Chris Bell

Chris Bell (born July 26, 1971, in St. Pauls, North Carolina) is an American professional poker player based in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has amassed over $3.2 million in live tournament winnings and earned a reputation as a versatile and aggressive competitor on both the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and World Poker Tour (WPT).

Bell's early tournament success came on the World Poker Tour. In 2005, he finished third at the WPT Mirage Poker Showdown, earning a significant payout. He followed up with a fifth-place finish at the 2006 WPT Borgata Poker Open ($314,280) and a fourth-place result at the WPT Hollywood Poker Open ($124,966). He also finished ninth at the 2003 Borgata Poker Open, just missing another final table.

Bell's first WSOP final table came in 2007, finishing fifth in the $2,500 Omaha/Seven-Card Stud Hi-Low-8 or Better event for $39,109. In 2008, he nearly won a bracelet, finishing runner-up to Davidi Kitai in the $2,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em event ($155,806). That same year, he placed sixth in the $10,000 World Championship Pot-Limit Hold'em ($157,168). His crowning achievement came in 2010 when he won his first WSOP bracelet in the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better event, defeating Dan Shak heads-up and earning $327,040. The final table included poker legends Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott (3rd), Erik Seidel (5th), Rob Hollink (7th), and Perry Green (8th).

Bell is known for an aggressive pre-flop approach, frequently raising and re-raising from position. He applies constant pressure with continuation bets and well-timed bluffs, while also displaying strong hand-reading skills. His ability to adjust his strategy based on opponents—tightening against aggressive players and exploiting passive ones—has been a key factor in his long-term success.

As of 2023, Bell's live tournament winnings exceed $3,200,000, with over 95 recorded cashes. He is regarded as a skilled all-around player, having succeeded in both limit and no-limit hold'em as well as Omaha variants. Despite not being a mainstream celebrity, his consistent deep runs and bracelet win have earned him respect among peers.

Bell resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, and occasionally shares insights on poker forums. He maintains a relatively low profile, focusing on his game and family.