Poker Player - Liz ‘The Poker Diva’ Lieu
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Liz Lieu is a professional poker player best known for competing on the World Series of Poker and for her glamorous public image. Liz made her debut in the world of tournament poker during the 2005 WSOP in Las Vegas, although she was a ‘new face’ she certainly made a big impact. Although fairly new to the WSOP she has been playing poker for over 12 years now and her career and reputation continue to grow.
Born August 2nd 1974 in Vietnam and raised in Colorado, Liz Lieu learned how to play poker at the age of 18 when she helped a friend start a home game which included both Chinese tiles and poker. Liz dealt, she ran the games and played in them. Feeling as though this was her calling she began to visit a few casinos to practise her skills. After working as a dealer for some time she gained a valuable amount of experience and knowledge by watching other players and began playing herself, starting off with Chinese poker and eventually moving on to Texas Hold ‘em.
In 2001, Liz Lieu, like many other poker players before her, decided to play professionally as a means of financial support and care for both her parents as well as herself. She made her competitive debut at the 2005 World Series of Poker where she took 5th place in the 1st public event of the series winning $169,500 – her biggest win to date. Liz spent the latter part of 2005 following the tournament circuit finishing in the money in eight more events. Although she prefers to play Texas Hold em she has had success in other games too and will gladly join any live game if the stakes are right. Her total winnings to date exceed $404,895.
Affectionately nicknamed “The Poker Diva” because of her classy style – her blonde streaks, manicured nails and expensive taste in clothing - and confident play, Liz Lieu is also known for her aggressive style of play, even her best friend – fellow pro poker player John Phan, often refers to her as beauty and the beast!
Liz Lieu currently resides in Los Angeles, California and can usually be found at the Bellagio Casino – one of her favourite places to play. Away from the table Liz spends her time with family and friends enjoying the simple things in life – shopping, dancing, and relaxing.
Liz is single and as such has the time to invest sitting for hours at a poker table, sharpening her skills. She cautions those tempted by the glamour of the professional poker life shown on television that it can be a hard road. The time at the table can take its toll, costing a person a bit of health, looks, and premature ageing in addition to their bankroll!
If you happen to sit in on a side game at the Bellagio and want to avoid risking your chips to this poker beauty, stay away from the $60-180 stakes games because that is where you will find her.
Like any true professional in any field, Liz Lieu learns from each experience, each game she plays, and is driven by healthy ambition. Keep an eye on this beautiful rising star and don’t be surprised if she is wearing a WSOP bracelet next time you see her.
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