businesses in the city, showcasing his acumen beyond the poker table.

Revenue

As of 2022, Eli Elezra’s total live tournament winnings exceed $5 million, with over $3 million coming from his cashes at the WSOP. His highest single tournament prize was $611,362, won at the 2022 $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship. His consistent performance and multiple titles have made him one of the most successful players of the post-Moneymaker poker boom era.

Interesting facts

Elezra made a notable side bet with fellow professional Barry Greenstein in 2007, wagering $25,000 at 10:1 odds that he would win a WSOP bracelet that year. He won the bet and collected $250,000, surpassing the first-place prize of the event he won.

He was a Full Tilt Poker professional and participated in high-stakes cash games known as "The Big Game" in Las Vegas for many years.

In 2017, Elezra published a biography titled Poker Legend, co-written with Israeli poker professionals Matan Krakow and Yoav Ronal. The book was later translated into English and published as Pulling the Trigger in 2019.

Elezra was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing his legacy in the poker community.

Legacy

Eli Elezra is regarded as one of poker’s enduring legends, known for his strategic mastery, resilience, and contributions to popularizing poker during its boom years. His journey from a war-injured soldier to a multi-million-dollar poker champion and successful businessman embodies the spirit of perseverance and adaptability. His influence extends beyond his tournament successes, inspiring generations of poker players worldwide.