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Tom Middleton is a world-class professional poker player from Silsden, England, who has been a major force in the game for over fifteen years. Known by his famous online handle “hitthehole,” Middleton first made a name for himself as a feared online grinder before taking his skills to the live arena. With a massive European Poker Tour title and several other high-profile wins, he is widely regarded as one of the most talented and consistent players to ever come out of the United Kingdom.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Tom Middleton has won over $4.4 million in live tournament earnings. His career-defining moment came in 2013 when he won the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona Main Event. In a massive field of over 1,200 players, Middleton put on a dominant performance, leading the tournament at the end of every day from Day 3 onwards. He eventually took home $1,260,099 for his victory, which remains the biggest live cash of his career.
Middleton is a consistent winner who has trophies from several different countries. In 2012, he won the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event at the Fallsview Poker Classic in Canada for $304,980. He also has a title from the Aussie Millions in Melbourne and a GUKPT Blackpool Main Event victory. In addition to his live success, he is an online legend with over $6 million in digital winnings, including two major tournament wins on a single Sunday in 2020. At the World Series of Poker , he has also proven his skill with deep runs in the Main Event, including a 56th place finish in 2016 for $116,963.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in 1987, Tom Middleton grew up in Silsden, West Yorkshire. He found poker at a young age and quickly realized he had a natural talent for the strategy involved. Before becoming a household name in live poker, he spent years mastering the online game, where he earned a reputation as one of the best “MTT” (Multi-Table Tournament) players in the world. His transition to live poker was smooth, starting with small cashes in local UK events like the GUKPT in 2008. By the time he won in Barcelona in 2013, he was already respected by his peers as a top-tier professional who had put in the work to stay at the top of a very competitive industry.
Play Style & Strategy
Middleton is known for a fearless and aggressive style that puts his opponents in very difficult situations. Having played millions of hands online, he has a deep understanding of math and equity, which allows him to play a wide range of hands effectively. He is particularly dangerous when he has a big stack, as he is not afraid to use his chips to bully the table and keep his opponents guessing. Despite his aggressive approach, he remains humble and grounded, often shying away from the spotlight to focus on his game. His ability to maintain a chip lead over several days in Barcelona showed a level of focus and mental stamina that very few players possess.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Tom “hitthehole” Middleton as he continues his 2026 run in major European and American events? You can track his latest results and stats here:
