Eric Seidel: The Poker Legend's Journey from Backgammon to Hollywood

Eric Seidel, a renowned poker player, recently shared his journey from backgammon to Hollywood. His career began with a memorable loss to Johnny Chen in a heads-up match at the 1988 WSOP Main Event.

Seidel's introduction to competitive gaming started with backgammon. Inspired by a visit to a club called Chess City, he quickly became engrossed in the game. He met and befriended Fran Goldfarb, a renowned female backgammon player, at a gaming club. This friendship opened doors to playing with stronger opponents, including Pol Magril, a cult figure in the backgammon community.

Seidel's mother supported his gaming activities, while his father initially opposed them. However, his father's view changed over time as Seidel became successful in poker. Seidel's journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for gaming, which has led him to become one of the most successful poker players in history.