Cory Carroll

Born on February 25 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Cory Carroll grew up in Canada before establishing himself as a professional poker player. His early career was shaped by online poker, where he competed under the screen name "UGOTPZD" on PokerStars. Carroll made at least two final tables in the prestigious Sunday Million, a $215 buy-in tournament with a $1 million guaranteed prize pool. On October 15, 2006, he finished third in the Sunday Million, earning $55,289.86. Just a month later, on November 5, 2006, he went one step further, finishing as the runner-up and collecting $119,091. These online results demonstrated his skill in large-field tournaments and laid the groundwork for his transition to live play.

Carroll's first World Series of Poker (WSOP) cash came in 2007 when he entered the $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Main Event. Out of a massive field of 6,358 players, he finished in 91st place, earning $67,535. That same year, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the WSOP Circuit Championship Event at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The $5,000 buy-in tournament attracted 336 entries, creating a prize pool of $1,629,600. Carroll outlasted a tough final table that included Justin Pechie, Eric Davis, Vasile Buboi, Paul Kitsos, David "The Dragon" Pham, Steve Wong, Michelle Law, and Chad Brown. In the final hand, Carroll moved all-in with A♥J♣ and was called by Pechie, who held a weaker hand. The board ran out favorably for Carroll, eliminating Pechie in second place and securing Carroll the title, a $506,176 first-place prize, and a WSOP Circuit Championship Ring. This victory remains one of the highlights of his career.

Carroll's World Poker Tour (WPT) resume is equally impressive, featuring two final table appearances in WPT Championship events. During the sixth season of the WPT, he finished as the runner-up to Jonathan Little in the Mirage Poker Showdown, earning $561,369. This deep run showcased his ability to compete against the best players in the world.

In 2008, Carroll reached the final table of the Five-Star World Poker Classic, a $25,500 buy-in event that served as the WPT Championship. He entered the final table second in chips, trailing only Gus Hansen. In a pivotal hand, Carroll held A♦J♠ while Hansen held 7♦5♦. The flop came Q♣J♦6♦, giving Carroll a pair of jacks and Hansen a flush draw. Hansen, holding the chip lead, moved all-in. After careful consideration, Carroll called, putting his tournament life at stake. He was ahead at that point, but the turn brought the Q♥, and the river delivered the 3♦, completing Hansen's flush and eliminating Carroll in fourth place. The hand earned Carroll $593,645 and left Hansen exclaiming, "Insanity prevails, insanity prevails," a moment captured by the television microphones. This dramatic exit was a bitter pill, but it solidified Carroll's reputation as a fearless competitor.

Carroll is often described as a solid, patient player who relies on fundamental poker principles. His style is characterized by tight-aggressive play, emphasizing position and selective hand selection. He is known for his ability to read opponents and make well-timed value bets, as well as his composure under pressure. His success in both online and live tournaments suggests a versatile skill set, capable of adapting to different formats and field sizes. While he may not be as flashy as some of his peers, his consistent results speak to a disciplined approach to the game.

As of 2008, Carroll's total live tournament winnings exceeded $1.8 million, a testament to his skill and longevity in the game. While his most notable achievements came in the mid-2000s, his impact on the poker community remains. He is remembered for his deep runs in major events and his ability to compete at the highest levels. His online alias "UGOTPZD" is still recognized by poker enthusiasts, and his WSOP Circuit victory and two WPT Championship final tables are enduring highlights. Carroll's career serves as an example of how a strong online foundation can translate into live tournament success, and his story continues to inspire aspiring poker players.

• 2006 Sunday Million (October 15): 3rd place, $55,289.86
• 2006 Sunday Million (November 5): 2nd place, $119,091
• 2007 WSOP Main Event: 91st place, $67,535
• 2007 WSOP Circuit Event at Caesars Palace: 1st place, $506,176
• WPT Mirage Poker Showdown (Season 6): 2nd place, $561,369
• 2008 WPT Championship: 4th place, $593,645