Welsh Poker Pro David Colclough Passes Away at 52

Welsh Poker Pro David Colclough Passes Away at 52
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PokerListings Team Editorial Team
Fact Checked: PokerListings
  • Updated: September 28, 2026
  • Read time: 1 min

Poker pro David Colclough died earlier this week according to various reports from the U.K.

Colclough, known as “El Blondie”, was a pioneer of online poker in the U.K. and helped create Blonde Poker, which went on to become one of the biggest online poker forums on the internet.

Colclouch had been battling cancer. He was just 52 years old.

One of Wales’ All-Time Greats

Originally from Carmarthen, Wales, Colcough was one of the youngest players ever inducted into the European Poker Hall of Fame at just 41 years old.

David Colclough

Over his career Colclough racked up over $2.6 million in live tournament earnings.

He currently sits second overall on the Welsh leaderboard.

Colclough never won a WSOP bracelet but came very close in 2003 when he finished second in a $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha in Las Vegas.

In 2003 Colclough was voted European Player of the Year.

Colclough was also a celebrated online player and battled the likes of Patrik Antonius, Johnny “bad_ip” Lodden and durrrr on the Prima network.

He was also featured prominently on Late Night Poker in the U.K.

Prior to poker, Colcough worked as a programer, which later helped him develop Blonde Poker. Known for his positive disposition he started Blonde Poker with the maxim “Poker with a smile.”