Archie Karas, a legendary gambler, made a name for himself with his remarkable poker run that turned $40 into nearly $17 million. Karas, who sharpened his skills in the backrooms of bowling alleys, became famous for his fearless approach at the poker table.
He fearlessly took on high-profile players, including two businessmen in his early poker battles, walking away with their money. As his success grew, he attracted the attention of many famous poker players who were eager to challenge him. Stu Ungar and Chip Reese both fell victim to Karas, losing millions to his skillful gameplay.
Even poker legends like Doyle Brunson, Johnny Moss, and Puggy Pearson couldn’t stop Karas as he continued to dominate the tables. By the end of his incredible winning streak, Karas had amassed close to $17 million, defeating some of the biggest names in the poker world.
However, Karas’ luck took a turn for the worse when he transitioned to the craps tables at the Horseshoe casino. Despite initial success, he quickly lost $11 million in a short period, trying to recoup his losses by returning to poker. In a rematch against Chip Reese, Karas ended up losing another $1 million.
Ultimately, Karas’ winning streak came to an end when he tried his hand at baccarat and lost everything. Throughout his career, he reportedly won and lost around $40 million, solidifying his status as a gambling icon.
Despite his controversial past, including being banned from Las Vegas casinos for cheating, Karas was undeniably skilled as a poker player. He earned six gold bracelets at the World Series of Poker, cementing his legacy as one of the most talented gamblers of his time. Unfortunately, his career came to an abrupt halt when he was blacklisted in Nevada for card-marking, preventing him from ever gambling in Vegas again.
Archie Karas passed away on September 7, 2024, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most intriguing and skilled gamblers in history.
