She was indoctrinated into the game at an early age by her family who played Cuban Poker every Sunday night and was finally allowed into the game at the age of sixteen.



Many poker stars have a family story to tell about their attachment to the game and Lily Elviro has a good one. It seems that her pregnant mother was playing casino poker and had to practically be pulled away from the game to give birth to her daughter Lily. An interesting and auspicious start to Lily's poker career!

South Florida is home to several Indian casinos and it was on frequent casino visits with her family that she became acquainted with Texas Hold'em Poker. Instead of completing high school, Lily became a dealer at the Miccosukee Resort and Gamily facility on the outskirts of Miami. She then entered the corporate world and spent a few years as a secretary but realized dealing cards paid more than office work.

Her next endeavor was back to dealing. This time, she worked for the Seminole Casino in Hollywood, Florida where she now makes her home. Lily Elviro hooked up with Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, another dealer at the casino. Lily states that she learned a great deal about Texas Hold'em Poker by watching Michael in action and finds that using his techniques are helpful in her game.

Lily Elviro's poker wins and history:

- Second place to celebrity poker star Jennifer Tilly in World Poker Tour Ladies Night Out III event.

- Fifth place in WSOP Circuit Event at Lake Tahoe in April 2005 - $1,500 Buy-in No Limit Game.

- Twelfth place finish in Mirage Poker Showdown's No Limit Texas Hold'em Satellite $1,500 Buy-in.

- Lily's first Texas Hold'em Tournament win was at the World Poker Challenge in 2005 - $5,100 Buy-in No Limit Championship game where she came in 27th place winning one-third of her total earnings for the year.

"Odd Jack", who is known for his list of the "Top Ten Sexiest Women in Tennis" has now compiled his list of the "Top Ten Sexiest Women in Poker". According to Odd Jack, our Lily Elviro (also known as "Mrs. Grinder") is in the number eight spot! Michael Mizrachi might choose to dispute Jack on that designation.

Michael and the lovely Lily have an adorable little boy, are engaged and plan to marry in the Spring. For several months, the three of them went on tour across the country. Lily's mother went along with them to help care for the baby while Michael played and Lily cheered him on.

Lily Elviro is now spending a bit more time at home with their son in Hollywood, Florida and is not traveling with Michael quite as often. She does play online though as often as time permits.