![United States of America [USA]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/us.svg "United States of America [USA]"){kind=small}
Eli Elezra is an Israeli-American professional poker player who has been a pillar in the high-stakes Las Vegas scene for over 30 years. A former Israeli Defense Forces member turned successful businessman, Elezra is beloved for his smile and skill in mixed games. With five WSOP bracelets and a World Poker Tour title, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing his place as one of the true greats of the game.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of nearly $6 million (according to The Hendon Mob), Elezra’s impact on the game extends far beyond the tournament felt. His biggest single live score came in 2004, when he won the WPT Mirage Poker Showdown Main Event for $1,024,574.
Elezra is an elite specialist in non-Hold’em variants, as evidenced by his five WSOP gold bracelets. His most recent victory was an emotional one in 2022, where he won the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship for $611,362, dedicated to the memory of his father. Other notable bracelet wins include victories in 2-7 Triple Draw (2013) and Seven Card Stud (2015, 2019). He also holds a 4th-place finish in the prestigious 2021 WSOP $50,000 Poker Players Championship for $286,983.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Eli Elezra’s life reads like a movie. He served as a platoon commander in the Golani Brigade and discovered poker while recovering from a leg injury he suffered during the 1982 Lebanon War. Looking for new opportunities, he moved to the United States, working gutting fish in Alaska and driving a taxi before finally making Las Vegas his home in 1988.
In Las Vegas, Elezra built a successful business career, running a film-processing shop across from the Stardust and later expanding into retail and nightlife. His business success opened the door to the legendary “Big Game” at the Bellagio, where he spent decades playing high-stakes hands with icons like Doyle Brunson and Chip Reese. Despite his huge wins, Elezra often calls himself a “family man first,” famously putting his wife, Hila, and their five children above any poker session.
Play Style & Strategy
Elezra is the quintessential “action player.” Known for his aggressive, old-school style, he is a master of the psychological side of poker, often referred to as “psychological warfare.” Unlike the modern “solver” generation, Eli relies on a deep sense of table feel and an uncanny ability to read his opponents’ intentions.
He is widely regarded as one of the best Mixed Game players in history, thriving in formats like H.O.R.S.E. and 8-Game, where he can utilize his vast experience across different variants. His fearless approach, frequently playing any two cards if the situation feels right, made him a fan favorite on legendary televised shows like High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark. Even in the most stressful high-stakes pots, Elezra is known for his friendly banter and unwavering composure.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow the 2021 Hall of Fame inductee as he continues his 2026 run in the PGT Mixed Games and the WSOP? You can track Eli’s latest stats and updates here:
