John Gale

John Gale, a respected British professional poker player from London, earned over $3.9 million in live tournament earnings. His remarkable achievement in January 2005, when he finished in 1st place at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. There, he earned his biggest cash of $890,600.

Nicknamed “The Gentleman,” Gale was not only a skilled player but also known for his kindness and sportsmanship both at the table and beyond. He won two World Series of Poker bracelets, solidifying his status in the poker community.

Unfortunately, Gale passed away at the age of 65 after a long series of treatments for a brain tumor. While it remains unclear if this condition was the cause of his death, his legacy as one of the nicest people in poker will be fondly remembered.

John Gale: Early life

John Gale was born in London in 1953. He left school at the age of 16 and began working in various retail jobs. Over time, he transitioned into management consultancy, where he spent 20 years of his career. During this period, he even started his own company, specializing in helping businesses prepare to go public on the stock market.

While building his career, John married his wife, Shirley, and together they raised four children, all of whom are now grown. Despite his busy professional life, John developed a passion for poker, frequenting “The Vic,” a well-known casino in London. He also played online and achieved significant success, winning a satellite entry to the 2005 PCA.

In a bold move, John decided to sell his business and focus on poker full-time. His dedication paid off, as he cashed four times at the 2005 WSOP, where he earned the nickname “Gentleman.” This title came after a respectful heads-up loss in the $5,000 Pot Limit Hold’em event to Brian Wilson.

John Gale: Health issues

Gale was a regular on the poker scene on both sides of the Atlantic until a major health scare in 2012 changed everything. That year, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which forced him to undergo surgery. However, during pre-operative checks, doctors discovered further complications that required him to have open heart surgery first, to ensure he was healthy enough for the brain surgery.

Despite these serious medical challenges, Gale made a remarkable return to the poker tables in Las Vegas in 2015, even against his doctor’s orders. He continued to achieve success, booking cashes throughout 2015 and 2016. However, after that period, his performance dwindled, and he recorded only one score since 2017, according to The Hendon Mob.

John Gale: Live Tournament Participation

John Gale recorded his first live cash in January 2005, he entered the $7,800 + $200 WPT Main Event No Limit Hold’em at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in Paradise Island. He claimed 1st place and took home $890,600.

Following this success, in December 2005, Gale participated in the Fourth Annual Five Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, competing in a $5,000 + $150 No Limit Hold’em event. He secured 2nd place and received $252,325.

Then, in July 2006, he triumphed in the $2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em event at the 37th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, winning $374,849 for his 1st-place finish.

In January 2007, at the WPT Borgata Winter Open in Atlantic City, he played in the $9,700 + $300 WPT Championship Event No Limit Hold’em. There, he achieved 3rd place and earned $443,096.

Later, in July 2008, Gale took 1st place again in the $5,000 + $180 No Limit Hold’em event at the Bellagio Cup IV in Las Vegas, adding $205,500 to his total.

Continuing his success, in June 2015, he captured victory in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em Turbo (Event #18) at the 46th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, netting $298,290.

In his final appearance, his last notable performance came in November 2018 at the Deep Stack Series in Reno, where he competed in the $1,800 + $200 No Limit Hold’em Main Event. He finished in 4th place, collecting $17,860.

Conclusion

John Gale was a respected poker player who made over $3.9 million in live tournaments, with his biggest win at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in 2005 for $890,600. Known for his sportsmanship and kindness, he earned the nickname “The Gentleman” at the table. Even after battling serious health issues, his passion for poker remained strong, and he will be fondly remembered in the poker community.