The Ironman: T.J. Cloutier

T.J. Cloutier is one of the most enduring and accomplished figures the game has ever seen. A powerhouse at the tables for over five decades, he became synonymous with high-stakes tournament poker long before the boom. With six WSOP bracelets and over 70 WSOP cashes, Cloutier didn’t just play the game—he shaped it. Revered for his mental toughness, sharp instincts, and fearless style, he’s the kind of competitor who commands respect every time he sits down. His legacy isn’t built on hype—it’s built on results, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.

Personal Life

Thomas James “T.J.” Cloutier was born on October 13, 1939, in Albany, California. A natural athlete from a young age, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, on a football scholarship and played in the Rose Bowl. After college, he went on to play professional football in the Canadian Football League, a career that was cut short by injury.

Off the field—and later, off the felt—Cloutier built a life marked by resilience. He worked a series of jobs to support his family, including in oil fields and as a food sales rep, before turning full-time to poker in his 40s. The shift wasn’t just a career change—it was a calling. His deep understanding of people, honed through years of life experience, became one of his greatest weapons at the table.

Though known for his competitiveness, Cloutier has long been recognized by peers as approachable, humble, and generous. His presence in the poker world spans generations, and he’s mentored countless players who now view him as a pillar of the community.

Beginning in Poker

T.J. Cloutier’s path to professional poker wasn’t paved with early fame or quick riches—it was built on grit, necessity, and undeniable talent. After injuries ended his football career and financial setbacks forced him out of the oil industry, Cloutier discovered poker as a means of survival. He began playing in underground games and small tournaments across Texas, quickly realizing he had a natural gift for reading players and controlling the flow of the game.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, he had fully committed to poker. He wasn’t just playing to win money—he was learning the game inside and out, mastering the nuances of every major variant. Unlike many specialists, Cloutier dominated across the board: No Limit Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud—whatever the format, he was a threat.

His rise wasn’t meteoric, but it was unstoppable. Without sponsorships or media attention, Cloutier built his name by consistently going deep in the toughest fields in the world. He became known as the guy who always made the right move at the right time, and who never cracked under pressure.

Greatest Achievements in Poker

T.J. Cloutier built one of the most respected and consistent tournament careers the poker world has ever seen. Known for his ability to dominate in multiple variants, he became a force at the World Series of Poker, making deep runs year after year and proving his versatility across formats.

Over the decades, Cloutier amassed more than 70 WSOP cashes and appeared at several high-stakes final tables. He came agonizingly close to winning the WSOP Main Event twice—finishing runner-up in 1985 and again in 2000, both times outlasting almost the entire field in the world’s most prestigious tournament.

He claimed a total of six WSOP bracelets, with wins spanning No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, Razz, and Omaha Hi-Lo—a rare feat that highlights his technical depth and adaptability:

WSOP Bracelets (6):

Year	Event	Format	Prize
1987	$1,000	Limit Omaha Hi-Lo	$72,000
1994	$1,500	Limit Omaha Hi-Lo	$135,000
1998	$2,500	Pot Limit Omaha	$136,000
2001	$5,000	Omaha Hi-Lo Split Eight or Better	$260,000
2004	$1,500	Razz	$90,500
2005	$5,000	No Limit Hold’em	$657,100

He also came second in the 2000 WSOP Main Event, earning $896,500, and second in 1985, earning $280,000, both near-miss moments that further defined his legacy.

In total, Cloutier earned over $10 million in live tournament winnings. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2006, a recognition of his impact not only on the felt but on the growth and legitimacy of competitive poker.

Strategies in Poker and Playing Style

T.J. Cloutier is widely regarded as one of the most intuitive and fearless tournament players of all time. His playing style blends old-school aggression with an almost surgical ability to read opponents. He wasn’t one to rely on complex math or game theory—instead, he trusted his instincts, built over thousands of hours at the table.

Cloutier excelled at adjusting to the dynamics of a game. He could shift gears effortlessly, applying pressure when others tightened up, and laying traps for overly aggressive opponents. His deep-stack tournament strategy was particularly respected: he often built big stacks through controlled aggression and used position masterfully to extract value.

In mixed games, he demonstrated an exceptional understanding of risk management, hand selection, and timing—rare traits even among top professionals. Whether in Limit Hold’em or Omaha Hi-Lo, Cloutier played with patience and discipline, knowing precisely when to engage and when to step away.

But perhaps his greatest edge was psychological. Cloutier had a knack for getting inside his opponents’ heads, spotting fear, fatigue, and hesitation—and exploiting every weakness with quiet precision.

Poker Books

T.J. Cloutier wasn’t just a dominant player—he also became a respected voice in poker education. Alongside fellow legend Tom McEvoy, Cloutier co-authored several influential books that helped shape how new generations approached the game.

The most well-known of these is “Championship No-Limit and Pot-Limit Hold’em”, a foundational strategy book that broke down complex tournament concepts into practical guidance. It offered real-world insights on bet sizing, position, and reading opponents—delivered with the clarity of someone who lived the game at the highest level.

He also co-wrote “Championship Omaha”, further cementing his reputation as one of the few pros equally skilled—and willing to teach—across multiple formats. These books became essential reading during the early 2000s poker boom and continue to be respected for their direct, experience-based approach.

Cloutier’s writing wasn’t about flashy plays or hype. It was about winning poker—and how to think like a professional. His books are still considered valuable tools for players serious about improving their tournament performance.

Most Iconic Hands and TV Moments

Few players have had as many iconic tournament moments as T.J. Cloutier. His deep runs, aggressive style, and longevity have produced several unforgettable hands captured on camera.

2000 WSOP Main Event Final Hand vs. Chris Ferguson
In one of the most memorable runner-up finishes in WSOP history, Cloutier’s A-Q was cracked by Ferguson’s A-9 when a nine hit the board. This hand has been replayed countless times and remains one of the defining moments of early televised poker.

Poker After Dark: World Series Legends Week

Cloutier participated in the “World Series Legends” week of Poker After Dark, competing alongside legends like Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, and Chris Ferguson. The episode showcased strategic plays and highlighted Cloutier’s experience and composure at the table.

Watch the full episode:

Interview at NACPT Choctaw Main Event

During the inaugural NACPT Choctaw Main Event, Cloutier shared insights about his day and experiences in the tournament. The interview provides a glimpse into his mindset and approach to the game.

These moments encapsulate T.J. Cloutier’s enduring presence and impact in the world of poker.