Tony Bloom Flies Seagulls into Premiership

Thanks to Tony “The Lizard” Bloom, Brighton & Hove Albion FC have now gained promotion to the Premier League, where next season they will do battle against such iconic football teams as Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Bloom took over chairmanship of Brighton back in 2009, and has since poured £250 million of his own money into the club, including spending £93 million on a new stadium, ensuring the “Seagulls” return to the top league for the first time since they spent a brief stint in the old First Division from 1979-83.  The club’s accomplishment is even more remarkable when one considers that back in 1997 Brighton was in danger of dropping out of the English Football League system altogether, and commenting on the incredible turnaround, Bloom said:
“What would the future have held if we were in the Conference without a ground?” Words can’t describe what Chris and all the players have done this season. The teamwork, the camaraderie … it really is fantastic.”
Many poker fans will recognize Tony Bloom from his exploits at the tables, with the 47 year-old having amassed $3,525,161 playing live tournaments. Bloom’s biggest score came in 2011 after finishing runner-up at the A$100,500 Aussie Millions Poker Championship for A$975,000 ($964,296), and last year, “The Lizard” also entered the $1 million buy-in Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza.
It is not just the game of poker in which Bloom excels, though, with the maths whiz having amassed his considerable wealth from the gambling industry in general. As an extract from a businessinsider article on him explains:
“Bloom, a veteran gambler who owns Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, made millions setting up an online bookmaker and poker websites in the 2000s, and his net worth — which is a mystery — is estimated by some to run into the billions.”
Bloom’s Midas touch has now helped Brighton & Hove Albion FC progress to the big league in a move which is estimated to be worth £170 million for their first season, and then £290 million by season 2. Nevertheless, it is Bloom’s love for the game and club which has ultimately ensured Brighton reaching the pinnacle of England’s soccer league.