Mel Judah

Biography

Mel Judah picked up poker by watching his father play five-card draw at the age of 14. Through the teachings of his father, Mel was able to learn the insides and outs of poker to become a very skillful player. Poker took a back seat when Mel decided to move from his home country of India to Australia. His move was to pursue a career in hairdressing. From there, he moved to England and became a well-known stylist, evening opening up his own salon. Soon enough during the 1970s, Judah would pick up poker once again and this time there was no looking back.

In 1989, Judah traveled to Las Vegas and played in the WSOP. He came away with his first bracelet in the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event and over $130,000 in winnings. The following year, Mel cashed in three more WSOP events and won over $140,000. Many more results followed over the years, including a two nice wins at the Diamond Jim Brady tournament in L.A.

In 1997, Judah was able to make another big mark at the WSOP. He final tabled three events. One of the events, the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud event, Judah won and wrapped his second gold bracelet around his wrist. He also placed third in the Main Event for more then $370,000 behind John Strzemp and Stu Ungar.

A few years down the road, Judah had another great year. In 2003, he cashed three times at the WSOP and came ever so close to winning another bracelet after finishing second in the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud event. A few months later, Judah had his largest score to date after he won the 2003 Legends of Poker and $579,375. He also closed out the year in December with another six-figure score from a sixth-place finish at the Five-Diamond World Poker Classic.

Among events in the U.S., Judah has cashed all over the world. He placed fourth in the Sky Sports Poker Million V for $150,000 and cashed in events in Australia, Austria, Dublin, London, and Singapore.

Judah is known as one of the most patient and tight players on the circuit, but doesn’t mind his image. He has over $3 million in tournament earnings and currently resides in London, England.