Israeli native and former commando Eli Elezra apparently takes to heart the wisdom that is offered to anyone who partakes in a risky occupation, whether it's writing novels, starting a singing career, or playing cards: "Don't quit your day job".
Even though he has won first place in the 2004 Mirage Poker Showdown (World Poker Tour) and collected $1 million, and even though he has finished in other WPT events in the top ranks on several occasions, and even though he has placed in the top 10 in many World Series of Poker events, he still spends his daylight hours at an office, managing his 20-plus quick-turnaround photo shops and other stores that he owns on the Vegas Strip. He's also a part-owner in a construction company. Then he goes to his home in Henderson, Nevada, eats with his wife and five children, and puts the children to bed. And, five days a week, like a man who has a side job, he then heads to poker room. Of course, it's not entirely like being a night watchman. "Some people like golf," he says. "I just love poker". Known as a very aggressive player, Elezra has also done well in other tournaments. He finished first in the 2005 Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament Season 2 at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, in a heat that included Todd Brunson, Kathy Liebert and Chris Moneymaker. He also finished first in the 2003 Triple Draw Lowball at the Bellagio Special Poker Events, and first in the 2004 Heads-Up Limit Holdem Tournament. In fact, The Hendon Mob Poker Database ranks him as 22nd on the 2004 "Top 100" Money List, which is certainly a worthy achievement.
