Bob Stupak

Bob Stupak (1942-2009) was a poker player and entrepreneur born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He appeared twice on High Stakes Poker. In live tournaments, he accumulated over $865K in earnings, with his largest single cash being $139,500, which he earned at the 20th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he also won his only WSOP bracelet.

Stupak was also known for his $1 million bet during the Super Bowl in 1989, which he won.

In addition to his poker career, Stupak was an entrepreneur. He previously owned The Stratosphere, now known as The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod.

He passed away on September 25th, 2009, due to leukemia.

Bob Stupak: Early Life

Born on April 6th, 1942, Bob Stupak was introduced to poker by his father and also explored motorcycle racing. Along with this, he started selling coupons before investing in Las Vegas. With financial backing from his father and friends, he opened “Bob Stupak’s World Famous Historic Gambling Museum,” which was later destroyed by fire. He used the insurance payout to build Vegas World, and subsequently developed The Stratosphere, now known as The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod.

Bob Stupak’s Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

Bob debuted in HSP Season 1 Episode 8, on March 7th, 2006. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game with Daniel Negreanu, Thithi “Mimi” Tran, Todd Brunson, and others. At the end of the night, Bob lost $500.

He returned to the tables on March 14th, 2006, in HSP Season 1 Episode 9. Bob engaged in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game alongside Shawn Sheikhan, Sam Farha, Johnny Chan. He won $26,300.

Bob Stupak: Live Tournament Participation

Bob Stupak first appeared in a recorded live tournament in May 1984. He entered the 15th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Bob finished 3rd place in a $10,000 No Limit Deuce to Seven Draw event and took home $31,500. 

In May 1989, marked a significant success for Stupak. He won in a $5,000 No Limit Deuce to Seven Draw event at the 20th WSOP in Las Vegas. This victory earned him $139,500 and his first WSOP bracelet.

He was last seen in April 2008 at the World Poker Tour World Championship in Las Vegas. He engaged in a $25,000 + $500 No Limit Hold’em – Championship Event and cashed for $39,570.

Conclusion

Bob Stupak’s legacy in poker was defined by his perseverance, a WSOP bracelet, and memorable moments on “High Stakes Poker.” His influence extended to Las Vegas through his work with Vegas World and The Stratosphere. Though he passed away on September 25th, 2009, his bold gameplay and personality continue to inspire the poker community.