James McManus
| Name | James McManus |
| Nickname | Jim |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 73 |
| Socials | |
| Streams on |
World Series of Poker
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| Type |
James McManus is best known as the author of the book Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs, and Binion’s World Series of Poker. He has also written for publications such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Harper’s Magazine, and The New Yorker. McManus has served as the poker columnist for both The New York Times and Card Player. Residing in Chicago, Illinois, he has amassed $808,817 in total live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $247,760 came in May 2000 when he finished 5th at the 31st WSOP in Las Vegas.
James McManus: Early Life
McManus was born to Kevin Joseph McManus and Mary Agnes, both of Irish descent. He pursued undergraduate degrees from Loyola University Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974 and a Master of Arts degree in 1977, both from UIC.
Before becoming a professional poker player, McManus taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and contributed to the history section of Harvard’s new online poker university.
James McManus: Live Tournament Participation
James McManus recorded his first live cash in May 2000, achieving his best live cash in the same event. He finished 5th in the $10,000 World Championship NLH event at the 31st WSOP in Las Vegas, earning $247,760.
In May 2004, McManus participated in the $5,000 Limit Hold’em event at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas. He secured 4th place and added $70,080 to his poker earnings.
In October 2005, he competed in the $2,600 NLH event at the Bellagio Festa Al Lago IV in Las Vegas. He finished 4th and earned $40,975.
In March 2006, McManus placed 5th in the Heads-Up NLH event. At the National Heads-Up Poker Championship in Las Vegas, he took home $75,000.
In July 2006, McManus participated in the $2,000 PLO event at the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 6th place and earned $53,690.
In his most recent participation, in June 2023, McManus competed in the $400 NLH event. He finished 1,505th, earning $800 at the Colossus event at the 54th WSOP in Las Vegas.
