A centenarian with a lifelong passion for poker has made history as the world’s oldest paid professional player. Ivor Parker, who started playing poker at the age of 14 in 1940, has accumulated 86 years of experience at the card tables.
Emphasizing the importance of traits like patience, resilience, strategy, and a competitive spirit, Ivor believes that poker is a game where skills and decision-making abilities remain crucial regardless of age. Recently, he signed on as a full-time ambassador for GGPoker and commenced his new role at a VIP event with Grosvenor Casinos preceding the Goliath 2026 poker tournament.
Reflecting on his journey in poker, Ivor expressed his enduring love for the game, stating that every hand played offers unique experiences and continual learning opportunities. Despite his dedication to poker, Ivor also had a career as a production operative until the age of 98, balancing his passion with work responsibilities.
Acknowledging the evolution of poker over the years towards a more strategic gameplay with talented players, Ivor feels grateful for the mental sharpness that poker has helped him maintain. Leah Hauer, a brand ambassador for GGPoker, praised Ivor’s qualities of patience, discipline, and decision-making, highlighting the valuable lessons one can learn from sharing the poker table with him.
Angela Martin, GGPoker’s head of marketing, commended Ivor’s embodiment of the values inherent in poker, emphasizing the game’s role in fostering connections, personal growth, and intellectual challenges. As the Goliath tournament draws near, set to host over 6,000 players at Grosvenor Casino Coventry, the excitement for live poker in the city is palpable.