Where Is Eli Elezra Now? The Life and Legacy of a Poker Icon
Eli Elezra’s Journey: From Jerusalem to Poker Fame
Eli Elezra is a name that resonates with poker enthusiasts around the world. Known for his amiable nature, love of a good joke, and his journeys on classic TV poker shows, Elezra has been a central figure in the poker community for decades. However, while many remember him for his impressive achievements at the tables and his charismatic TV appearances, his path to professional poker was anything but ordinary.
Born in Jerusalem in 1960, Elezra’s early years were shaped far from the felt. His initial aspiration was to become an elite soldier, ultimately joining Israel’s renowned Golani Brigade. However, his military career was abruptly interrupted by a severe leg injury during the 1982 Lebanon War, leading to his discharge and a new direction for his life.
During his recovery in the hospital, Elezra became enamored with poker, a diversion that would eventually become a passion. Once healthy, he sought new opportunities, relocating to Alaska in search of fortune. Life there wasn’t easy—he worked as a taxi driver and eventually managed to save enough to open a small business.
A call from his brother later lured him to Las Vegas in 1988. Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, Elezra bought and grew a film-processing company, which provided the financial foundation for subsequent ventures, including real estate and, ultimately, high-stakes poker.
Climbing the Ranks: Elezra’s Distinctive Poker Style and Achievements
Through his business success and proximity to Las Vegas poker action, Elezra began to dedicate more time and money to poker, gravitating towards cash games rather than tournaments. His tournament winnings, although impressive at nearly $4 million, only tell part of the story, as most of his talent shone in high-stakes cash environments where results remain largely undocumented.
Some highlights of Elezra’s tournament career include:
– Winning four World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, with his most recent victory in 2019.
– Notably, his bracelets were achieved in varied games—three in Seven Card Stud and one in 2-7 Triple Draw—demonstrating his versatility in mixed games.
– Claiming the biggest win of his career at the Mirage Poker Showdown in 2004, taking home over $1 million.
– A major runner-up finish at the 2018 WSOP Omaha 8 Championship, earning almost $260,000.
Elezra’s deep understanding of mixed games helped him thrive, especially since many prestigious Las Vegas cash games, including those at the Bellagio, feature rotating poker variants rather than just Texas Hold’em.
Rising to Stardom: A Poker Personality on Screen
The explosion of televised poker in the early 2000s catapulted Eli Elezra to international prominence. Shows such as Poker After Dark and High Stakes Poker brought his unique personality to audiences beyond the casino floor. While not as mainstream a tournament superstar as Doyle Brunson or Phil Ivey, Elezra quickly became a household name among poker fans.
His background as an ex-soldier and businessman set him apart from his peers, bringing fresh energy and countless stories to televised tables. Off the felt, Elezra is known for his affable nature, often driving table conversations and bringing levity to tense situations. As a family man with five children, he is respected by peers and fans alike, contributing to his reputation as a true ambassador of the game.
Pushing Boundaries: Autobiography and Community Controversy
In 2019, Eli Elezra’s autobiography, Pulling the Trigger, was released in the United States, offering a detailed account of his fascinating life—spanning his youth in Israel, combat experience, early struggles in Alaska, and ascent to high-stakes poker circles.
However, the book’s release did not come without turbulence. In an effort to connect with readers, Elezra started an open thread on a popular poker forum. Instead of friendly Q&As, the discussion quickly turned heated as some professionals accused him of unpaid debts. Players such as Abe Mosseri, Cole South, and Shaun Deeb raised public claims regarding money owed, allegations that Elezra firmly denied.
Responding to the wave of accusations, Elezra maintained he always honored his obligations and suggested any outstanding personal loans remain a private matter between those involved. The swirl of rumors and disputes may have led Elezra to retreat from the public eye for a period, as no live cashes were recorded after his 2019 WSOP appearance.
Eli Elezra in Recent Years: Where Is He Now?
So what has Eli Elezra been up to lately? While his presence in the poker spotlight has quieted, he hasn’t disappeared from the felt. Active on social media, especially Twitter, Elezra keeps followers updated on his latest ventures.
In 2021, he captured headlines by taking first place at the U.S. Poker Open’s eight-game mix event, besting a field of 68 and securing a $183,600 payday. Nowadays, he largely prefers the world of high-stakes cash games—the environment where his passion and experience truly shine.
Elezra has also maintained a visible role on television. He appeared on PokerGO’s new seasons of Poker After Dark, particularly on the “One Night in Vegas” episode, and joined televised cash game battles on Poker Night in America and Live at the Bike.
Elezra was also nominated for the Poker Hall of Fame in December 2020, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the game’s history.
The Enduring Legacy of Eli Elezra
Eli Elezra’s career embodies resilience, adaptability, and a rare blend of business acumen with poker artistry. From humble beginnings in Jerusalem and adversity in battle, through business ventures and poker stardom, his story is one of continual reinvention.
Those looking to keep up with Elezra’s journey can follow his updates on social media, where his openness and enthusiasm for the game remain as evident as ever. For poker fans, Elezra is not just a past icon, but an ongoing source of inspiration—a seasoned pro still thriving and enjoying the game he loves.
Lead image: Twitter/elielezra1
