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Poker Profiles: T. J. Cloutier

If ever you wonder what T. J. Cloutier's staying power is, wonder no more. Skill at playing cards and making important decisions at the Poker table are obviously present. No man would probably stick around on a business where he is not gaining anything. T. J. continues to play because the Poker world still has a space for him. Already holder of a Poker Hall of Fame spot, the 60 something player is not slowing down on his career. Not at the moment at least.

Born Thomas James Cloutier in Albany California on October 13, 1939, T. J. was an active sportsman when he was younger. In college, he was part of a football team which got him through school fees. He was with the U.S army when he learned to play Poker. After his stint at the Army, he continued playing football. Unfortunately, he met an injury, which abruptly ended his promising career. Since he is no longer fit to play in football leagues, T. J. turned his efforts in playing at Poker tournaments. That was after he failed a food business and held a job at a Texas oil rig. Poker made him realize that money and respect is earned easily if you consistently do well. That's just what he did!

Tournament plays are T. J.'s forte. He is often seen playing at No Limit and Pot Limit Hold'em tables. His Poker skills not only made him a Poker Hall of Famer, it also gave him the distinction of being the only player who won all three Omaha events at a single World Series of Poker tournament. It is a record that is yet to be broken. Although he had made countless appearances at WSOP, he sadly never won a Main Event. He has had numerous final table finishes. In fact, he is tied with Phil Hellmuth Jr. for a record 39 WSOP final table finishes. It's just that, he was never too lucky to hit the number one spot. His best performances at the tournament garnered him 2nd place finishes, one in 1985 and another in 2000. A World Poker Tour title was also unreachable at the moment. But T. J. is not giving up. Aside from those two important tournaments, he also frequents other tournaments like the Ultimate Poker Challenge, the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament, the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, and the Poker Royale: Battle of the Ages among others.

At present, aside from enjoying over $9 million winnings, T. J. is busy sharing his Poker insights through books and magazine articles.