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Eric Seidel

Born on November 6, 1959, in the lively city of New York, Eric Seidel embarked on a remarkable journey. For eight years, he mastered the intricate game of Backgammon before transitioning to the stock market as a broker from 1985 to 1987. However, it was in the captivating realm of professional poker that he found his true calling. Seidel became a distinguished member of the renowned Mayfair Club, an esteemed card club that produced a multitude of legendary players and earned the title of "the most celebrated card club in New York." Currently, he resides in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Seidel's Poker Career

In 1988, Eric Seidel made his debut on the grand stage of poker, participating in the renowned World Series of Poker. It was during this event that he showcased his exceptional skills, ultimately securing an impressive second-place finish. The intensity of his heads-up battle against Johnny Chan was immortalized in the iconic poker film, Rounders. Following an 11-year hiatus, Seidel resurfaced in the WSOP arena in 1999, attaining a commendable fourth-place position. The year 1992 marked a significant milestone in Seidel's career as he proudly clinched his first WSOP bracelet. This triumph served as a precursor to his subsequent victories, where he went on to claim seven more bracelets in 1993, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007. Seidel's record of winning three consecutive WSOP bracelets remained unmatched until Allen Cunningham replicated this feat from 2005 to 2007. With an impressive tally of 60 WSOP cashes to his name, Seidel stands firmly at the fourth spot on the all-time leaderboard. Notably, in the 2010 WSOP Main Event, Eric once again exhibited his exceptional skills, finishing in a commendable fifth place.

Despite his impressive success at WSOP events, Seidel has only won a single World Poker Tour title, despite cashing in 18 WPT events. He is widely recognized for his exceptional skills and strategic gameplay, which have earned him a distinguished reputation in the poker world. Although his WPT victory count may not be as high as some of his counterparts, Seidel's consistent presence in the money rounds demonstrates his consistency and ability to navigate through challenging competition. His dedication and unwavering commitment to the game have made him a formidable force at the poker table.

Seidel clinched the runner-up spot twice in the Aussie Millions tournaments, achieving this feat in 2007 and 2008. March 2010 saw him secure the second position in the esteemed National Heads-Up Poker Championship, garnering a highly respectable sum of $250,000.

He currently holds the 10th position on the All Time Money List. His enduring success in professional poker demonstrates his ability to still compete with the rising stars, even as the tournaments grow bigger and more competitive. He continues to hone his playing skills, despite having already achieved tournament victories in all variations of the game.

Eric Seidel today

Eric Seidel is currently a member of Full Tilt Poker's design team, where he also plays exclusively. In 2010, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, securing his name among the top 40 professionals in the poker world. He was the first member of Full Tilt Poker to receive this prestigious honor. Despite his immense success and widespread recognition, Eric tends to operate in a low-key manner, preferring to stay away from the limelight. While he has made appearances in movies and on television, he leads a reclusive life, often dedicating his time to his wife and children. Reflecting his public persona, Seidel enjoys indulging in quiet music and playing tennis during his leisure hours.