Victor ‘Isildur1’ Blom

The poker icon of recklessness and bravery: battling the strongest players at the highest limits in the most aggressive style

In 2009, unknown player Isildur1 took on some of the biggest names in online poker at Full Tilt Poker, challenging top online pros Phil Ivey, Patrick Antonius and Tom Dwan. The results of the newcomer were astounding: he managed to win several million dollars from Dwan.

Isildur1 was known for his aggressive and fearless play, and his results resembled a rollercoaster ride: he could win a million dollars one day and lose two the next. This has earned him many supporters and detractors: some see him as an incurable loser, others as a talented player who has taken poker to a new level.

Although his biggest successes and failures have been at the cash tables, Blom is also a tournament champion. He has already won the Super High Roller at the 2012 PCA, the 2013 SCOOP Main Event and the 2018 partypoker MILLIONS Germany in Rosewood. Each of the prizes exceeded a million dollars.

Blom was involved in one of the biggest pots in online poker history when he and Antonius played for $1,356,946.50 in pot-limit Omaha in 2009. The win went to Victor's opponent, and the record has yet to be broken. Bloom was only 19 years old at the time of the hand.

Famous quotes

I never read books or watched instructional videos. I learned while playing with the best: when you play with them, you learn to do what they do, mix it with your own style and grow faster.

I've just always loved the game, so I can easily spend a lot of time thinking about it. It helps to think through situations where I might not have played my best and reflect on what I can do better next time.