Tom McEvoy

Tom McEvoy is an American professional poker player and author from Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over $3.1 million in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $540,000 came when he won at the 14th WSOP on May 16th, 1983. During his career, Tom has won four WSOP bracelets.

Alongside his poker success, he has authored several books, including his most popular one, ‘Championship No Limit & Pot Limit Hold ‘Em‘ (2004). In 2013, he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame and was also a PokerStars Pro.

Tom McEvoy: Early Life

Born on November 14, 1944, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He developed a passion for games at a young age, learning poker from his grandmother when he was just five years old.

He attended Ferris State University, where he studied accountancy. During this time, he played very little poker, focusing instead on his academic and athletic pursuits. He was also an avid tennis player, achieving a national ranking of 60th in the country. After graduating, McEvoy took on various accounting jobs but soon found himself drawn back to the poker table, participating in weekend home games.

While earning $18,000 annually from his previous job, he recognized the potential for a future as a poker player. He planned to use his upcoming vacation time to return to Las Vegas, but before he could do so, he was laid off from his job. Subsequently, he used his severance pay to head back to Las Vegas and hone his skills.

Tom McEvoy: Live Tournament Participation

Tom McEvoy’s first recorded live cash occurred in February 1982 at Amarillo Slim’s Superbowl Of Poker in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place in a $1,000 Hold’em, winning $57,600.

On May 12th, 1983, Tom played in a $1,000 Limit Hold’em at the 14th WSOP. He finished in 1st place and won $117,000.

Shortly after, on May 16th, 1983, he returned to the 14th WSOP to join in a $10,000 No Limit Hold’em World Championship. He clinched another bracelet and won his biggest live cash of $540,000.

Three years later, in May 1986, he continued his triumphs by securing his third bracelet at the 17th WSOP. He entered the $1,000 7-Card Razz event and $52,400 added to his winnings.

At the 23rd WSOP in April 1992, he won a prize of $79,200. He entered in a $1,500 Omaha Limit and secured his fourth bracelet.

In May 1997, Tom played in a $3,000 Hold’em Pot Limit at the 28th WSOP. He finished in 2nd place and earned $102,000.

Fast forward to March 2005. At the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star in San Jose, he won $225,000. In this event, Tom engaged in a PPT Final Day – No Limit Hold’em and finished in 1st place.

In June 2024, Tom competed in a $400 No Limit Hold’em – COLOSSUS Bracelet Event #70 at the 55th WSOP. He ended up in 1418th place, earning $930.

Conclusion

Tom McEvoy’s journey from a young poker fan in Grand Rapids to a successful professional player shows his talent and hard work. With more than $3.1 million in winnings and four WSOP bracelets, he has made a significant impact on poker. As an author, he has helped many new players learn the game. His induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2013 highlights his importance in the poker world.