Famous Poker Legends

Archive for May, 2009

Amarillo Slim is most probably the best-known poker player in the world. His natural charm and down-home style have made him a household name. His full name is Thomas Austin Preston and he was born in Arkansas. He took his outstanding name many years later after he bought with his gambling winnings a ranch in West Texas. When he was young, Preston made most of his money as a pool hustler not at the poker table. Preston won over $100,000 in cash while traveling around the West Coast during a stint in the navy. Slim’s love for gambling introduced him to other legendary players of that time including Johnny Moss, Brian “Sailor” Roberts, and Doyle Brunson. In 1972 Slim won the World Series of Poker and continued to be in the poker world a dominant force for a very long time. Slim’s true genius has been marketing himself with homespun quips and colorful yarns and that have amused audiences of millions and attracted the new generations to the game of poker. Slim has numerous television and radio appearances. He also organized the second-largest tournament - the Super Bowl of Poker. At present, Slim lives in his namesake Amarillo and you can see him in many big poker tournaments.