Burt Boutin

Burt Boutin (full name Burton A. Boutin) was born and raised in the United States and now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. He began playing poker seriously in the late 1990s and quickly made a name for himself in the competitive Las Vegas scene. His first major breakthrough came at the 2001 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in the $2,000 Pot Limit Hold'em event. Boutin navigated a tough field of players and eventually found himself heads-up against the legendary English pro Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott. With skill and determination, Boutin defeated Ulliott to capture his first WSOP bracelet and a prize of $193,800. This victory established him as a formidable tournament player and marked the start of a successful career.

Six years later, Boutin returned to the WSOP winner's circle in emphatic fashion. At the 2007 WSOP, he entered the $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event with rebuys, which attracted 145 entries and generated a total prize pool of $2,891,000. Boutin outlasted a strong field that once again included Dave Ulliott, who finished third. After a tough heads-up battle against Erik Cajelais, Boutin claimed his second bracelet and the top prize of $868,745 (the largest single cash of his career). During the final table, WSOP commentator Norman Chad noticed Boutin frequently consuming Red Bull energy drinks and acting noticeably hyper between hands. Chad jokingly referred to him as "Red Bull Burt," a nickname that stuck and became part of poker lore. The nickname reflects Boutin's energetic and lively demeanor at the table, often fueled by his signature drink. His two WSOP bracelets are a testament to his skill across different poker variants—Pot Limit Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha.

Beyond his bracelet wins, Boutin has several other impressive live tournament results. In 2006, he finished second in the Mandalay Bay Poker Championship, earning $604,765—the second-largest cash of his career. He also has a World Poker Tour (WPT) final table appearance; while he does not hold a WPT title, he has six WPT money finishes, including at least one final table. His best WSOP Main Event finish came in 2004, when he placed 90th. as of the latest update, Boutin's total live tournament earnings exceed $2,399,025, with his 15 WSOP cashes accounting for over $1,308,253 of that sum. He ranks 1,026th on the All Time Money List, 531st on the United States All Time Money List, and 76th among players from Nevada. Boutin has also achieved the $2,000,000 career earnings milestone. He is known to play a wide variety of cash games in Las Vegas, from $200/$200 no-limit hold'em to $2,000/$2,000 and mixed games, demonstrating his versatility and deep understanding of multiple poker disciplines.

While detailed strategic analysis of Boutin's play is limited, his career achievements indicate a well-rounded and disciplined player. His two bracelet wins in different game types (hold'em and Omaha) suggest strong fundamentals and adaptability. He tends to play a solid, patient game but can be aggressive when he spots opportunities. Boutin's distinctive personality at the table—animated, hyper, and fueled by Red Bull—adds a psychological layer to his game. The nickname "Red Bull Burt" has become a memorable tag that distinguishes him from other two-time bracelet winners, and it often catches the attention of viewers and commentators alike. Despite his energetic outward persona, Boutin is known among peers for his focus and strategic thinking.

Off the felt, Boutin is a family man with three children. He maintains a relatively low profile outside of poker, preferring to let his results speak for themselves. He continues to be an active participant in the Las Vegas poker scene, frequently playing both tournaments and cash games. Boutin is one of the few players to have defeated Dave Ulliott in significant heads-up play and to have won bracelets in both hold'em and Omaha. His total career earnings have surpassed the $2 million milestone, and he remains a respected figure in the poker community. The nickname "Red Bull Burt" and his two WSOP bracelets ensure his place in poker history as a skilled and colorful competitor.