Paul Clark

Paul Clark was an American three-time WSOP bracelet winner who resided in Los Angeles. He achieved this remarkable feat by winning his bracelets in 1992, 1999, and 2002. Throughout his career, Clark amassed total live earnings of $2,719,182, with his best live cash of $310,403 coming on March 30th, 2004, at the World Poker Challenge in Reno, United States. During this event, he participated in the $5,100 WPT No Limit Hold’em Championship and finished in 2nd place, earning $310,403. Clark passed away on April 15th, 2015, in Las Vegas, leaving behind a legacy as a respected figure in the poker community.

Paul Clark: Early Life

Paul Clark, born on June 2nd, 1947, in Stockton, Missouri, grew up in Louisiana as one of seven children of George and Ella Martin Clark. A life marked by diverse experiences, he served as a medic in Vietnam, which shaped his resilience and perspective. After his service, Clark spent time in New Orleans, where he eventually discovered his passion for poker. His journey led to him becoming a prominent figure, earning the affectionate nickname “Eskimo” due to his resemblance to the logo face used by Alaska Airlines. Despite never marrying or having children, Clark’s life story and contributions to the poker community left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Remarkable Resilience at the 2004 World Series of Poker

During the 2004 World Series of Poker, he faced a series of medical emergencies, including a seizure at the final table of the $1,500 seven-card razz event. In Event #29, Clark suffered a seizure midway through the tournament, requiring immediate medical attention.

After collapsing, he returned from hospital, allegedly walking on a fractured foot. Despite this, he became the chip leader before experiencing numbness on one side of his body. Even after collapsing from his chair, he continued to compete, ultimately securing a commendable fourth-place finish, earning $31,186—the last WSOP cash of his illustrious career. This shows his unwavering determination and passion for the game.

Unforgettable Stories About Paul “Eskimo” Clark

WSOP Media Director and poker historian Nolan Dalla fondly recalls unforgettable stories about Paul “Eskimo” Clark. One of the most memorable incidents occurred during the 2007 World Series razz event when Clark was the chip leader but collapsed around 6 PM. Medics were called, and tournament officials debated halting play. 

Initially refusing treatment, Clark mustered enough resolve to continue playing, prompting corporate lawyers to inquire about liability if he were to collapse again. After a half-hour, he hit the floor once more, leading to an extended dinner break as he was wheeled out for resuscitation.

In another amusing tale, Dalla recounts a time at a Circuit event in Lake Tahoe. While waiting for a delayed flight, Clark searched desperately for a place to smoke. Spotting a side door, he ignored the alarm sign and exited onto the tarmac. There, amidst refueling trucks and jet aircraft, he lit a cigarette. Security quickly descended on him, bewildered by his boldness. Remarkably, they let him return to his flight, underscoring Clark’s unique spirit and charm that made him a beloved figure in the poker community.

Paul Clark: Live Tournament Participation

Paul “Eskimo” Clark made his poker debut on May 9, 1988, at the 19th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he competed in the $1,000 Omaha Limit event, finishing in 8th place and earning $4,560.

His first major title came on May 5, 1992, when he won the $5,000 Seven-Card Stud event at the 23rd WSOP, claiming a prize of $122,000. Clark continued to demonstrate his skills by winning the $1,500 Seven-Card Razz event on April 27, 1999, during the 30th WSOP, adding $84,610 to his total. 

He captured his third bracelet on April 25, 2002, in the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud Hi/Lo event, which earned him $125,200. His final cash at the WSOP occurred on June 17, 2007, when he placed 4th in the $1,500 Seven-Card Razz event, netting $31,186. 

Clark’s last recorded tournament participation was on August 2, 2013, at the Legends of Poker in Bell Gardens, Los Angeles, where he finished in 527th place in the $160 No Limit Hold’em – Mega Million VII event, earning $500.