Things you might not know:
- Elezra once served three weeks in prison for refusing to follow orders to join the Israeli air force when he wanted to serve in the elite Golani Brigade.
- Elezra eventually became a lieutenant in the Golani Brigade.
- Elezra learned poker when he became incapacitated with a leg injury while serving during the 1982 Lebanon War.
- After recovering and his discharge from the military, Elezra headed to Alaska and the rumored big paydays for working there. The work was tough and dirty, and Elezra eneded up driving a cab and later purchasing a convenience store.
- Elezra landed on the strip in 1988, inspired by his brother's trip indicating that there were plenty of business opportunities.
- Elezra purchased a small film-processing business next to the Stardust casino.
- Elezra continued to move up the poker cash games levels until the late 1990's where he was playing against the best in the world, Doyle Brunson and Chip Reese in Bobby's Room at the Bellagio.
- Elezra got his first taste of tournament success in 2001 when he made the final table, finishing 6th in a $2k WSOP event.
- Elezra continued to purchased retail shops, eventually having over 20, and owning the popular night club Seven.
- Elezra collected more money from a side-bet with Barry Greenstein that he would win a bracelet in 2007, than he did for winning the actual event ($250k vs. $198k).
- Elezra has five children by his long time spouse, Hila.
- Elezra prioritizes his family, driving them to school each day and having a family meal after school.
Eli "any two cards" Elezra has developed the reputation in televised cash games of being an action player. Combined with his ability to appear calm and friendly in tough and stressful high stakes cash games, Elezra has profited millions over the years. Some have speculated that his willingness to gamble is due to his significant wealth outside of poker and the limited time he has to give to the game. He enjoys playing all the various games, including Chinese and props with his high stakes buddies.
Elezra videos of full house against Phil Galfond, good call down against Gus Hansen and interview during a WSOP tournament:
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