Amarillo Slim, born Thomas Austin Preston Jr., remains one of the most colorful and captivating figures in the history of the game. Known for his signature cowboy hat, charming Southern drawl, and unmatched confidence at the table, Slim helped bring widespread attention to high-stakes competition long before televised tournaments and online platforms became the norm. His sharp wit and flair for storytelling made him a natural showman, but behind the charisma was a calculating and fearless strategist.
Beyond his remarkable success in major tournaments, Amarillo Slim was instrumental in transforming the perception of the game from a backroom gamble to a skill-based battle of intellect. His bold personality and legendary prop bets turned him into a cultural icon—someone who didn’t just win titles but left a lasting impression on how the public views high-stakes competition.
Personal Life
Thomas Austin Preston Jr. was born on December 31, 1928, in Johnson, Arkansas, and raised in Amarillo, Texas—a city that would later inspire his iconic nickname. He grew up during the Great Depression, a time that sharpened his instincts and taught him the value of resilience and improvisation.
Slim’s personal life was deeply intertwined with his identity as a gambler and showman. He traveled extensively across the United States, often accompanied by stories of wild bets and daring propositions. Despite his fame, he preferred life on the road, frequenting pool halls, card rooms, and wherever competition lived.
He had a wife and children, and although he kept most of his family out of the spotlight, he occasionally referenced them in interviews and anecdotes. His personal philosophy—living life with flair, taking risks, and always betting on himself—defined both his professional and personal trajectory.
Amarillo Slim passed away on April 29, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas, after battling colon cancer. His legacy lives on as one of the most memorable personalities ever to sit at the table.
Beginning in Poker
Amarillo Slim’s journey into the world of high-stakes gambling didn’t begin with cards—it started on pool tables and in backroom bets across the American South. During the 1940s and 1950s, he established himself as a skilled pool hustler, often traveling with fellow gamblers like Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts. It wasn’t long before Slim shifted his focus to a different kind of game—the one played on green felt.
His transition into poker came naturally. The same instincts that made him a great hustler—reading people, controlling tempo, embracing risk—translated perfectly to the table. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, Slim was already feared and respected in underground games from Texas to Las Vegas.
He became part of a legendary crew of Texas road gamblers who were instrumental in shaping the modern era of the game. Long before casinos legitimized the game, Slim and his peers were playing in motels, barns, and oil rigs—anywhere cards could be dealt.
His natural charisma and fearless style quickly set him apart. And when the World Series of Poker was born in 1970, it didn’t take long for Amarillo Slim to become one of its most recognizable stars.
Greatest Achievements in Poker
Amarillo Slim’s most notable success came in 1972, when he won the World Series of Poker Main Event, catapulting him to national fame. This victory wasn’t just a personal milestone—it played a critical role in bringing mainstream attention to high-stakes tournaments. Slim used the spotlight to promote the game on television and in the media, appearing on shows like The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and What’s My Line?, becoming one of poker’s first true celebrities.
Throughout his career, Slim amassed four WSOP bracelets and was known for his bold plays and fearless table presence. His tournament success combined with his media savvy helped elevate the sport and inspired a new generation of players.
Here are some of Amarillo Slim’s most significant results:
| Tournament | Year | Result | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP Main Event | 1972 | 1st Place | $80,000 |
| WSOP $1,000 No Limit Hold’em | 1974 | 1st Place | $44,000 |
| WSOP $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha | 1985 | 1st Place | $85,000 |
| WSOP $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha | 1990 | 1st Place | $142,000 |
Beyond the WSOP, Slim was a dominant figure in cash games and private events, often wagering six-figure sums. His presence at the table was both theatrical and intimidating—a rare combination that made him one of the most unforgettable characters in the game’s history.
Strategies in Poker and Playing Style
Amarillo Slim wasn’t just a gambler—he was a master of psychological warfare at the table. His playing style was rooted in deception, timing, and unmatched confidence. Having honed his instincts through years of pool hustling and prop betting, Slim brought a unique blend of showmanship and calculated risk to poker.
He was famous for his ability to read opponents with uncanny precision. Slim didn’t rely on advanced math or solvers; he read body language, timing, and betting patterns. His philosophy centered on controlling the tempo of a game—making opponents uncomfortable, pushing them off their comfort zones, and forcing mistakes.
Slim was also a pioneer in using speech play to unnerve others. He told stories mid-hand, made unpredictable bets, and wielded his Southern charm as a strategic weapon. But behind the theatrics was a player who understood human psychology deeply.
