Tragedy struck at a poker tournament in Oklahoma on 1st September. The highly-respected local pro – Eric Thompson passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack during Oklahoma State Championship’s inaugural event happening at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Oklahoma.
The 49-year-old who had celebrated his birthday on August 20 suffered a heart attack during a break of the kickoff event at the 2018 Oklahoma State Championship of Poker. The tournament staff immediately blinded off his chip stack and there was a moment of deep silence for Thompson.
Friends and fellow players paid tribute to the player who won the 2014 Choctaw Fall Poker Series Championship for his best live cash of $103,228. Thompson’s total tournament earnings of $545,075 place him 19th on Oklahoma’s all-time money list, according to his Hendon Mob listing. He also made Day 3 of the 2018 WSOP main event this summer in Las Vegas, as per a post he made to his Facebook page. “Thanks for all the support everyone,” he wrote after busting the event.
Thompson’s friend and fellow poker player, John Reynolds was quoted saying: “You was also always there willing to share your hotel rooms and talk Poker. We had many a fun time all over, Tulsa, Siloam, Joplin, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Durant. I will cherish all the good memories buddy, you will be missed!”
A funeral service for Thompson will be held on Friday in El Reno, Oklahoma.