Chad Batista RIP

Chad Batista RIP

Friday, 21 August 2015

Former online poker hero Chad 'lilholdem954' Batista has sadly passed away.

The 35-year-old was once one of the most entertaining and imposing players in the online tournament arena but in recent years had fallen on hard times.

For a two-year period between 2007 and 2008, Batista blazed a trail through the online poker world and took the concept of aggression to new levels. Regularly taking on and beating the best the game had to offer including the UK's Chris Moorman, Batista racked up millions of dollars in winnings thanks to numerous deep runs in events such as the Sunday Million and the WCOOP $2,100 buy-in event.

Aside from showing players that aggressive poker can form part of a winning strategy, Batista was a supremely confident player and wouldn't think twice about speaking his mind at the felt. Unfortunately, his time in the spotlight had come to an end by the time 2010 arrived.

He had been out of the community's gaze since but earlier this week it emerged that he'd been sent to his local hospital. Reports suggested that he'd drunk too much alcohol and needed to be put on a life support machine.

Although there is little information about the incident, Batista's family did release a statement: "It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, nephew, cousin, brother and friend, Chad 'lilholdem954' Batista. Chad died suddenly this beautiful Thursday afternoon with his family surrounding him. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers."

Following the news, many members of the poker community have offered their condolences via forums and social media.



Tags: Chad Batista, Chris Moorman