Poker Player and UFC Fighter Elias Theodorou Dies Shocking Death at 34

UFC fighter and poker player Elias Theodorou has died a shocking death at the age of  only 34 following a long battle with liver cancer. The Canadian mixed martial artist was a world-class fighter and built a profile in the poker community by teaming up with GGPoker to raise money during the Covid-19 pandemic.

GGPoker Ambassadro Elias Theodorou Dead at 34

In memory of Elias Theodorou. pic.twitter.com/2qojUOzJaG

— UFC (@ufc) September 12, 2022

In March 2020,

He also picked up a sponsorship deal with GGPoker during the pandemic after showing himself to be a more than capable player at the tables.

Last year, Theodorou vlogged his poker exploits in a YouTube series called “Glvoes and Shoves” with fellow GGPoker player Patrick Tardif.

This included a trip to the bright lights of Las Vegas where the fighter played in his first live poker events.

A Trailblazer and a Gentleman

During his short time in the poker community, Elias Theodorou became a much-loved character in the game.

In contrast to his many colleagues who battle in the ring or octagon, he was seen as a gentleman and pleasant to be around.

Twitch Poker streamer Lukas “RobinPoker” Robinson tweeted that it was an honour to have met the man.

It was more than an honour to meet this legend last year. Taken away from the world far too young. Rest in peace❤️ #FuckCancer pic.twitter.com/sViVmArTZz

— Robin Poker (@RobinPoker_) September 12, 2022

Many other tributes from the poker and MMA community have rung out over the last couple of days since the tragic news was announced.

With a UFC record of 8-3, Theodorou was no journeyman and was full of determination to achieve his goals. We wonder just what kind of a poker player he might have become if he fallen in love with our game before taking up fighting.

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Andrew Burnett

Professional Poker Journalist

An avid poker player, he dreams of one day playing the WSOP Main Event and has promised himself he will fold aces and kings if he gets them on the first hand to avoid front-page headlines. [more]