Joseph N. Bartholdi Jr.
| Name | Joseph N. Bartholdi Jr. |
| Nationality | American |
| Socials | |
| Streams on | |
| Type |
Joseph N. Bartholdi Jr. is an American professional poker player from Las Vegas, Nevada, with over $4.7 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $3,760,165 came when he secured his first WPT Title at the Fourth Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic in April 2006.
In addition, he is a original member of “The Crew” with Dutch Boyd and Scott Fischman. He has since left, but is still friends with the group.
Joe Bartholdi Jr.: Early Life
Joe Bartholdi moved to Las Vegas with his father when he was 18. His father worked as a poker dealer in the area, and this environment sparked Joe’s interest in gambling. Even before he turned 21, Joe began his poker career, initially focusing on stud poker. As he gained confidence and skill, he transitioned to Texas Hold‘em.
From a young age, Joe understood the art of taking risks, earning the nickname “Gambles.” He started selling cigarettes to his classmates before he was of legal smoking age. However, his involvement in several fights led to his expulsion from school. To continue his education, he obtained his GED, as the nearest school was several miles away, making this the most practical choice.
By the time he turned 21, Joe had honed his poker skills enough to become a professional player. Although he initially turned a profit, poor bankroll management and his passion for blackjack resulted in significant losses. To stabilize his income, he took a job as a poker dealer, allowing him to continue pursuing his passion for the game.
Joe Bartholdi Jr. on ‘The Crew’
“The Crew” is a group of poker-playing professionals and friends that emerged shortly after the 2003 World Series of Poker. Dutch Boyd, who founded the group, had met Joe Bartholdi Jr. at the 2002 World Series of Poker. In 2004, Boyd expanded The Crew by recruiting Scott Fischman. To kickstart the group, he staked part of his winnings to establish a shared bankroll and cover the rent for their headquarters in California.
Assembling talented players was a key focus for Boyd, who confidently claimed that The Crew was set to take over the poker world. Most members learned to play poker online, dedicating countless hours to improving their skills. They spent months playing, teaching each other, and discussing hand histories and strategies.
The Crew gained significant recognition at the 2004 World Series of Poker, receiving extensive coverage from ESPN. Their talent quickly became evident as they won three tournaments and earned nearly $1 million, solidifying their place in poker history.
Joe Bartholdi Jr.: Live Tournament Participation
Joe Bartholdi Jr. recorded his first live cash in July 2003, he placed first in a $100 + 25 Limit Hold’em event at the Larry Flynt Grand Slam of Poker in Gardena, earning $13,375.
Following this, in July 2005, he competed in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em tournament at the 36th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, finishing in fifth place and earning $71,445.
In January 2006, Bartholdi took second place in a $1,000 + 60 No Limit Hold’em event at the Gold Strike World Poker Open in Tunica, which netted him $58,869.
Later that year, in April, he won the $25,000 + 500 WPT Championship – No Limit Hold’em at the Fourth Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, receiving a substantial payout of $3,760,165.
Moreover, in February 2011, he finished second in a $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event at the Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza in Las Vegas, earning $91,928.
Years after, he returned in May 2022, winning the $1,700 No Limit Hold’em – Deepest Stack event at the Seminole Hard Rock Deep Stack Series in Hollywood, where he cashed $125,025.
Most recently, in September 2024, he participated in the $600 No Limit Hold’em – UltimateStack event at the Venetian DeepStack Extravaganza III in Las Vegas, finishing in 23rd place and cashing $1,775.
Conclusion
Joe Bartholdi Jr.’s journey from a young gambler in Las Vegas to a professional poker player with over $4.7 million in earnings showcases his resilience and dedication to the game. His involvement with “The Crew” and notable tournament successes, including his significant WPT Championship victory, solidified his reputation in the poker community. As he continues to compete, Bartholdi remains a prominent figure in the evolving landscape of professional poker.
