The Success of Pro Poker Player Dewey Tomko
Dewey Tomko already has three World Series of Poker bracelets to boast of. However, there was a point in his life when he felt as if he had always made cash finishes but never really earned a lot of first prize victories. During the time that he felt this way, this poker professional decided to take time out from playing poker. He focused himself in another career and concentrated on spending time with his wife and children.
Born in Glassport, Pennsylvania on December 31, 1946, Dewey Tomko, whose real name is Duane Tomko, knew how to play poker at a very early age. His skills allowed him to be a successful poker player even before he turned eighteen years old. During that time, teenagers of his age were engaged in low paying jobs just so they could shoulder their college expenses. But believe it or not, Dewey Tomko was already playing poker at that time to shoulder his educational expenses. Playing poker had been his source of income in order to complete a bachelor's degree from Salem College.
The first time that Dewey Tomko earned a World Series of Poker bracelet was on May 21, 1979. He was the first prize winner in a No Limit Hold'em event of the 10th Annual World Series of Poker. He won the grand prize worth US$48,000.
Dewey Tomko experienced another victory on May 11, 1984. He became the first prize winner once again, but this time, the game was a No Limit Deuce to Seven Lowball event of the 15th Annual World Series of Poker. He won the grand prize worth US$105,000.
Such victory was followed by another on the next day. Still at the 15th Annual World Series of Poker, Dewey Tomko also won first place in a Pot Limit Omaha event wherein his winnings amounted to US$135,000.
After such successes, Dewey Tomko continued to experiences numerous money finishes. For some poker professionals, money finishes are already enough for them to stay active in the poker industry. However, for Dewey Tomko, what he wanted was more than just money finishes. He had always wanted to experience more first prize wins, which he did not achieve for several years.
This situation prompted Dewey Tomko to take time out from playing professional poker for awhile. He then decided to spend more time with his family as he also became a kindergarten teacher. Despite being away from the poker scene, his interest in the game never faded. Instead, it was ignited even more by his son who kept on encouraging him to make a comeback in the poker industry. The fact that his son has turned into a poker professional himself was what made Dewey Tomko decide to go back to playing poker professionally.
And now, one of the dreams of this poker professional is to be able to reach the final table of a World Series of Poker event, wherein his opponent is his own son.