Jack Keller, nicknamed Gentleman (1942-2005), was one of the most prolific poker players to star on the professional circuit. His set of skills spanned many variants of poker, from Texas Hold'em to Omaha through to 7 Card Stud. His his impressive track record and almost unrivalled talent led the Poker Hall of Fame to induct Keller in 1994.
Before shifting to professional poker in the 1980s, Jack Keller had spent many years with the USAF. He first became a fixture on the Las Vegas poker scenes in 1980, shortly after moving there from Philadelphia. Originally known as a strong Seven-Card Stud player, Jack Keller soon proved opponents that he was just as good playing other forms of poker. In 1984, Keller entered his first WSOP. The event proved to be a vital stepping stone to his professional career: he came first in two tournaments - the $5,000 Seven Card Stud and the $10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship - netted nearly $800,000 in prize money, and collected two WSOP bracelets. Following his 1984 victory Jack Keller went on playing numerous tournaments. He was a great fan of Pot Limit Omaha, and promoted the game wherever he could - including Britain, where he made it extremely popular. Whe Las Vegas took up seven-card stud eight-or-better, Jack Keller was one of the first players to win such a game. At the end of his career, the Jack Keller 'headcount' of poker trophies included three 3 WSOP bracelets, a WPO gold and diamond bracelet, a Hall of Fame Poker Classic watch, and four Super Bowl of Poker titles.
Throughout his professional career, Jack Keller earned a reputation for aggressive playing, and his ability to sit at the table for long hours while finishing one opponent after another became famous - and somewhat dreaded. This stood in direct opposite to his pleasant demeanor, which earned him the nickname Gentleman. In addition to his firece playing and mastering of nearly every single form of poker, Jack Keller was known for his carefree attitude about money. Indeed, as an outstanding tournament and money player he never had any reason to fear for his bankroll - or bank account; his overall prize money amounted to nearly $3.7 million.
Jack Keller kept a constant presence on the poker scene - regardless of his whereabouts. Having retired to the Mississippi casino haven of Tunica in his final years, Keller continued playing Omaha, and appeared on important poker events. His 15th and final WSOP came in 2001; a month earlier he came in first in the $500 Limit Hold'em tournament at the WPT Open. At his passing away in 2003 even those players who would not miss Jack Keller as an opponent were shattered by the loss of such an admirable figure and friend.
Jack Keller - Landmark Victories:
2001 Second Annual Jack Binion WPT Open
$500 Limit Hold'em
03/27/2001 $92,058
1995 Queens Poker Classic V
$1,000 No Limit Hold'em
02/26/1995 $31,800
1987 Amarillo Slim's Superbowl of Poker
$10,000 No Limit Hold'em
02/1987 $220,000