High Stakes Poker’s Bob Stupak dies

High Stakes Poker’s Bob Stupak dies

Monday, 28 September 2009

High Stakes Poker regular Bob Stupak has died of leukaemia at the age of 67. Though probably best known as a larger than life casino impresario and businessman, Stupak was also an accomplished poker player, winning a WSOP bracelet in Deuce to Seven lowball and often appearing on High Stakes Poker and The World Poker Tour. His career tournament earnings topped $850,000, mostly from WSOP and WPT tournament cashes.

A highly controversial figure, Stupak was often voted “The Most Annoying Las Vegan” or “the community’s biggest embarrassment” in local newspaper polls. His flamboyant nature gained him a very high profile and eventually led to an unsuccessful run at political office.


A fearless gambler, he is said to have wagered $1m on the outcome of the 1989 Superbowl (and won), and once challenged Donald Trump to take part in a board game with the winner taking $1m. Trump unsurprisingly declined the challenge.


The creator of the famous Stratosphere tower kept a much lower profile over the final few years of his life, contenting himself with playing high stakes games at the Bellagio and other strip casinos.


“Bob Stupak was a true visionary and he will be sorely missed. He was instrumental in developing the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower – an icon in Las Vegas, as Mr. Stupak was himself,” said a statement from The Stratosphere. “He will be remembered for his many community initiatives and his many innovative projects within the gaming industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”



Tags: Poker News, High, Stakes, Poker’s, Bob, Stupak, dies