Andy Black

Andy Black has had many accomplishments throughout his long poker career, but it’s worth starting with the most basic information about him:

Player Biography

Andy Black, born on July 20, 1965, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a renowned professional poker player. Known for his unique moniker “The Monk,” Black has carved a niche for himself in the poker world with his strategic play and remarkable perseverance. He currently resides in Dublin, Ireland, and has been an active figure in the poker community since the early 1990s. Black’s journey from a casual player to one of the top poker players in the world is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.

Black’s poker career began during his college years, when he discovered his love for the game. He frequently participated in local poker games and quickly developed a reputation for his analytical skills and competitive nature. His interest in poker grew alongside his academic pursuits, leading him to take a hiatus from his law studies to focus on professional poker.

Despite facing ups and downs, including a break from poker to focus on personal development and spirituality, Black returned stronger and more focused. His nickname, “The Monk,” stems from his time spent in a Buddhist monastery, which greatly influenced his approach to life and poker. This period of introspection and growth played a crucial role in shaping his poker career.

Poker Career

Andy Black, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, began playing poker seriously in 1986 while studying law at Trinity College, Dublin. His early career saw modest successes, including a 14th place finish at the 1997 WSOP Main Event. However, after a disappointing result in the 1998 WSOP, Black took a significant break from poker to focus on personal development and spirituality. He spent several years living in a semi-monastic Buddhist environment, which greatly influenced his approach to both life and poker.

Black returned to professional poker in 2004 with renewed focus and quickly made a mark by securing several top finishes in major tournaments. His breakout moment came in 2005 when he placed fifth in the WSOP Main Event, earning $1.75 million. This win was a turning point in his career, establishing him as a formidable player on the international poker scene. Following this success, Black continued to perform well in various tournaments, including the European Poker Tour and numerous Irish events.

Throughout his career, Black has maintained a consistent presence in the poker world, amassing total live tournament winnings exceeding $4 million. His journey reflects a blend of strategic acumen and personal growth, underscored by significant wins and consistent performances across numerous prestigious events. Despite facing the typical ups and downs of a professional poker career, Black’s dedication and resilience have solidified his reputation as one of the most respected figures in the game.

Top Five Career Cashes

Among all the events that Andy Black has played, there are 5 that put him on the list of the richest poker player born in Ireland.

Andy Black Socials

If you wanted to follow Andy’s continued poker successes on Twitter or life events on Instagram, luck is not on your side. Unfortunately, Andy Black doesn’t keep a public presence via socials. Therefore, all of his online appearances are poker tournament broadcasts.