Gabe Kaplan
| Name | Gabe Kaplan |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 79 |
| Socials | |
| Streams on |
High Stakes Poker
Poker After Dark
World Series of Poker
|
| Type |
Gabe Kaplan is an American actor, comedian, commentator, and poker player from Brooklyn, New York. He has appeared on High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark. In live poker tournaments, Kaplan has earned over $2 million, with his largest cash prize amounting to $258,390. He is now retired from commentating on”High Stakes Poker.”
Outside of poker, Kaplan is well-known for his role as “Gabe Kotter” in the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back Kotter.
Gabe Kaplan: Early Life
Born on March 31, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, Gabe Kaplan initially aspired to become a Major League Baseball star. Failing to make it, he shifted his focus to comedy. His journey began while working as a bellman at a hotel in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he had the opportunity to assist touring comedians and was inspired to pursue a comedy career.
Kaplan’s Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker
Gabe debuted in HSP Season 3 Episode 2, on January 23rd, 2007. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game with Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Shawn Sheikhan, and others. Gabe won $29,300.
He returned on January 30th, 2007, in HSP Season 3 Episode 3. Kaplan engaged in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game alongside Mike Matusow, Daniel Alaei, Victor Ramdin, and others. He ended the night down $6,500.
Kaplan’s Poker Journey on Poker After Dark
Kaplan debuted in PAD Season 4 Episode 6, on October 13th, 2008. He competed in a $200/400 +$800BBA ($100 ANTE) No Limit Hold ’em game together with Eli Elezra, Howard Lederer, and others. He ended the night up $15,400.
Participating in another $200/400 +$800BBA ($100 ANTE) No Limit Hold ’em game, Kaplan achieved his biggest win. He played with Patrik Antonius, Dee Tiller, and others in PAD Season 4 Episode 10, on October 17th, 2008. He won a whopping $91,000.
In his most recent appearance on October 15th, 2010, in PAD Season 6 Episode 30, Gabe achieved his biggest loss in a $300/600 No Limit Hold ’em game. He engaged with Tom Dwan, David Peat, Phil Laak, and others. Kaplan lost $49,300.
Gabe Kaplan: Live Tournament Participation
Kaplan first appeared in a recorded live tournament in February 1979. He participated in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em event at Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl of Poker in Las Vegas. He finished in 11th place.
Moving to July 2004, Kaplan competed in a $10,000 + 200 No Limit Hold’em Final Day at the Mirage Poker Showdown in Las Vegas. He placed 3rd and won $256,519.
He achieved his biggest single cash in June 2014. Kaplan finished 8th place in a $100,000 + 2,000 No Limit Hold’em at the Super High Roller in Las Vegas. He took home a cash prize of $258,390.
In a recent appearance at the 54th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas in July 2023, Kaplan cashed for $24,528. He played in a $7,000 + 3,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super Turbo Bounty and placed 27th.
Conclusion
Gabe Kaplan’s career features key highlights and achievements. His tournament results include an 11th-place finish at Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl of Poker in 1979 and an 8th place at the Super High Roller in 2014. Kaplan also gained recognition on “High Stakes Poker” and “Poker After Dark,” showcasing his skills and presence in the poker world. His poker success complements his fame from “Welcome Back, Kotter,” highlighting his broad impact in entertainment and poker.
