‘Gentleman’ John Gale Passes Away at 65

4 years ago
‘Gentleman’ John Gale Passes Away at 65
09:11
22 Nov

John Gale, winner of two WSOP gold bracelets and the WPT PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event, has died at the age of 65. The Londoner had undergone a long series of treatment for a brain tumour, but it is unclear if this was the cause of death.


Ever the Gentleman

John Gale earned the nickname ‘Gentleman John’ through his extremely polite demeanor at the poker table. He was one of those characters who nobody ever had a bad word to say about them

Picking up the game in 2004, Gale quickly leapt into the limelight after winning an online satellite paying out a ticket for the 2005 PCA Main Event, which at the time was a round of the World Poker Tour.

In exactly the same style as Chris Moneymaker found glory the year before, Gale beat all the odds to claim victory in what was his first ever major event. A first place prize of $890,600 for topping a 461 entrant field was a testament to the man’s talent.

This unexpected victory was the catalyst for Gale selling up his consulting business to give poker a crack as a full-time profession.


Two WSOP Gold Bracelets

The good run continued, as Gale travelled to Las Vegas for the WSOP and cashed four times, including runner up in a $5k PL Hold’em, narrowly missing out on his first bracelet. Next year though, that bracelet did arrive. 

Victory in a $2.5k PL Hold’em event along with a cash in the Main Event made for two amazing years in the live poker arena.

Sadly, with all the treatment for a brain tumour hindering his poker career, Gale travelled to Las Vegas against doctor’s orders in 2015 and added yet another bracelet to his tally.

“My doctor told me I shouldn’t fly. I said I’d compromise; I’ll take the plane. I've missed the last three WSOPs, and I've been miserable as hell every time. I'm just so thrilled to be back here.” 

With almost $4 million in live tournament winnings Gale certainly made up for a late start in the game. He will be missed by all who met him, and our thoughts go out to his wife Shirley and his family.


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Mark from London in the UK is a professional cash game player, and part time journalist. A massive chess fan and perpetual traveller.Read more

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