Thomas “Amarillo Slim” Preston passes away aged 83

Thomas “Amarillo Slim” Preston passes away aged 83

Monday, 30 April 2012

Four-time WSOP bracelet-winner and Poker Hall of Fame member Thomas Preston Jr, best known as “Amarillo Slim”, has passed away after a battle with cancer, aged 83. He was entered into a hospice last weekend and despite improvements could not win this last hand.

Slim was one of the best-known poker players in the world, courting the limelight with television appearances and outlandish prop bets. The first celebrity poker player, he made his name in the private games around Texas, touring with the like of Sailor Roberts and Doyle Brunson.


The Preston family released a short statement, saying simply: “We hope everyone will remember our beloved Amarillo Slim for all the positive things he did for poker and to popularize his favorite game – Texas Hold’em.”



Tags: Amarillo Slim, WSOP, Doyle Brunson, Sailor Roberts