Bill Smith (poker player)

Bill Smith was born on March 14, 1934, in Roswell, New Mexico. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War before turning to professional poker.

Smith became a staple at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) during the 1980s. He made the final table of the WSOP Main Event three times:

• 1981 WSOP Main Event – Finished 5th out of 75 players for $37,500.
• 1985 WSOP Main Event – Won the championship and $700,000, defeating T.J. Cloutier heads-up.
• 1986 WSOP Main Event – Finished 5th out of 141 players for $51,300.

This was his only WSOP bracelet. His total lifetime tournament winnings exceeded $1,050,000, with $788,800 coming from WSOP events.

Smith was known for his heavy drinking, which dramatically affected his play. Fellow pro T.J. Cloutier described him as "the tightest player you'd ever played in your life when he was sober," but "the best player I'd ever played with" when halfway drunk. However, when completely drunk, he became the worst player. During his 1985 Main Event victory, Smith started the final day sober, then began drinking and accumulated a massive chip stack through aggressive play, eventually winning despite being fully intoxicated. When asked about his personal life after winning, he famously said, "There's not much to say – I just drink and gamble."

Smith died on February 28, 1996 in Nevada at age 61. Many believe his alcoholism shortened his career. Poker legend Mike Sexton noted that Smith was "as tough as anybody in the cash games – until he had a few too many beers." His memorable win and unique playing style remain a notable part of WSOP history.