Christopher Bell

Christopher Bell was born on July 26, 1971, in St. Pauls, North Carolina, and later became a professional poker player based in Raleigh, North Carolina. He first emerged on the national tournament scene in the early 2000s, with his earliest notable deep run coming at the 2003 Borgata Poker Open, where he finished ninth in the WPT Championship Event, just one spot short of the final table. Over the following two decades, Bell established himself as a consistent live-tournament competitor. As of 2023, his total live tournament winnings exceeded $3.2 million, and his career total now stands at $3,295,935, with a best live cash of $358,295 and a ranking of 882nd on the all-time money list.

Bell's World Series of Poker résumé includes one bracelet, four final tables, and 14 WSOP money finishes, though he has never cashed in the WSOP Main Event. His first WSOP final-table cash came in 2007, when he finished fifth in the $2,500 Omaha/Seven-Card Stud Hi-Low-8 or Better event for $39,109. In 2008, he reached two WSOP final tables: he was runner-up to Davidi Kitai in the $2,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em event, earning $155,806, and he finished sixth in the $10,000 World Championship Pot-Limit Hold'em event, collecting $157,168.

2010: Bracelet Victory

Bell won his first and only WSOP bracelet in 2010 at Event 46, the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better tournament. He defeated Dan Shak in heads-up play to secure the title and the $327,040 first-place prize. The final table was packed with accomplished professionals: English pro Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott finished third, Erik Seidel finished fifth, Rob Hollink finished seventh, and Perry Green finished eighth. The victory cemented Bell's reputation as a formidable mixed-game player.

WSOP Circuit Title

In December 2010, Bell added a WSOP Circuit title to his résumé by winning the $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Regional Championship in Atlantic City. That victory paid $358,295, the largest single tournament cash of his career.

Bell made three World Poker Tour final tables during his career, though he never captured a WPT title. His first came at the WPT 2005 Mirage Poker Showdown, where he finished third behind winner Gavin Smith and runner-up Ted Forrest. He then finished fifth in the WPT 2006 Borgata Poker Open, earning $314,280, and fourth at the WPT Hollywood Poker Open, earning $124,966. Bell also narrowly missed another WPT final table when he finished ninth at the 2003 Borgata Poker Open. In total, he recorded 13 WPT money finishes.

• 2010 WSOP $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better: 1st place, $327,040 (bracelet)
• 2010 WSOP Circuit $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Regional Championship, Atlantic City: 1st place, $358,295
• 2008 WSOP $2,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em: 2nd place, $155,806
• 2008 WSOP $10,000 World Championship Pot-Limit Hold'em: 6th place, $157,168
• 2007 WSOP $2,500 Omaha/Seven-Card Stud Hi-Low-8 or Better: 5th place, $39,109
• WPT 2006 Borgata Poker Open: 5th place, $314,280
• WPT Hollywood Poker Open: 4th place, $124,966
• WPT 2005 Mirage Poker Showdown: 3rd place
• 2003 Borgata Poker Open: 9th place

Bell is remembered as a versatile tournament specialist who found success across a wide range of poker disciplines, including pot-limit Omaha hi-lo, stud hi-lo, pot-limit hold'em, and no-limit hold'em. With four WSOP final tables, three WPT final tables, and more than $3.29 million in live earnings, he stands as one of North Carolina's most accomplished poker players. His 2010 calendar year, which included both a WSOP bracelet and a WSOP Circuit regional championship, remains the defining stretch of his career.