Stu Ungar Stories Prt I

Stu Ungar Stories

There are enough Stu Ungar stories to fill a few books, Stuey was a larger than life character. As many people that have made Las Vegas their home perhaps none have been as interesting as Stu Ungar. Often called the greatest poker player to ever live by many of his peers. Unfortunately his prolific poker play was often surpassed by his drug use.

Stuey originally headed to Las Vegas when he ran out of people to beat at gin rummy on the east coast. Soon he could not even get a game in Las Vegas so it was only natural for him to start playing texas holdem. Ungar was however hardly particular when it came to gambling. He like to gamble and for the highest stakes often he would have his entire life savings in play on a single day. He loved to wager on sports betting, horse race handicapping, blackjack, and golf. (His skills at golf were not exactly legendary, often players allowed him to hit every shot from a tee no matter were he was on the course.)

When the 1990 World Series of Poker rolled around Stuey was broke, largely due to his drug habit. Fortunately for him his long time backer Billy Baxter was there to pony up the 10k entry fee. Even though Stuey hadn’t been playing much by the end of day two he was among the chip leaders as he retired to his room at the golden nugget. As day three started however there was no sign of Stuey, Jack McCelland the long time tournament director called Billy Baxter to find him and a frantic search began.

Baxter quickly went to Stuey’s hotel room with security only to find him passed out in a drug induced state. Ungar was rushed to the ER as his chips continued to be blinded off. Amazingly Ungar made the final table finishing 9th, despite missing the final 2 days. Baxter who had backed Stuey in his previous 2 World Series of Poker wins was hardly pleased even with his return on investment as he slowly watched a 3rd WSOP go down the drain. Below is a list of some of Stu Ungar’s major tournaments wins and the purse but like many players Stuey made most of his money is cash games either rings games or heads up challenges.

“Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser”……Stu Ungar

Stu Ungar Major Tournament Wins

World Series of Poker 1997 No Limit Hold’em World Championship $1,000,000.00
1991 Queens Poker ClassicNo Limit Hold’em $190,000
Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl Of Poker 1989 No Limit Hold’em $205,000.00
Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl Of Poker 1988 No Limit Hold’em $210,000.00
Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl Of Poker 1984 No Limit Hold’em $275,000.00
World Series of Poker 1983 $110,000.00
World Series of Poker 1981 No Limit Hold’em World Championship $375,000.00
World Series of Poker 1981 Deuce to Seven Draw $95,000.00
World Series of Poker 1980 No Limit Hold’em World Championship $365,000.00