Clonie Gowen

Clonie Gowen is an American professional poker player from Kiowa, Oklahoma, with over $1.6 million in live tournament earnings. Her best live cash of $437,775 came at the Bellagio Cup IV in July 2008.

During her career, she became a guest commentator, columnist, and tournament host. She was also sponsored by the now-defunct Full Tilt Poker.

Clonie Gowen’s Lawsuit Against Full Tilt Poker

In November 2008, Clonie filed a lawsuit against Full Tilt Poker for $40 million, claiming that the company had breached a contract with her. The dispute stemmed from an agreement she had with Full Tilt, in which she was promised a 1% ownership stake in exchange for allowing the company to use her likeness for promotional purposes. Clonie alleged that Full Tilt Poker violated several legal principles, including breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and fraud.

Initially, the lawsuit was dismissed, but in June 2011, an appeals court reinstated it, meaning the case would move forward. By this time, however, Full Tilt Poker was facing severe financial issues, and the company had already been implicated in the infamous “Black Friday” event in April 2011, when the U.S. government shut down online poker sites operating in the country, including Full Tilt.

As the case progressed, Full Tilt Poker’s financial troubles worsened, and the company eventually went bankrupt, leaving many of its financial obligations unpaid. Since the appeal reinstated the lawsuit, there have been no public updates, leaving the outcome of Clonie’s legal action unresolved. The lawsuit’s potential for substantial payout became less likely as Full Tilt’s financial collapse and subsequent legal battles unfolded.

Clonie Gowen: Early Life

Born on November 6, 1971, Clonie grew up in the small town of Kiowa, Oklahoma. In high school, she was a true sports star. She played basketball and was part of a state championship team. On the track and field team, she shined as a high jumper, earning a top-seven ranking in the state of Oklahoma. Her competitive spirit started early and carried into other parts of her life.

She first learned to play poker as a teenager from her boyfriend’s father while spending time in Dallas, Texas. Her mom fully supported her growing passion for the game, and that encouragement gave Clonie the confidence to take poker more seriously. She realized she was finding considerable success and, before long, was doing well enough to leave her job at the travel agency. Although the agency had provided her with some exciting travel experiences, she felt ready to move on and pursue a full-time career as a poker pro.

Clonie’s first real poker experience came in cash games in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was there that she began to carve her path toward becoming a skilled and fearless player at the table.

Clonie Gowen: Live Tournament Participation

Clonie Gowen’s first recorded live cash occurred in October 2002 at the Costa Rica Classic in San Jose. She finished in 2nd place in a $75 No Limit Hold’em, pocketing $13,740.

In June 2006, Clonie entered in a $120,000 No Limit Hold’em at Full Tilt Poker Pro Showdown in Las Vegas. She finished in 3rd place, taking home $120,000.

Then, in May 2007, Clonie joined in a $20,000 Ladies’ Week #10 at the Poker After Dark Season I in Las Vegas. She finished in 1st place, winning $120,000.

Later that year, in June, Clonie participated in a $20,000 Poker Prowess Week #7 at the Poker After Dark Season II in Las Vegas. She claimed another victory, adding $120,000 in her winnings.

Following this, in July 2008, Clonie played in a $5,000 + 180 No Limit Hold’em at the Bellagio Cup IV in Las Vegas. She took 1st place, winning her biggest live cash of $437,775.

In October 2008, Clonie engaged in a $5,000 + 180 No Limit Hold’em Championship at the Gold Strike World Poker Open in Tunica. She clinched victory, winning $193,224.

In January 2009, Clonie competed in an A$10,000 + 500 No Limit Hold’em at the Aussie Millions Poker Championship in Melbourne. She ended up in 32nd place, earning $21,311.