Hal Fowler

Hal Fowler
Hal Fowler
	Hal Fowler at the 1979 World Series of Poker
Nickname(s)	None
World Series of Poker
Bracelet(s)	1
Money finish(es)	1
Highest ITM; Main Event finish	Winner, 1979

Hal Fowler was a poker player. He is considered the first non-professional player to become poker's World Champion.

Although a relative unknown, Fowler won the 1979 World Series of Poker main event. At one time he was down to around $2,000 in chips (out of over $500,000) at a final table that included Johnny Moss, Bobby Baldwin, and other world class poker players. Additionally, it is believed that Fowler could not cover the entrance fee and Benny Binion had to loan it to him. Fowler's 1979 win is sometimes called the greatest upset in the history of the WSOP. Fowler defeated Bobby Hoff heads up to win the championship when his 7/6 off suit made a straight and defeated Hoff's pocket aces.

Fowler would later fade from the poker scene because of complications from diabetes that hurt his eyesight and his legs.