Throughout the world of professional gambling, certain names stand out not just for skill, but for the colorful and quirky nicknames that have defined these players’ personas. Here’s a look at five professional gamblers who have mildly amusing names—and the stories behind them.
1. Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott:
Dave Ulliott, a poker legend from Hull, England, gained the nickname “Devilfish” from a particular poker hand that put him on the radar. During a high-stakes poker game in Las Vegas, he found himself in a heads-up battle with another player holding “The Devil’s Hand”—a pair of aces and eights. Ulliott bluffed his way to a win and someone at the table quipped, “He’s like a devilfish!” referring to a sea creature known for its predatory nature. The name stuck, and Ulliott soon became known as “Devilfish” in poker circles worldwide, even getting a custom belt buckle with a devilfish insignia.
2. Stu “The Kid” Ungar:
Though not a humorous name in itself, “The Kid” nickname for Stu Ungar had an amusing twist. Ungar, an incredibly talented card player, was given this moniker not only because he entered the poker scene as a fresh-faced teenager but because he often looked significantly younger than his actual age. Despite being in his twenties and thirties, Ungar had a boyish charm and a skinny frame that made people think he was still just a kid. His impressive wins against seasoned players further solidified the name, as he often showed up older players with youthful energy, keeping them on their toes.
3. “Amarillo Slim” Preston:
Thomas Austin Preston Jr., better known as “Amarillo Slim,” got his name in a way that matched his tall, lanky appearance and southern charm. Hailing from Amarillo, Texas, Preston was known for his slim build and cowboy demeanor, which made him look like a character straight out of a Western. His friends started calling him “Slim” and eventually “Amarillo Slim,” encapsulating his roots and unique appearance. Slim’s name perfectly suited his personality as he became famous not only for his poker skills but also for his love of outrageous bets and tall tales.
4. Phil “The Unabomber” Laak:
Phil Laak is known as “The Unabomber” not for anything menacing, but rather because of his unusual poker attire. Laak was notorious for showing up to poker tournaments wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses, giving him a mysterious, almost incognito look. One night, another player jokingly noted that he looked like “the Unabomber,” referring to the notorious criminal’s infamous disguise. The name stuck, adding a touch of humor to his otherwise intimidating poker table presence. Today, Laak is one of the most recognizable faces in poker thanks to his unique nickname and quirky style.
5. Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson:
The legendary Doyle Brunson, known as “Texas Dolly,” actually owes his nickname to a mix-up. When Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder introduced Brunson during a poker event, he accidentally mispronounced “Texas Doyle” as “Texas Dolly.” The error was amusing enough that people picked up on it, and before long, “Texas Dolly” became Brunson’s official nickname. Brunson embraced the name, and it became synonymous with his legendary status in poker, giving a playful twist to his serious poker reputation.
These gamblers’ quirky names, often based on funny incidents or ironic observations, highlight the lighthearted side of a competitive, high-stakes world. Behind every win, loss, and poker face, these personalities brought color to the game, making their nicknames an unforgettable part of gambling folklore.
Photo: Freepik
