In today’s Vegas Aces Casino news, we take a look at James Woods, a Hollywood actor-turned-casino-pro, and we also focus on the 2003 6-entry WPT Hollywood Home Game III, which marked a unique point in poker history.
This established a turning It marked said point in poker history not only because of the number of participants (only 6) or due to the size of the prize pool (which was $25,000), but the set of people it recruited to the poker scene was jaw-dropping. It attracted some of the biggest names in Hollywood to poker, including the star actress and professional player Jennifer Tilly and -of course- the winning poker aficionado James Woods.
James Woods: From “Casino” Actor to Casino Player
James Woods, born April 18, 1947, hails from Vernal, Utah, and has been a famous star cast in top-notch Hollywood movies that keep viewers’ mouths agape. His fast-paced speech, wisdom, demanding roles, and impressive performances have earned him several awards.
James Woods has starred in several movies, including Once Upon a Time in America in 1984 and Casino in 1995. He won his third Emmy Award in 2000 and a Golden Globe Award in 1987. The same year, he won the Independent Spirit Award. So far, his acting career has accumulated a net worth of over $8 million.
From the Greens to the Poker Screens
James Woods used to play golf as a hobby. In 2002, one of his golf buddies told him he would also like poker, and Woods asked to see what the game was like. His friend took him to the Bellagio and taught him how to play poker. He won $645 from a $200 bet that day and has been playing poker ever since.
Aside from the 2003 WPT Hollywood Home Game tournament, James has competed in the WSOP and other top poker tournaments. Today, he is globally known as a poker-playing actor, with $430,000 in live earnings. This sum is impressive but not as high as the sum won by Gabe Kaplan, a well-known comedian, actor, and poker player.
James Woods: Major Poker Tournament Wins and WSOP Appearances
James Woods’ first major win in tournament poker came in February 2006. Among the 629 WPT L.A. Poker Classic No Limit Hold ’em Championship Event players, he finished 24th place to win $39,859, his biggest live cash win. A few months later, he participated in his first WSOP, finishing 56th in the 600-field event. Not relenting, James continued appearing in several minor tournaments, where he finished 1st or 2nd on many occasions.
In 2013, James Woods featured in Massachusetts’ WSOP tournament (the 44th). This time, he competed with 2,115 players and finished 54th in the $1,500 No Limit Hold ’em event. He traveled to Atlantic City, New Jersey, for the Borgata Poker Open the following month. James Woods dominated the 338-field $350 + 50 No Limit Hold ‘Em Big Stack event, finishing 2nd to win $17,214.
The year 2015 was another note-worthy one on James Woods’ poker journey. He was again in Atlantic City for the WPT Borgata Winter Open. His gameplay in the 989-field $3,300 + 200 No Limit Hold ‘Em event helped him secure a 59th-place finish.
However, this tournament was not the year’s main highlight for him—it was the 46th WSOP tournament.
James traveled to Las Vegas in May 2015 for the WSOP, where he played against 308 players. He came in 7th in the $3,000 No Limit Hold ‘Em Shootout event. Shortly after the tournament, he went to Los Angeles for the WPT Poker Classic, where he finished first in the $1,100 Omaha 8 or Better event to claim a WPT title.
In June 2018, James Woods competed again in the 49th WSOP. Having improved greatly in his game, he played the $1,500 Dealers Choice-6. Astonishingly, he came out first, winning a $23,686 cash prize. His performance has only improved since then, with a mix of minor and major tournament appearances.
Away From the Table: Advocation and Charities
The fame James Woods gained from his screen role has given him the attention he needed for his voice to be heard in poker. Suppose you don’t see him at the poker table. In that case, he is probably somewhere advocating for the game and raising funds for charitable works. He often donates to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
In Shorthand…
James Woods has demonstrated that two careers should not stop you from taking your hobbies to the next level. Although he is a pastime poker player, his passion for the game continues to be more visible, and his relevance in the community continues to increase. You can also begin playing free poker online by visiting Vegas Aces Casino.
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