A lifelong poker player has become the world's oldest paid professional at the age of 100. Ivor Parker, from Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire, has spent his life playing the game after first picking up a set of cards when he was just 14 years old.
He played his first hand in a pub in Boston, Lincolnshire in 1940, giving him 86 years' worth of experience on the tables. Over the years, he has built his knowledge of the game, claiming every successful player needs patience, resilience, strategy and a love of competition.
New role as ambassador
Parker has been signed by GGPoker as a full-time ambassador, and is kicking off his tenure at a VIP event with Grosvenor Casinos on the eve of the Goliath 2026.
He said: “I've loved poker for as long as I can remember. I loved the game straight away and I've never really looked back. I've played poker all over the world, especially during the war. Every game is different, every table has its own stories and you're always learning something new.”
Career and longevity
Alongside his love of poker, Ivor – who has been married twice and has five children – worked as a production operative for East Midlands Farmer until he was 98 years old. His signing celebrates a century of passion, demonstrating how the game continues to inspire players at every stage of life.
“Poker today is so different to when I started,” Ivor added. “It's so much more strategic now and there are so many brilliant players, especially here today. If I think about it, I've played poker with hundreds of people, some of them my really good friends, who sadly have all gone now. I think poker has kept me sharp and I'm thankful for that.”
Reactions from others
Leah Hauer, another ambassador for the brand, said: “Poker rewards patience, discipline and good decision-making, and those are qualities that anyone can develop. Sharing the table with Ivor has been incredibly inspiring, and it shows exactly why Poker is such a unique game, there's always something to learn from the people sitting around you.”
Angela Martin, a spokesperson for UK & Ireland at GGPoker, said: “Poker has always been about much more than cards. It's about bringing people together, continually learning and challenging yourself. Ivor perfectly embodies everything we love about the game, and we're incredibly proud to welcome him to Team GGPoker as we head into Goliath.”
