Lee Nelson

by Ben Blaschke
05 December 2007

Having played the game since age five, he has earned the nickname “Final Table” thanks to his remarkable ability to continually progress deep into major tournaments. He boasts nearly 50 final table appearances to his name which equates to 1 final table in every 3 major tournaments he plays.
Among his tournament successes are the 2005 World Open in England where he took home the $400,000 first prize, but by far his biggest win was the 2006 Aussie Millions.
Nelson beat out an impressive field of 417 – including a number of the world’s top professionals – to claim $1.3 million and clearly etch his name in poker folklore.
Renowned for his super-aggressive style, he actually made five final tables during the Aussie Millions carnival that year, having already won the Speed Pot Limit/No Limit and Seven Card Stud tournaments 12 months earlier.
Now a member of TeamPokerstars.net, Nelson has since added a number of strings to his bow.
Two years ago he co-authored a book with Blair Rodman titled “Kill Phil: The Fast Track to Success in No-Limit Hold'em Poker Tournaments” and is about to release a sequel called “Kill Everyone”.
He also co-hosted the Australian and New Zealand versions of the TV show Joker Poker, in which comedians and celebrities battled it out at the table.
When taking time out from poker, Nelson enjoys meditating, weight-training, walking, and swimming.