He wasn’t afraid to make big bluffs when the stakes were high, and he knew how to fold strong hands when intuition told him he was beat. Slim’s style wasn’t textbook—it was instinct, experience, and confidence molded by decades of action in unforgiving games.
Poker Books
Amarillo Slim was not only a poker legend but also a natural storyteller. He shared his larger-than-life experiences through books that mixed humor, life lessons, and tales from the world of high-stakes gambling.
His most well-known book is:
- “Amarillo Slim in a World Full of Fat People” (2003)
This memoir blends poker wisdom with outrageous gambling stories, from hustling pool to betting on obscure challenges. It’s not a technical poker manual, but a vivid window into the mindset of a man who bet—and won—on just about everything. Slim uses colorful anecdotes to share his unique philosophy on risk, reading people, and playing the long game.
While the book doesn’t teach hand ranges or odds, it captures something rarer: the mindset of a true gambler. It’s become a cult classic among fans of old-school poker, offering insight into the attitude and flair that defined the early era of the game.
Notable TV Shows Appearances
Amarillo Slim was one of the first professional players to bridge the gap between poker and mainstream entertainment. His charisma, quick wit, and Southern charm made him a natural fit for television, helping elevate the image of poker in the eyes of the public.
- The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
Slim appeared multiple times on Carson’s show in the 1970s, captivating the national audience with outrageous gambling stories and unmatched storytelling flair. He brought poker into American living rooms, making it relatable and entertaining. - 60 Minutes
A 1980 segment on 60 Minutes profiled Slim’s unique life and career, reinforcing his image as poker’s most eccentric ambassador. - Wide World of Sports (ABC)
He was featured on ABC’s legendary sports program, showcasing his skills and reinforcing poker as a game of skill and spectacle. - To Tell the Truth
Slim once appeared on this classic game show, challenging contestants to guess which of the three guests was the real Amarillo Slim.
These appearances were groundbreaking at the time and made Slim arguably the most recognizable face in poker during the 1970s and 1980s. He used these platforms to legitimize the game and bring humor, personality, and professionalism to a space that was often misunderstood.
Most Iconic Hands and TV Moments
Amarillo Slim’s legacy is punctuated by numerous memorable moments that showcase his charisma, strategic prowess, and unique flair. Here are some of his most iconic hands and television appearances:
1972 World Series of Poker Main Event Victory
Slim’s triumph in the 1972 WSOP Main Event was a turning point in poker history. His victory not only earned him the championship but also propelled poker into the mainstream, thanks to his subsequent media appearances.
1982 Irish Eccentric International Hold-Em Tournament
Slim participated in this unique tournament held in Dublin, showcasing his international appeal and the global reach of his poker prowess.
FAQ about Amarillo Slim
What was Amarillo Slim’s real name?
His real name was Thomas Austin Preston Jr. He adopted the nickname “Amarillo Slim” due to his tall, lean frame and his Texas roots.
What was Amarillo Slim’s net worth?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure, estimates suggest his net worth ranged between $500,000 and $1 million at the time of his death. His income came not only from poker, but also from prop bets, book sales, speaking engagements, and media appearances.
How many WSOP bracelets did Amarillo Slim win?
He won 4 WSOP bracelets:
1990 – $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha
1972 – Main Event ($10,000 No-Limit Hold’em)
1974 – $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em
1985 – $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha
Was he ever involved in scandals?
Amarillo Slim’s legacy is complicated. In 2003, he was accused of improper conduct involving a family member, but the more serious charges were dropped and he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor. This incident damaged his public image, although he maintained his innocence in various interviews.
What is Amarillo Slim known for besides poker?
Slim was famous for his outrageous prop bets, such as betting he could beat a world-class table tennis player using a Coke bottle—and winning. He claimed to have bet on anything and everything, from horse races to ping pong, often relying on psychology, preparation, and misdirection.
Did he appear in movies or television?
He had multiple TV appearances, including on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and other mainstream talk shows. He also made cameo appearances in poker-related documentaries and was featured in several episodes about the early days of the WSOP.
What is his legacy in the poker world?
Amarillo Slim is remembered as one of the game’s most charismatic and influential figures. He helped bring poker to a wider audience in the 1970s and 80s, and his storytelling, bold bets, and colorful personality became iconic in the culture of the game.
