Sailor Roberts
Bryan W. "Sailor" Roberts (March 7, 1931 – June 23, 1995)[1] was an American professional poker player.
| Sailor Roberts | |
|---|---|
 Sailor Roberts (center) at the 1979 World Series of Poker | |
| Nickname(s) | Sailor |
| Born | March 7, 1931 |
| Died | June 23, 1995 (aged 64) |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet(s) | 2 |
| Money finish(es) | 3 |
| Highest ITM Main Event finish | Winner, 1975 |
Before becoming a poker professional, Roberts was a rounder and traveled the country looking for games with Doyle Brunson and Amarillo Slim.[2] In addition to his career as a poker player, he was also a renowned contract bridge player.[3]
Roberts participated in the first World Series of Poker in 1970 along with Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, Johnny Moss, Puggy Pearson, Crandell Addington, and Carl Cannon.[4] Roberts won his first WSOP bracelet at the 1974 World Series of Poker in the $5,000 Deuce to Seven Draw event.[2] He won the 1975 World Series of Poker Main Event, gaining his second and final WSOP bracelet and $210,000.[5]
Roberts earned his nickname "Sailor" for having served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.[2]
Roberts died on June 23, 1995 from cirrhosis caused by hepatitis.[2]
He was posthumously inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2012.[6]
World Series of Poker bracelets
| Year | Tournament | Prize (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | $5,000 No Limit Deuce to Seven Draw | $35,850 |
| 1975 | $10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship | $210,000 |
References
- "Bryan W Roberts". Social Security Death Index. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
Bryan W Roberts 07 Mar 1931 Jun 23 1995 97223 (Portland, Washington, OR) (none specified) 543-32-2048 Oregon
- Sailor Roberts: Poker Pioneer. Famous Poker Players.
- World Series of Poker: A Retrospective - Early Player Bios. Center for Gaming Research.
- "World Series of Poker: A Retrospective: 1970 Summary". UNLV. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
- “Sailor” Roberts celebrates his triumph at poker table. Ellensburg Daily Record. May 19, 1975.
- "Eric Drache and Brian 'Sailor' Roberts To Be Inducted Into Poker Hall Of Fame - Poker News". Card Player. Retrieved November 29, 2018.