Six-Time WSOP Bracelet Winner Layne Flack Passes Away at 52

he poker world was absolutely shocked when news broke that six-time World Series of Poker Bracelet winner Layne Flack was found dead in his home on July 19. According to reports, the 52-year-old poker legend died in his sleep the night before. 

In 1997, Flack had his first significant win when he collected around $68,000 in the $1,500 no-limit hold’em tournament. In the first quarter of the following year, he also pocketed $65,000 before earning his first six-figure prize, or $133,000 to be exact, a few months later as a runner up in the $2,000 no-limit hold’em at the WSOP. 

In 1998, he earned his first WSOP bracelet in the $3,000 pot limit hold’em, taking home $224,000. 

In the early 2000s, the South Dakota native was considered one of the best players in the era, earning his moniker “Back-to-Back Flack” after winning two major tournaments held only a few days apart. 

Flack’s winning streak continued in the coming years, taking home a total of $571,900 from two no-limit hold’em events in 2002 and $120,000 in the $1,500 no-limit hold’em shootout and another $119,260 in the $2,500 Omaha hi-lo in 2003.

Born May 18, 1969, Flack worked as a poker dealer in small casinos in Montana until he found his way to Nevada and learned under legendary players like Ted Forrest and Johnny Chan. 

In his mid-20s, Flack decided to become a full-time professional poker player. Meanwhile, during his more than two-decade career, it has been estimated that he earned around $5 million in live tournaments.

The poker legend is survived by his 26-year-old daughter Hailey.

Image from: Review Journal