Bobby Hoff

Bobby “The Wizard” Hoff (1939-2013) was an American poker player from Long Beach, California, with over $534K in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $108,000 came when he finished in 2nd place at the 10th WSOP in May 1979. Hoff earned his nickname, “The Wizard,” due to his remarkable talent for making large stacks of chips vanish at the table.

Unfortunately, Bobby Hoff passed away in 2013 at the age of 73. The cause of his death was not disclosed.

Bobby Hoff: Early Life

Bobby Hoff was born in 1939 in Victoria, Texas. In 1958, he attended the University of Texas on an athletics scholarship and excelled as a scratch golfer. However, as time passed, he shifted his focus from golf to poker, finding the latter easier and more profitable. With a strong belief in his skills, Hoff left university, convinced that he was the best poker player in the world.

He moved to Las Vegas, where he quickly realized he was not alone in this belief. To support himself financially, he first worked as a poker dealer, gaining experience in the gambling world. Later, he formed a successful blackjack card-counting team,. This venture proved successful, but after about five years, the team faced restrictions and was banned from every blackjack table in Las Vegas and Reno.

With the opening of the Horseshoe Casino’s new poker room, Hoff returned to serious play. Hoff joined forces with other well-known Texas road gamblers, including Doyle Brunson and Bryan “Sailor” Roberts, further enhancing his reputation in the gambling world.

Bobby Hoff: Live Tournament Participation

Bobby Hoff recorded his first live cash in May 1979, he placed 2nd in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the 10th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, earning $108,000.

Subsequently, in May 1984, he again took 2nd in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the 15th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, cashing $46,800.

In August 1992, he finished 2nd in the $5,000 + 75 No Limit Hold’em Jim Brady Tournament in Los Angeles, earning $78,750.

Moreover, in April 1996, he placed 3rd in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em at the 27th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, which earned him $57,713.

Following this, in May 1998, he finished 12th in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the 29th World Series of Poker, cashing $40,000.

His last recorded live cash was in November 2006, where he placed 8th in the $300 + 40 No Limit Hold’em Ho Ho Hold’em Tournament in Los Angeles, earning $2,150.