Champion of Poker

If you want the definition of a true gambler and rounder, then you need to look no further than Thomas “Amarillo Slim” Preston. Slim was a true rounder in the old days of poker. He would go around the United States with Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts to try and find gambling action wherever he could.

Unlike many poker rounders, Slim was a true gambler. He would gamble on anything from where a fly would land on a sugar cube to whether a champion bowler could bowl 70 blindfolded. Even at the age of 79, Slim still makes bets. At the past World Series of Poker, Slim challenged a 6’ 6” reporter to shooting free throws. The reporter was a former high school basketball player. If there was an angle to gamble, Slim would try and find a way to exploit it. He applied the same type of angling to the poker world.

Slim was among the group of gamblers that Benny Binion invited to the first ever World Series of Poker in 1970. Although he did not win the event, the continued to come back and in 1972, Slim took the Main Event title and the $60,000 top prize. The prize was supposed to be $80,000, but Doyle Brunson was not feeling well and they let him bow out in 3rd place in exchange for $20,000. At least that is what history tells. Barry Greenstein gives a different account. According to Greenstein, Slim made a deal with Doyle Brunson and Puggy Pearson. In exchange for the two throwing the game to him, he would let the two of them split the prize money. They agreed and Slim took the title.

Back then $80,000 was a lot of money, but Slim had an angle for that as well. Once Slim won the Main Event, he went on a several talk shows talking about his win. He even landed a role in the movie California Split that earned him fame outside of poker. In the end, Slim gave up $80,000 in exchange to become famous.

Overall, Slim won 4 WSOP bracelets. Two were in Holdem and two were in his favorite game of Pot Limit Omaha. Staring in 1980, Slim started hosting the event that would become the Super Bowl of Poker. Until its demise in 1990, the Super Bowl of Poker was the second most prestigious event in poker outside of the World Series of Poker.

Overall, Slim won over $550,000 in tournaments. The amount is likely higher due to the lack of accurate records in the old days of poker. It is unknown how much money changed the hands of this man this is known as a rounder and professional prop bettor. One thing is for certain; if you ever get a chance to play in a game with Amarillo Slim Preston, take notes. You will pick up a story or two and will likely leave with a memory that will last a lifetime. All it will cost you are you chips.