Jay Heimowitz

Jay Heimowitz, born on December 26, 1937, is an American professional poker player residing in Bethel, NY. He has live earnings of $2.1 million, with his best live cash of $284,000 coming from his 3rd-place finish at the 2000 WSOP in Las Vegas. Heimowitz has won six WSOP bracelets.

Jay Heimowitz: Early Life

Jay Heimowitz showed an early interest in poker, learning to play at just nine years old. By his teenage years, he was honing his skills in neighborhood games, often playing for baseball cards. At 18, Heimowitz joined the U.S. Army, where he further developed his poker abilities by competing against fellow servicemen. By the time he left at 21, he had accumulated approximately $10,000 in poker winnings.

Guided by financial advice from his parents, Jay invested this money into a small beer company and bottling plant. Heimowitz eventually sold the business to Budweiser, becoming the youngest Budweiser distributor in the US at just 23 years old. While running his beer distribution business, Heimowitz maintained his passion for poker, frequently participating in games at New York’s famed Mayfair Club. This combination of business success and poker talent would set the foundation for his future as one of the most respected amateur players in the game.

Jay Heimowitz: Live Tournament Participation

Heimowitz recorded his first live cash in May 1975 by winning the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the 6th WSOP in Las Vegas. He earned $32,000 for his 1st-place finish and claimed his first WSOP bracelet.

In May 1980, he competed in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the WSOP in Las Vegas, placing third for $109,500.

In February 1981, Heimowitz participated in Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl of Poker in Las Vegas. He secured 3rd place in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em event and earned $52,000.

In January 1986, he placed 2nd in the $2,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the Grand Prix of Poker in Las Vegas, winning $61,250.

In November 1991, Heimowitz competed in the $2,560 Pot Limit Omaha event at the Hall of Fame Poker Classic in Las Vegas. He finished 2nd and earned $65,550.

May 1993, he placed 2nd in the $2,500 Omaha Pot Limit event at the 24th WSOP in Las Vegas. Jay added $73,600 to his poker earnings.

In his most recent appearance, in June 2018, Heimowitz participated in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em – Seniors event at the 49th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished 461st, earning $2,292.

Jay Heimowitz 6 WSOP Bracelets

• May 1975: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em – 6th WSOP – Las Vegas ($32,000)
• May 1986: $1,500 No Limit Hold’em – 17th Annual WSOP – Las Vegas ($175,800)
• May 1991: $ 5,000 Omaha Pot Limit – 22nd Annual WSOP – Las Vegas ($126,000)
• April 1994: $1,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em – 25th Annual WSOP – Las Vegas ($148,200)
• May 2000: $5,100 Limit Hold’em – 31st Annual WSOP – Las Vegas ($284,000)
• May 2001: $ 1,075 The Seniors’ Championship – 32nd Annual WSOP – Las Vegas ($115,430)