Amarillo Slim, born Thomas Austin Preston Jr., was a legendary professional poker player known for his incredible skills, wit, and charisma. Slim’s high-stakes exploits and larger-than-life personality made him one of the most famous poker players of his time, and he played a significant role in popularizing the game on a global scale.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the life and career of Amarillo Slim, highlighting some of his most memorable moments and achievements in the world of poker.
Early Life and Beginnings in Poker
Slim was born on December 31st, 1928, in Johnson, Arkansas. He grew up in Texas, where he earned his nickname “Amarillo Slim” due to his tall, slender frame and the town of Amarillo, where he spent much of his time. Slim learned to play poker at a young age and quickly discovered his natural talent for the game.
Slim’s professional poker career began in the 1950s, during which he played mostly in illegal underground games in Texas. He often partnered with fellow poker legends Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts, forming a formidable trio that traveled around the state looking for high-stakes poker action.
World Series of Poker and Mainstream Success
Amarillo Slim’s fame skyrocketed after he emerged victorious at the 1972 World Series of Poker (WSOP), taking home $80,000 and the coveted gold bracelet. Following his victory, Slim became a regular fixture on television talk shows, including appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and 60 Minutes. His wit, humor, and engaging storytelling abilities endeared him to audiences and helped bring poker into the mainstream.
Throughout his career, Slim won four WSOP bracelets, with his last victory coming in 1990 in the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event. He was also given a place in the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992, solidifying his status as a poker legend.
Notable Exploits and Memorable Moments
Amarillo Slim was known for his prop bets and incredible gambling stories. One of his most famous exploits involved a friendly wager with professional pool player Minnesota Fats. Slim challenged Fats to a game of pool using a broomstick as a cue, only for Slim to reveal his expertise in using broomsticks as cues, winning the bet handily.
Another memorable moment occurred when Slim played poker with former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. Although the details of the game remain shrouded in mystery, Slim claimed that he won a sizable amount from the former president.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2003, Amarillo Slim published his autobiography, “Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People,” co-written with Greg Dinkin. The book chronicles his extraordinary life, providing insights into his poker career and numerous gambling exploits.
Amarillo Slim passed away on April 29, 2012, at the age of 83. His legacy as a poker player and larger-than-life character endures, and he is remembered as a trailblazer who helped popularize poker on a global scale.
Amarillo Slims’ Life – A Poker Legacy
Amarillo Slim was an iconic figure in the world of poker, renowned for his incredible skills, unforgettable exploits, and charismatic personality. His victory at the World Series of Poker and his numerous appearances on television talk shows helped bring poker into the mainstream, inspiring a new generation of players. As we remember Amarillo Slim, we celebrate not only his achievements at the poker table but also his lasting impact on the game he loved.
Interesting Facts About Amarillo Slim
- Born on December 31, 1928, in Johnson, Arkansas, Amarillo Slim, whose real name was Thomas Austin Preston Jr., grew up in Texas and earned his nickname due to his tall, slender frame and his connection to Amarillo, Texas.
- Slim learned poker at a young age and started his professional career in the 1950s, playing in illegal underground games in Texas alongside fellow poker legends Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts.
- Slim won the 1972 World Series of Poker (WSOP), which brought him fame and helped popularize poker in mainstream media.
- Slim was a frequent guest on television talk shows, including The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and 60 Minutes, showcasing his charisma and storytelling abilities.
- He was known for his prop bets and memorable gambling stories, such as playing pool using a broomstick as a cue against professional pool player Minnesota Fats and winning a poker game against former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.
- Throughout his career, Amarillo Slim won a total of four WSOP bracelets, with his last victory coming in 1990 in the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event.
- Slim was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992, a testament to his legendary status in the poker world.
- In 2003, he published his autobiography, “Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People,” co-written with Greg Dinkin, which chronicles his life and numerous gambling exploits.
- Slim passed away on April 29, 2012. He was 83 and left behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer and icon in the poker world.
Amarillo Slim – Frequently Asked Questions
How did Amarillo Slim earn his nickname?
Amarillo Slim earned his nickname due to his tall, slender frame and his connection to the town of Amarillo in Texas. He was born Thomas Austin Preston Jr. and grew up in Texas, where he began his poker career.
What was Amarillo Slim’s most significant poker achievement?
Amarillo Slim’s most significant poker achievement was winning the 1972 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. This victory brought him widespread fame and helped popularize poker in mainstream media.
How many WSOP bracelets did Amarillo Slim win throughout his career?
Throughout his career, Amarillo Slim won a total of four WSOP bracelets. His victories included the 1972 WSOP Main Event, two bracelets in 1974 in No-Limit Deuce to Seven Draw and No-Limit Hold’em, and a final bracelet in 1990 in the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event.
What was Amarillo Slim known for besides his poker skills?
Amarillo Slim was known for his prop bets, charisma, and incredible gambling stories. Some of his most famous exploits included playing pool with a broomstick as a cue against Minnesota Fats and winning a poker game against former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Did Amarillo Slim write an autobiography?
Yes, Amarillo Slim published his autobiography, “Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People,” in 2003. Co-written with Greg Dinkin, the book chronicles his extraordinary life, providing insights into his poker career and numerous gambling exploits.