Amarillo Slim Passes Away at 83

Amarillo Slim was born on 31 December, 1928 in Johnson, Arkansas. He won the WSOP $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Championship in 1972 and has won a total of four WSOP bracelets throughout his career. His last title was won in 1990, when he bested the field of the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event. He was the author of several books and a number of famous sayings are also credited to him, including the one appearing in the movie Rounders: “If you can't spot the sucker in the first half hour at the table, then you are the sucker.”


Prior to becoming a renowned celebrity of poker, he travelled through America with two of his friends, Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts, making a living out of poker and betting. After winning his title in 1972, he instantly became a recognised pro. He was featured on several TV shows, including The Tonight Show. In 1974, he also made an appearance in Robert Altman’s California Split.

In addition to Poker, he was famous for his incredible side bets; on one occasion, for instance, he rode through the Casino El Mamounia in Morocco on a camel. Even more infamous were his ping pong bets; he managed to beat former tennis world champion Bobby Riggs, playing with a frying pan. He also defeated a former table tennis world champion with a soda bottle.

Slim has been being treated for several illnesses in the past years and was taken to hospital again last week. He passed away on Sunday, 29 April, at the age of 83.


May he rest in peace.