Poker News

Isildur 1 was revealed to be Swedish pro Viktor Blom this weekend as the worst kept secret in poker was finally confirmed.

The 20-year-old, who famously won, then lost, then won back millions playing online was 'outed' by Pokerstars at their Carribean Adventure tournament in the Bahamas.

A huge mystery had surrounded the identity of Isildur 1 after he took part in all ten of the largest pots in online poker history last year.

But Pokerstars, who signed the young pro recently, decided to go public after his identity was widely leaked.

Blom said he had remained as Isildur1, keeping his true identity secret, because he had no desire for fame or attention.

He said: "There was no reason for me to talk to the media.

"In the beginning, it [playing poker] was just for fun.

"But when I was 18 I deposited $2,000 and within three weeks I had two million."

Isildur1 first appeared at Full Tilt Poker on September 16, 2009 and remained largely unnoticed until November when he began playing well known professionals such as Tom Dwan, Phil Ivey, Brian Townsend, Cole South, and Patrik Antonius at stakes as high as $500/$1000.

He reached a career peak in November with $5.98 million in earnings on Full Tilt after taking $1.6 million from Patrik Antonius - but only after he had lost almost all of his bankroll along the way.

"I had some rough days," he added with a wry grin.

"But I'm not worried. I know I can always win money."

Asked why he had agreed to go public now, and whether his decision showed he was flashy after all, Blom added: "It just felt like the right time.

"I am confident, but I don't think I'm arrogant."

The young Swede also admitted he still has much to lean in online poker.

"I need to learn to be more patient. I need to learn to let go of some more hands," he said.

"I want to have some good live results, maybe win an EPT."