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Byron Wolford

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Byron Wolford
Nickname(s)Cowboy
Born(1930-09-14)September 14, 1930
DiedMay 13, 2003(2003-05-13) (aged 72)
World Series of Poker
Bracelet(s)1
Money finish(es)10[1]
Highest ITM
Main Event finish
2nd, 1984

Byron Wolford (September 14, 1930 – May 13, 2003), also known as Cowboy Wolford,[1] was an American rodeo cowboy and professional poker player, who was the winner of a World Series of Poker bracelet in 1991 and runner-up in the 1984 World Series of Poker Main Event.[2]

Wolford cashed in various events at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), including the Main Event. He achieved his highest Main Event showing in 1984 when he finished as runner-up to Jack Keller. For his second-place finish, Wolford won $264,000. Over the years, Wolford made the final tables in other events at the WSOP, finishing in second place on several occasions.[3]

He won a WSOP bracelet in 1991 in the $5,000 limit Texas hold 'em event, defeating fellow professional Erik Seidel. His career winnings were $1,012,500,[4] with his nine cashes at the WSOP accounting for $782,410 of his lifetime winnings.[1]

Wolford also won the $10,000 No Limit Deuce-to-Seven Draw at the inaugural Super Bowl of Poker in 1979.[5]

As a rodeo champion, Wolford set the all-time speed record for calf roping at Madison Square Garden in the 1950s. He also won back-to-back championships at the Calgary Stampede.[3][6] Wolford was the author of the book, "Cowboys, Gamblers & Hustlers: The True Adventures of a Rodeo Champion & Poker Legend".[7]

World Series of Poker Bracelets

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Year Tournament Prize (US$)
1991 $5,000 Limit hold 'em $210,000

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Byron "Cowboy" Wolford". WSOP Profile. www.wsop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  2. ^ "Colorful poker player Wolford dies". LasVegasSun.com. Greenspun Media Group. May 15, 2003. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  3. ^ a b Ruddock, Steve (January 26, 2015). "Poker Legends: Byron Wolford, Poker's True Cowboy". No Deposit Poker. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  4. ^ "Byron Wolford's profile on The Hendon Mob". The Hendon Mob Poker Database. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  5. ^ "Amarillo Slim's Superbowl Of Poker, Deuce to Seven Lowball". The Hendon Mob. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  6. ^ "Legacy". Calgary Stampede. cs.calgarystampede.com. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  7. ^ Wolford, Byron "Cowboy" (September 27, 2005). Cowboys, Gamblers & Hustlers: The True Adventures of a Rodeo Champion & Poker Legend: Byron "Cowboy" Wolford: 9781580420839: Amazon.com: Books. Cardoza. ISBN 1580420834.
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