Patrick Poels, or Pat Poels, was born in 1968 in Arizona, USA. As a former software developer, Patrik Poles had never thought the day would come that his career course would lead him straight into the world of professional poker.
The first live poker tournament cash winning for Patrick Poels was the Limit 7 Card Stud tournament in the $300,000 Fall Poker Classic event, on November 2001. He took the second place and mere $1,315. It wasn't such a great winning for a future professional poker player, but Patrick Poels took his time, as if knowing this is only a phase on his way to glory. And so it was, really: After a few weak and slow years in 2002-2004, Patrick Poels struck the world in awe as he won the 7th place in the Mirage Poker Showdown of the WPT in May 2005. A single month later it was hard to miss the name Patrick Poels, after he won the 1st place, $270,100 and a WSOP bracelet in the WSOP Limit Omaha Hi/Lo tournament, on June 6th, 2005.
Before he won the WSOP tournament, many were the people to tell Patrick Poels that he made a mistake by leaving a steady job for the uncertainties of the professional poker world. After all, they said, he has a wife and three children to provide to at home, in Mesa, Arizona. But luckily, Patrick Poels never listened to them and continued his course to poker, fame and fortune.
It took Patrick Poels just one more year to win his second WSOP bracelet. It happened on July 24th, 2006, as he beat his opponents in the WSOP 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo tournament and won the 1st place, the WSOP bracelet and $172,091. On March 13th, 2008, he also became a WPT champion, after winning the No Limit Hold'em Six Handed tournament, along with $7,275.
In addition to being a great professional poker player, Patrick Poels is also known for his gaming style. As many professional poker players become tense, edgy and generally unpleasant as the games go on, Patrick Poels smiles a lot, puts on a pleasant face and seems to enjoy every second of the game, whether winning or losing. Yes, it's a tough career; yes, it takes nerves of steel and a strong spirit to become (and remain) a professional poker player; but this guy sure seems to like what he does and play poker not only for the fame and the fortune he had always dreamed of, but also for fun.
Patrick Poels Quick Facts
Cashes: 33
Total Winnings: $906,853
First place finishes: 4
WSOP bracelets: 2
