Isildur1 Revealed as Viktor Blom
Isildur1 burst onto the online poker scene in October 2009. Since then, we've seen his ups and downs, winning millions and losing millions, but we've yet to confirm the identity of the Swedish phenom. There has been plenty of speculation as to who the man behind the ninja avatar is, but no one knew for sure. In a PokerNews exclusive, we talked to Isildur1 about his massive loss to Brian Hastings, and about playing the high-stakes games on Full Tilt Poker. In December 2010, Isildur1 signed with online poker giant, PokerStars. Now, just a month after signing, the identity of Isildur1 has been revealed.
During dinner break of Day 1a at the 2011 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event, a table was set up in the middle of the room for a special heads-up match between the player revealed as Isildur1 and one other. With a massive crowd gathered around the table in a giant circle four or five heads deep, Team PokerStars Pro Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier walked up to the table and took his seat to play Isildur1. Then just a few minutes later, the player was revealed from behind the black curtain.
A brief announcement was made and the curtain opened up. Out walked the Swedish 20-year-old Viktor Blom from the shadows as the cameras flashed and spectators applauded. Donning the Team Pro Sweden patch on both arms, Blom took his seat opposite ElkY while the cameras rolled. A $50/100 match where each player began with $10,000 and two reloads began with onlookers pushing their stomachs hard against the rail to get as close as they could to the table.
Whether or not Blom was the man you thought behind the mask of Isildur1, it's all out in the open now. Blom is currently taking on ElkY heads up and will also play one online qualifier, who won his seat to play Blom online at PokerStars. Blom was able to field five questions from the media and here they are along with his responses.
Is it a relief to finally reveal your identity?
I think a lot of people have known for a long time who I really am, so it doesn't make a big difference to me. But when I signed for PokerStars I felt like it was the right time to reveal my identity.
What unique qualities will you bring to Team PokerStars Pro?
I think I am the best online heads-up no-limit hold'em player in the world but I'm looking forward to learning a lot from the other Team Pros and helping them with their games too.
How will this unveiling affect your future action?
I will now be playing lots of EPT events and I really want to focus and win one in 2011. I also think I'll have some great SuperStar Showdown matches at PokerStars.com now that people know who I really am.
Who do you respect the most on Team PS Pro?
Daniel Negreanu and Johnny Lodden.
What did you do to improve your game?
Nothing — I just lose a lot and that helps me learn [laughing].
Welcome to Team PokerStars, Viktor Blom.
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