Hal Fowler

Harold Arthur Fowler
Hal Fowler at the 1979 World Series of Poker
Nickname(s)	Hal
Residence	Tulare, California
Born	(1927-01-12)January 12, 1927
Died	November 7, 2000(2000-11-07) (aged 73)
World Series of Poker
Bracelet(s)	1
Money finish(es)	1
Highest ITM Main Event finish	Winner, 1979

Harold Arthur "Hal" Fowler (January 12, 1927 – November 7, 2000)^[1] was an American poker player known for winning the 1979 World Series of Poker Main Event. He is considered the first amateur poker player to become poker's World Champion.^[2]

Fowler was born in Vermont and later lived for many years in Tulare, California. Before his WSOP victory, he worked as an advertising executive.

Poker

Although a relative unknown amateur player, Fowler won the 1979 World Series of Poker main event. At one time, he was down to around 2,000 in chips (out of over 500,000) at a final table that included Johnny Moss, Bobby Baldwin, and other professional players. Additionally, it is believed that Fowler could not cover the entrance fee and Benny Binion had to loan it to him. ^{[citation needed]} Fowler's 1979 win is sometimes called the greatest upset in the history of the WSOP.^[3]

Fowler defeated Bobby Hoff heads up to win the championship when his 7♠ 6♦ made a gut-shot straight and defeated Hoff's A♣ A♥ on a flop 5♥ 3♣ J♠ 4♠ 10♦.

Fowler would later fade from the poker scene because of complications from diabetes that hurt his eyesight and his legs. ^{[citation needed]}

Fowler's career tournament earnings exceeded $380,000.^[4]

He died at the age of 73 in a nursing home on November 7, 2000.^[5]

World Series of Poker bracelet

References