Mel Judah

Background

He learned poker at the age of 14 by watching his father play 5-card draw.

Career

He has had several noticeable finishes in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the World Poker Tour (WPT). Judah also claimed the 2003 Legends of Poker title on the World Poker Tour, winning $579,375. He qualified for the final table of the 2006 Poker Million, finishing in fourth place.

In recollection of the respect Judah had generated within the game, he was asked to direct the new European Poker Masters tour in September 2006, Europe"s first ever independent poker tour that was produced by the team behind The Poker Channel.

Judah worked as a hairdresser for several years, which he believes has allowed him to understand players" psychology better. He now lives in London, England.

As of 2009, his total live tournament winnings exceed $3,100,000. His 36 cashes at the WSOP account for $1,299,630 of those winnings.

Achievements

• He won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in the 1989 in the $1,500 Seven Card Study event. Judah won his second bracelet at the 1997 in $5,000 Seven Card Study event, defeating Vasilis Lazarou who has also won two WSOP bracelets in seven card stud tournaments. He was also at the final table of the 1997 World Series of Poker main event, won by Stu Ungar, eventually coming in third place, and earning $371,000. He defeated a strong final table that included professional poker players Philosophy Laak, Farzad Bonyadi, Chip Jett, T.J. Cloutier, and Paul Phillips whom he defeated in heads-up play to win the tournament. In January 2009, Judah won the $1,100 Omaha Hi-Lo tournament at the Aussie Millions in Melbourne Australia.