Amarillo Slim: World Series of Poker Contender

The renowned man known as Amarillo Slim was born Thomas Austin Preston, Jr. on December 31, 1928 in Johnson, Arkansas. Preston’s family later moved to Mineral Springs, Texas and again to Amarillo, Texas after his parents’ divorce.

As a young man, Amarillo Slim served several years with the United States Navy and Army.

After his time in the service, Amarillo Slim perfected the life of a rounder – an underground profession that involved constant traveling, often to dangerous parts of cities, to find open poker games and other illegal gambling. During his time as a rounder, Amarillo Slim met up with poker greats Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts. The three started to travel together, perfecting their games, and drawing from the same bankroll. A well-respected the trio, the three men are still known to be able to win money from anyone.

In 1972, Amarillo Slim won the main event in the World Series of Poker. To date, he has won more than $500,000 in tournaments and four gold bracelets.

Riding on the notoriety of his 1972 World Series of Poker win, Amarillo Slim sponsored his own tournament – Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker. For years the event was the second largest behind the World Series of Poker. Amarillo’s fame also led him to a part in the movie California Split and numerous appearances on The Tonight Show, 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, and many more.

Amarillo Slim is known for his cowboy looks and his tall tales. He has played poker across the globe, including South Africa, Australia, and Columbia. While in Cartagena, Columbia, Amarillo Slim was kidnapped by cohorts of infamous drug dealer Pablo Escobar. Upon the two meeting Esobar and Amarillo Slim became fast friends, and Amarillo Slim escaped unharmed.

In 1992, Amarillo Slim was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, Amarillo Slim’s most current media attention does not include his poker career. Just months after publishing his biography Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People, Thomas Austin Preston, Jr. was arrested on three counts of indecency with a minor, allegedly one of his granddaughters. Preston pled guilty to lesser charges and was charged with three misdemeanors and ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and serve a two-year deferred sentence.

Amarillo Slim is still considered one of the top players in the professional world of poker for both Omaha and Hold’Em.

Amarillo Slim is a divorced father of three. He lives in Amarillo, Texas.