Gavin Smith RIP

WSOP bracelet winner and WPT player of the year passed unexpectedly at age 50, left 2 pre-teen sons of whom he had sole custody. 24 year pro, well-liked and respected in the community.

There is a go-fund me account to be placed in trust for his sons. Nearly every pro I've ever heard of is contributing. If anyone here is interested, here's the link:

https://www.gofundme.com/rip-ol039-gavin-smith

Article about him:

https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/23544-poker-champion-gavin-smith-dead-at-age-50

Quote: beachbumbabs

WSOP bracelet winner and WPT player of the year passed unexpectedly at age 50, left 2 pre-teen sons of whom he had sole custody. 24 year pro, well-liked and respected in the community.

There is a go-fund me account to be placed in trust for his sons. Nearly every pro I've ever heard of is contributing. If anyone here is interested, here's the link:

https://www.gofundme.com/rip-ol039-gavin-smith

Article about him:

https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/23544-poker-champion-gavin-smith-dead-at-age-50

I feel sorry for his friends and family. But a "GoFundMe" page for a successful multi million dollar winner? He didn't have life insurance? A nest egg put away? Really?

Quote: SOOPOO

I feel sorry for his friends and family. But a "GoFundMe" page for a successful multi million dollar winner? He didn't have life insurance? A nest egg put away? Really?

I think you would be surprised at how many of these "successful" tournament players really don't have anything. Usually they have backers that put up 90% of the money and take 90% of the profits.

Quote: SOOPOO

I feel sorry for his friends and family. But a "GoFundMe" page for a successful multi million dollar winner? He didn't have life insurance? A nest egg put away? Really?

Many people who are in their 50's assume they have lots of time to set up nest eggs and life insurance, especially since people are living longer nowadays and many people are still alive at 85. In fact, some people in their 50's have GRANDPARENTS who are still alive. Some people live to 100 and beyond.

Quote: Nathan

Many people who are in their 50's assume they have lots of time to set up nest eggs and life insurance, especially since people are living longer nowadays and many people are still alive at 85. In fact, some people in their 50's have GRANDPARENTS who are still alive. Some people live to 100 and beyond.

Anyone that isn't living hand to mouth and has two young children is failing as a parent if they don't have something set up to care for them. Hopefully, they are provided for.
With that said, This man was evidently a valued member of the poker community and I admire people who knew him for helping out his children. It's what people of good will do.

Gavin admitted to having backers and that it lessened the pressure on him. As for all his winnings. alcoholics live drink to drink, sad to say.

5.5M over 26 years is about 211k/yr, and how many entry fees in that time where he didn't cash? Probably hundreds of $100 to $10k fees lost over that long.

I figure if those who knew him best see the need to do this, and those who also knew him best are all giving pretty good sums of money, there's a need.

Yeah, he was an alcoholic. It's a disease. Yeah, he had backers, so his earnings weren't his own. Yeah, he lived the good life, buying drinks, getting sucked into the casino money trap.

Nobody has to give. There are some poker players here, thought they might like to know. But I'm finding the judgement and assumptions a bit off-putting. The kids look to be about 6 and 8. Life is good - throw $5 or $10 that way and feel lIke you made a difference today.

Quote: SOOPOO

I feel sorry for his friends and family. But a "GoFundMe" page for a successful multi million dollar winner? He didn't have life insurance? A nest egg put away? Really?

Tournament winnings don't equal profit.

I wouldn't be shocked if he was barely profitable at all.

And RIP Gavin.

Quote: SOOPOO

I feel sorry for his friends and family. But a "GoFundMe" page for a successful multi million dollar winner? He didn't have life insurance? A nest egg put away? Really?

That was my thought too. It gets a little tiresome seeing everyone set up a go fund when things happen. Why should I contribute to someone who could have easily had life insurance.

Then again it's not his kids fault that he didnt so I do feel bad for them if their family is going to struggle.

Why should you give?

1) Because you can.

2) Because someday someone you love may ask, when you are not there to help
and I can only hope people will offer them more than criticism.

3) because giving feels good. The feeling of making a difference is a natural high.

I'm sure you have countless reasons why you shouldn't.
Your choice.