Thomas John Cloutier

Thomas John Cloutier, commonly known as “T.J.,” is an American professional poker player residing in Richardson, Texas. He was born on October 23rd, 1939, in Albany, California. Cloutier has accumulated over $10.5 million in live career earnings and has won six WSOP bracelets. His highest live cash, totaling $896,500, was achieved when he finished as the runner-up at the 31st WSOP in May 2000.

In 2006, Cloutier’s achievements were recognized when he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was voted Card Player’s Player of the Year twice, in 1998 and 2002. Beyond his tournament successes, Cloutier has authored numerous poker books, including the co-authored “Championship Hold ’em” with Tom McEvoy.

Thomas John Cloutier: Early Life

Thomas John “T.J.” Cloutier was born in Albany, California, on October 23, 1939. TJ received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he excelled in football and baseball. He participated in the 1959 Rose Bowl, but financial difficulties in his family forced him to drop out of college before completing his degree. Cloutier was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country. After his military service, he pursued a professional football career in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes. Unfortunately, an injury cut his football career short, prompting him to seek new opportunities.

Cloutier ventured into the business world by starting a food company, but this endeavor proved unsuccessful. After facing personal challenges, including the end of his first marriage, he relocated to Texas to work on oil rigs. During his days off, he discovered a passion for poker, which he had first experienced as a caddy at a golf course, playing games after rounds. Realizing his potential, Cloutier soon found that he was winning more money playing poker than he earned from his oil rig job. He made the bold decision to quit working on the rigs and pursue poker full-time.

Thomas John Cloutier: Live Tournament Participation

Thomas John Cloutier began his poker journey in January 1983. He scored his first cash at the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em “Stairway to the Stars” tournament in Las Vegas. Cloutier placed 8th and pocketed $1,600.

Later, in May 1985, he finished 2nd in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the 16th WSOP, earning $280,000.

Following this success, he secured a 3rd place finish at the 29th WSOP in May 1998, taking home $437,500.

Moreover, Cloutier achieved his best live cash in May 2000 when he again placed 2nd in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship at the 31st WSOP, securing $896,500 in prize money.

In February 2005, he finished 4th in a $400,000 Grand Final of the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament in Las Vegas, netting $300,000.

Subsequently, in July 2006, he competed in a $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event at the 37th WSOP, finishing 5th and earning $480,480.

Most recently, in July 2024, Cloutier took part in a $300 No Limit Hold’em event at “The Even Bigger One” in Dallas, where he finished 95th and cashed for $770.

TJ’s 6 WSOP Bracelets

• May 1987 $1,000 Limit Omaha at the 18th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $72,000)
• April 29th, 1994 $1,500 Omaha 8 or Better at the 25th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $135,000)
• April 30th, 1994 $2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em at the 25th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $163,000)
• May 1998 $2,500 Omaha Pot Limit at the 29th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $136,000)
• May 2004 $5,000 Limit Hold’em at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $90,500)
• June 2005 $5,000 No Limit Hold’em 36th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $657,100)

Cloutier’s Poker Glory to Financial Ruin

T.J. Cloutier, a skilled poker player, struggled with a crippling craps addiction that led to significant financial ruin. In 2006, fellow player Terrance Chan remarked that Cloutier had likely lost more money at craps than anyone else, underscoring his poor luck at the game. This decline was evident when he auctioned his WSOP bracelet for $4,000 in 2010 due to financial struggles.

By 2013, Cloutier acknowledged his gambling issues though he claimed it wasn’t as severe as many believed. His history of financial distress, including stories of bumming free food at tournaments, highlights the extent of his challenges, particularly after reportedly losing around $10 million at the craps tables.

Conclusion

Thomas John Cloutier is a well-known figure in poker, celebrated for his impressive career with over $10.5 million in earnings and six WSOP bracelets. He was named Card Player’s Player of the Year twice and famously finished as a runner-up at the 2000 WSOP, winning $896,500.

Unfortunately, his life has also included struggles, particularly a serious addiction to craps that caused financial troubles, even leading him to auction off one of his bracelets. Despite these ups and downs, Cloutier’s impact on the game remains strong as he now enjoys retirement in Richardson, Texas.