Byron Wolford
| Byron Wolford | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Cowboy |
| Born | September 14, 1930 |
| Died | May 13, 2003 (aged 72) |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet(s) | 1 |
| Money finish(es) | 9 |
| Highest ITM Main Event finish | 2nd, 1984 |
Byron Wolford (September 14, 1930 – May 13, 2003), also known as Cowboy Wolford,[1] was an accomplished rodeo cowboy and professional poker player, who was the winner of a World Series of Poker bracelet in 1991 and runner-up in the 1984 WSOP Main Event.[2]
Wolford cashed in various events at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), including the Main Event. He achieved his highest Main Event showing in 1984 when he finished as runner-up to Jack Keller. For his second-place finish, Wolford won $264,000.
Over the years, Wolford made the final tables in other events at the WSOP, finishing in second place on several occasions.
He won a WSOP bracelet in 1991 in the $5,000 limit Texas hold 'em event, defeating Erik Seidel. His career winnings were $1,012,500,[3] with his nine cashes at the WSOP accounting for $737,410 of his lifetime winnings.[4]
Wolford also won the $10,000 No Limit Deuce-to-Seven Draw at the inaugural Super Bowl of Poker.
As a rodeo champion, Wolford set the all-time speed record for calf roping at Madison Square Garden in the 1950s. He also won back-to-back championships at the Calgary Stampede. Wolford was the author of the book, "Cowboys, Gamblers & Hustlers: The True Adventures of a Rodeo Champion & Poker Legend".
World Series of Poker Bracelets
| Year | Tournament | Prize (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | $5,000 Limit hold 'em | $210,000 |
Notes
- ↑ 'Cowboy' Wolford, Byron (2002-11-22). "Aimsworth, Sawmill, and Everett". Card Player Magazine Volume 15, Number 24. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
- ↑ "Colorful poker player Wolford dies". LasVegasSun.com. Greenspun Media Group. 2003-05-15. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
- ↑ Butt, Robert. "Byron Wolford - Stats". The Hendon Mob. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
- ↑ World Series of Poker Earnings, worldseriesofpoker.com