Duane Tomko

Duane Tomko is an American professional poker player and former kindergarten teacher from Glassport, Pennsylvania, who currently resides in Florida. He has made a significant mark in the poker world with over $4.9M in live tournament earnings. During his poker career, he has won three bracelets. His most notable achievement came in May 2001, when he finished 2nd at the 32nd WSOP, earning a remarkable $1,098,925.

He has also appeared on Champions Poker Live and has a son Derek Tomko, who plays poker.

Duane Tomko: Early Life

Born on December 31st, 1946, in Glassport, Pennsylvania, Duane discovered poker at an early age and began earning money from it by the time he was 16, playing in Pittsburgh card rooms. His poker winnings helped him pay for college, and he eventually moved to North Carolina to attend Salem College. After graduating, he became a kindergarten teacher but kept playing poker on the side. It didn’t take long for him to realize that poker was much more profitable than teaching, so he left his teaching job to play full-time and invested some of his earnings in other business ventures.

He is also an avid golfer who enjoys placing large bets on his performance, owns the Southern Dunes golf course and operates the Horseshoe Casino in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica.

Duane Tomko: Live Tournament Participation

Tomko’s first recorded live cash occurred in May 1976 at the 7th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He finished in 2nd place in a $2,500 No Limit Hold’em, cashing $20,775.

In January 1984, Duane played in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em during the Grand Prix of Poker in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place and won $355,000.

Year later, in January 1985, Duane returned to the Grand Prix of Poker to join in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em. He clinched another victory and added to his winnings $355,000.

At the 32nd WSOP in May 2001, he secured his biggest live cash of $1,098,925. Duane joined in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Championship Event and finished in 2nd place.

Continuing his success, Duane finished in 2nd place at the Bellagio Five-Diamond World Poker Classic in December 2023, earning $552,853.

Moreover, Duane participated in a $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. at the 37th WSOP in July 2006. He finished in 7th place and took home $343,200.

Most recently, in May 20170 he competed in a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em at the 41st WSOP. Duane placed 98th and cashed $3,953.

Dewey: Poker Journey on Champions Poker Live

Dewey debuted in CPL Episode 196 on August 9th, 2024. He participated in a $25/50 +$50BBA No Limit Hold’em with EL Tractor, Harry Cullen, Brass Monkey, and others. He ended the night up $4,425.

Dewey 3 WSOP Bracelets

• May 1979: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em at the 10th WSOP ($48,000)
• May 11th, 1984: $10,000 No Limit Deuce to Seven Draw at the 15th WSOP ($105,000)
• May 12th, 1984: $5,000 Omaha Pot Limit at the 15th WSOP ($135,000)