Dave Ulliott (4 April 1954 – 6 April 2015) was an English professional gambler and poker player widely known by his nickname Devilfish. Rising from a difficult youth in Hull to international recognition, he became a familiar face in both live cash games and tournaments and helped popularize poker in the United Kingdom through frequent television appearances.
Background and early life
Ulliott grew up in Kingston upon Hull and for a time was associated with elements of the local underworld, a period that preceded his move into full-time gambling and poker. Over the years he turned his experience in clubs and informal games into a professional career, traveling to international events while maintaining strong ties to his home city. His life story — from working-class roots to the high-stakes felt — became part of his public persona.
Career and achievements
On the tournament circuit Ulliott achieved notable success, including winning a World Series of Poker bracelet and making deep runs in major international events. He also appeared regularly in televised events and poker shows, becoming one of the best-known British players of his generation. His visibility helped raise the profile of poker in the UK and Europe during the 1990s and 2000s. He was often featured in broadcasts and magazines covering the game and its personalities, and remained active in cash games as well as tournaments.
Style, image and table presence
Ulliott cultivated a striking image: orange-tinted sunglasses, sharp suits or leather jackets, and distinctive gold knuckleduster-style rings engraved "Devil" and "Fish" that he reportedly made himself. At the table he was known for an aggressive, competitive playing style, strong psychological tactics and a readiness to engage opponents. This combination of looks and demeanor made him a natural fit for televised poker and a memorable presence in live rooms.
Legacy and cultural impact
Dave Ulliott remains a prominent figure in British poker history. Players and fans remember him for his colorful personality, his success on the felt, and his role in bringing poker into mainstream British entertainment. He influenced a generation of UK players and is often cited when discussing the rise of televised poker in Europe. Tributes from peers and commentators emphasized both his skill and his larger-than-life persona.
Notable aspects:
- Professional gambler and long-time poker professional
- Winner of a World Series of Poker bracelet and frequent tournament contender
- Regular on televised poker and UK poker programming
- Recognizable look: orange glasses, rings and tailored clothing (suits or leather jackets)
- Origins linked to the Hull underworld during his early years
Ulliott lived much of his life in Kingston upon Hull. He died on 6 April 2015 after a battle with colon cancer, and his passing was widely noted across the poker community and sports media. For further reading on his life and matches see profiles and retrospectives available through poker archives and broadcast compilations about poker players and historical event coverage Devilfish.