UK-born Sam only narrowly missed out on a promising career in football after a devastating knee injury, but as one door closed another opened – and what a journey he’s been on since.

Sam topped the England all-time money list for an incredible seven years, before focusing predominantly on high stakes cash games. He famously finished runner-up to Antonio Esfandiari in 2012’s inaugural Big One for One Drop for more than $10 million. Not too shabby for second place.

Incredibly, that jaw-dropping win accounts for less than half of Sam’s overall live cashes, with his impressive CV of live tournament wins listing over $20 million in cashes (and counting). His achievements were recognised at the UK’s famous Dusk Till Dawn poker club in 2013 with the unveiling of Trickett Room, a special high-stakes area of the Nottingham venue reserved exclusively for high stakes poker players.

In spite of all his success Sam has not once read a poker strategy book, proving that there’s simply no substitute for natural ability.

To check out Sam’s poker stats click here.