Peter Eastgate

Peter Eastgate, otherwise known as “Icegate,” was raised near Odense, Denmark on December 13, 1985. He grew up with both parents who supported him in everything he did, and it never really occurred to them that their child would grow up someday to be a millionaire, much less from playing poker. Eastgate caught on to poker like many others, playing with friends while in high school. He played online and after about a year, he started to notice that he was making a small profit. He then decided that he would not continue with his college education, but pursue poker as a full time career.

What Icegate is most known for is his 2008 WSOP Main Event win, where he battled through more than 6,000 players to win the 1st place prize of $9.1 million dollars. It seemed that cards went his way during the tournament as he had his tournament life on the line twice and survived both times. As they started the final table, Eastgate was 4th in chips and although he was younger, he was more experienced than those at the final table were. Once it got down to heads up play against Ivan Demidov, it took over 15 hours and 250 hands to finally determine the winner. As Demidov hit two pair on the turn that completed a wheel for Eastgate and both players got their money in the middle. A short time later, Eastgate was crowned the youngest WSOP Main Event champion ever and was a multi millionaire. After his win, the shock overwhelmed him and he did not know quite how to react. It took a short time for him to realize what had happened.

Prior to his big Main Event win, Eastgate has cashed a few time in the EPT. He made the final table in the 2007 Irish Poker Open for over $46,000 and finished in the money at the EPT at Copenhagen. He has cashed a total of 4 times while earning one bracelet and his total live earnings are in excess of $9.7 million dollars. You will see Peter on GSN’s High Stakes Poker playing some of the biggest names in poker including Tom Dwan, Daniel Negreanu, and Barry Greenstein. Shortly after his win, Eastgate also picked up a sponsorship from PokerStars, as he was one of 6 players from PokerStars at the final table in the Main Event. He now specializes in short handed games at heads up matches.

Although Peter Eastgate won so much money at a young age, he tends to keep a level head. He decided to invest his money verses blowing which definitely shows maturity at such a young age. For the players who wish to follow his example, Peter advises that you should analyze your game and practice intensely. He says to utilize freerolls and poker literature to hone your skills before starting to play with real money and once you started playing for cash, you need to be conservative with your bankroll. A few modest pieces of advice from a modest world champion. Although he may not say very much, he does not have to; his poker accomplishments speak for themselves.