Lots of people around the world love poker, and the UK has many highly skilled players who have become famous for their notable wins. From the very beginning to the champions of today, these British players have shown how good they are, even against the toughest opposition. Their impact on the game has gone far beyond personal triumphs as it helped make the game more popular across physical casinos and online poker platforms throughout the UK and beyond.
The Evolution of Professional Poker in the UK
Professional poker in the UK has evolved from smoky backrooms to mainstream popularity with televised tournaments and a strong online presence. Iconic players like David “Devilfish” Ulliott and The Hendon Mob set the stage in the early days.
In modern times, the convenience of online poker platforms has further boosted the game’s popularity, growing exponentially more popular—making it easier for everyone to play from anywhere in the world. This convenience attracted many new players searching for online poker apps that can give them the best game. According to casino and poker expert Daniel Smyth the best online poker apps in the UK allow players to find games that match their skill level and budget, offering a convenient and accessible way to play for a new generation of poker enthusiasts in this ever-growing online poker landscape.
Modern stars like Chris Moorman, Liv Boeree, and Sam Trickett have achieved great success, while strategic experts like Stephen Chidwick highlight the game’s focus on skill and mental toughness. Thanks to great UK players, more people are interested in learning how to play poker at a high level.
The game itself has also evolved. While traditional formats like Seven-Card Stud remain, the rise in popularity of Texas Hold’em, with its community cards and strategic depth, illustrates the changing face of professional poker in the UK. Here’s a look at the UK’s top poker players over the years.
The King of Consistency: Stephen Chidwick
Stephen Chidwick is the undisputed king of British poker right now. He started honing his skills online under the name “stevie444” before taking his talents to big-time tournaments worldwide. Still active and crushing it at prestigious tournaments, Stephen’s run at the 2024 World Series of Poker saw him secure a prestigious WSOP bracelet and prove his skills on the biggest stages again. Unlike many hot-headed players, Stephen’s ability to stay calm under pressure and figure out the best move before acting gives him a massive edge.
The Online Legend: Chris Moorman
Chris Moorman’s story is a dream for any online gamer. He is a legendary figure in online poker and holds the record for most online tournament wins, with over $20 million in online winnings. He proves that sometimes, the biggest games happen from the comfort of your home.
But Moorman is not just an online whiz. In 2017 he was brilliant at the World Series of Poker too, proving he can win big-time games in person. This makes him a top player no matter where the cards are dealt.
The High Roller: Sam Trickett
If you’re looking for a player who isn’t afraid to take risks, then Sam Trickett’s your man. Nicknamed “The Wizard of Oz,” Trickett loves the high-stakes games, even setting a record for the biggest single pot ever won in a televised cash game.
Sam Trickett Sam Trickett’s rise to fame includes a second-place finish in the Big One for One Drop tournament, earning him $10.1 million. Trickett’s not afraid to take risks at the table, and his wins around the world have earned him respect from other poker players.
The Devilfish: Dave Ulliott
Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott was a legendary poker player. With his infectious personality, Devilfish not only charmed audiences but also helped poker explode in popularity in the UK. Beyond the flash, Devilfish possessed genuine skill, particularly in Five-Card Stud. More than just racking up wins, he was a legend whose sheer love for the game sparked a fire in a whole new generation of players.
Sure, Devilfish grabbed a bracelet at the World Series of Poker back in 1997 too, but what he’s truly remembered for is his flashy style and how much fun he had playing. His infectious energy reeled people in and ignited a desire in them to test their luck at the poker table. This passion and influence were ultimately recognised by the Poker Hall of Fame which inducted him in 2017 alongside Phil Ivey.
The Hendon Mob
The Hendon Mob wasn’t just a catchy name, it represented a group of talented British poker players who dominated the scene in the early 2000s. Led by the strategic Barny Boatman, the Mob included Joe Beevers, the sole member from London’s Hendon neighbourhood who gave them their name.
Barny’s brother, Ross Boatman, was another skilled player in the group, while Ram Vaswani, known for his aggressive style, rounded out the core members. They were superb at many tournaments, earning them a lot of fame along the way. Their unique style and success helped make poker more popular in the UK during that period, opening the door for a whole new wave of champions to rise to the top.
The Astro Queen of Poker: Liv Boeree
Celebrated for her impressive skills and strategic mind Liv Boeree isn’t just a champion poker player, but a role model for a new generation. She’s racked up many significant wins, including the European Poker Tour in 2010 and even a World Series of Poker title with teammate Igor Kurganov in 2017. Liv isn’t just a winner, she’s an inspiration who breaks the mould.
Liv isn’t just a poker champ but has a background in Astrophysics too. Liv has shown that poker isn’t just about luck, with strategic thinking also being an important component of playing well.
Conclusion
The UK has a long history of amazing poker players, from the very first ones who started playing to the champions of today. These talented and determined Brits haven’t just won a bunch of tournaments, they’ve helped make poker more popular around the world too. Beyond their immense success, they are also noted for their dynamism and overall impact on the game.
