Tom Franklin

Tom Franklin is an American professional poker player from Fresno, California, with over $3.4 million in live tournament earnings. During his poker career, he clinched his first bracelet at the 30th WSOP in May 1999. His best live cash of $434,025 came when he won at the Fourth Annual Five Diamond World Poker Classic in December 2005.

He has also won two rings at the WSOPC New Orleans in May 2011 and WSOPC Bossier City in September 2012.

Tom Franklin: Early Life

Born on October 23, 1950, in Fresno, California, he learned to play poker from his dad while growing up, sparking his lifelong interest in the game. He began playing poker more seriously in the 1970s. His first live tournament came in January 1983 at the Stairway to the Stars event in Las Vegas, where he finished in 5th place. Currently, he resides in Gulfport, Mississippi, and enjoys drumming, singing, and golfing. He continues to play poker this year, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.

Tom Franklin: Live Tournament Participation

Tom Franklin’s first recorded live cash occurred in January 1983 during Stairway to the Stars in Las Vegas. He finished in 5th place in a $1,000 Limit 7 Card Stud, cashing $2,500.

Fast forward to May 1999. At the 30th WSOP in Las Vegas, he won $104,000. In this event, Tom engaged in a $2,500 Omaha Limit and finished in 1st place.

In December 2005, Tom played in a $5,000 + 150 No Limit Hold’em at the Fourth Annual Five Diamond World Poker Classic. He finished in 1st place and won his biggest live cash of $434,025.

Following this, Tom entered in a $1,000 No Limit Hold’em at the 37th WSOP on July 8th, 2006. He finished in 3rd place and earned $185,431.

Shortly after, on July 20th, he returned to the 37th WSOP to join in a $5,000 Short Handed No Limit Hold’em. Tom also finished in 3rd place and took home $214,461.

Moreover, Tom participated in a $9,700 + 300 No Limit Hold’em – Championship Event during the Gulf Coast Poker Championship in Biloxi. He placed 6th and cashed $116,814.

In a recent appearance in July 2024, Tom competed in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – World Championship Bracelet Event #81 at the 55th WSOP. He ended up in 995th place, earning $20,000.

Captain 2 WSOP Circuit Rings

• May 2011: $365 No Limit Hold’em at the WSOPC in New Orleans ($38,139)
• September 2012: $365 Pot Limit Omaha at the WSOPC in WSOPC in Bossier City ($11,930)