Dave "Devilfish' Ulliott is one of the most successful, formidable, and well-known poker players of our time. Born in working class Hull, in northern England, Ulliott drifted out of education and on to the wrong side of the tracks. Despite, or perhaps because, of sharp mind and natural street smarts he found himself in trouble and had several unhappy brushes with the law. During this time he discovered his talent for poker, a talent which would be his saviour.

By the time he hit his 30s his life was well and truly back on track. He had a successful pawn broking business and was organising regular poker games in the back of his shop.