David 'Devilfsih' Ulliott - Last Farewell to the Legend
9 years ago06 Apr
Earlier today, one of the true legends of the poker world, David 'Devilfish' Ulliott has passed away after losing a battle to cancer. Although doctors deemed David's cancer as "terminal", the poker community was saddened and surprised by the news, especially those who were lucky enough to meet him in person and be touched by his undoubtedly unusual but irresistible charm.
Unfortunately Dad, Dave 'Devilfish' Ulliott lost his battle with cancer today and died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. xxx
— David Ulliott (devilfish2011)
April 6, 2015
Poker Career
Born in 1954, Devilfish became one of the real recognizable characters in the game influencing a decision of many, especially those residing in the UK, to try out the poker waters. Although his early career was mostly marked by the home games, his ascension to fame started in 1997 when he seized a WSOP bracelet beating Chris Truby heads up for the title and $180k first place.
Upon winning, Ulliott had his nickname ' Devilfish' engraved on the bracelet the nickname that was given to him earlier by his friend and companion during his poker travels Gary Whitaker.
Although WSOP bracelet is a big deal in general, Devilfish actually became famous in the UK after winning in the very first edition of the Late Night Poker in 1999. Dave won £40,000 for his performance, but more importantly he had risen to the legendary status in the UK as the show was aired during the peak time and was hugely popular.
pokertube Most players slow play aces in this spot. Hard bit was getting dealer to throw one of his cards of table n replace it with a jack
— David Ulliott (@devilfish2011)
March 4, 2015
Ulliott's second biggest tournament cash came in 2003 when he claimed a World Poker Tour title. In a great run, Devilfish outlasted his competition and finally beaten Phil Ivey heads up, winning $589k first place. This victory further cemented his status in the poker world, rounding up in a way his collection of poker titles.
He came third in another WPT event in 2007, earning another $675k. According to Hendon Mob, his overall live winnings stand at $6.2 million.
Personality
Devilfish may not have been the biggest winner that have ever walked the circuit. But he was certainly one of the more memorable persons in the poker world. Although I've personally never had a pleasure apart from some short twitter exchanges on PokerTube account, those who did know him mostly describe him as a person who would always make you laugh.
Was Ulliott arrogant at the poker tables? One could certainly say that but a person is defined by their life and Devilfish spent his youth surrounded by people who did not look kindly upon weakness. This shaped his personality to an extent and, without doubt, influenced his demeanor at the tables as well.
Devilfish had a turbulent personal life as well, but in the end, he went away leaving behind seven children and many more members of family and friends who will cherish his memory. Looking at his Facebook wall and a 2+2 thread, there are truly many who feel the pain of his passing.
Many of those memories are connected to some anecdotes as it seems that Ulliott never missed a chance to crack a good joke. I will not try to pretend to know what he was really like, but from everything that I've heard and seen, it seems he enjoyed living the life and felt no need to apologize for it.
Rest in peace Devilfish, you left the mark on the poker world that will not be forgotten. And take it easy up there... Or don't.
Poker lost one of it's most colorful characters today. RIP Dave "DevilFish" Ulliot
http://t.co/K9YdPahx7H
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker)
April 6, 2015
RIP
@Devilfish2011 Devilfishes effusive personality, good heart and beautiful world class style of poker lit up televised poker for yrs!
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth)
April 6, 2015
I was expecting Devilfish to pass, but not as quickly. He sent me 3 Direct Messages on twitter just days ago.
#RIPpokerhalloffame?
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly)
April 6, 2015
Agree w @TexDolly, it'd be good to see @devilfish2011 in HOF. Devilfish's book is a great read also
— Erik Seidel (@Erik_Seidel) April 1, 2015
I'll miss Devilfish. We lost a good one today.
— Dutch Boyd (@DutchBoyd) April 6, 2015
sad to hear about Devilfish , LNP was what first got me into poker. Here's the Fish in action: https://t.co/ZLeEw1pi9K
— JP Kelly (@JP_Kelly5) April 6, 2015
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