Ken Flaton

Ken Flaton (1940-2004), known as “Skyhawk,” was an American poker legend based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout his career, he amassed $2.5 million in tournament winnings, with his largest win being $500,000. He also earned a WSOP bracelet during the 1983 World Series of Poker. 

Tragically, Flaton passed away at 64 due to a heart attack on November 7, 2004, just as the poker boom was gaining momentum

Ken Flaton: Early Life

Kenneth Flaton was born on June 28, 1940, in North Bergen, New Jersey. Growing up, Flaton took on various jobs to help his family, one of which was selling peanuts at New York Yankees games. It was a gig that gave him a firsthand look at hustle and opportunity.

After finishing his service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in France in 1964, Flaton settled in Las Vegas. There, he counted cards at blackjack tables, a skill he picked up over the years. However, his expertise soon got him banned from blackjack in the early 1980s across Las Vegas casinos. With blackjack no longer an option, Flaton turned his attention to poker, a game he learned in the Army.

Starting with low-stakes cash games, he gravitated toward Seven-Card Stud, a game he eventually mastered. Despite working odd jobs, Flaton’s true passion was poker. His early experiences set the stage for his rise in the competitive poker world.

Ken Flaton: Live Tournament Participation

Ken Flaton’s poker career began in May 1981. He participated in a $1,000 Seven-Card Stud Split event at the 12th WSOP in Las Vegas. Flaton finished in 3rd place and pocketed $10,500.

Two years later, in May 1983, Flaton secured his first WSOP bracelet. He competed in a $5,000 Limit 7 Card Stud event at the 14th WSOP. Flaton placed 1st and won $62,000.

Fast forward to August 1990, Flaton took part in a $330 Limit Hold’em event at the 6th Annual Diamond Jim Brady in Los Angeles. He finished in 1st place and took home $80,060.

In November 1996, Flaton achieved his best live cash in a $7,510 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event at the United States Poker Championship in Las Vegas. Flaton placed 1st and won a whopping $500,000.

A year later, in August 1997, Flaton competed in a $1,060 No Limit Hold’em event at the Hall of Fame Poker Classic. Flaton placed 1st and won $52,800.

In April 1998, Flaton competed in the $5,080 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event at the Four Queens Poker Classic in Las Vegas. He placed 1st and won $58,500.

Flaton’s final tournament participation was in September 2004. He finished 6th in a $540 No Limit Hold’em event at the Ultimatebet.com Poker Classic, earning $2,258. This event occurred shortly before his passing.

Earning the “Skyhawk” Name

In poker, nicknames are common, and Ken “Skyhawk” Flaton’s is one of the most memorable. Fellow players gave him the name. The story goes that during a tournament, after winning a large pot, Flaton spread his arms as he collected his chips, prompting Stu “The Kid” Ungar to say he “swooped down like a Skyhawk.” Flaton was known for his calm, sharp focus at the table, watching his opponents like a hawk, which made the nickname stick even more.

Conclusion

Ken “Skyhawk” Flaton made a big impact in the poker world, winning over $2.5 million and becoming known for his skill in Seven-Card Stud. His quiet, focused playing style and unique nickname left a strong impression on players and fans. Though his life ended too soon, Flaton’s achievements and memorable wins continue to be celebrated as part of poker history.