Crandell Addington

Crandell Addington was born on June 2, 1938, in Graham, Texas. He graduated from Southwestern University with majors in economics and accounting, laying the foundation for his future business career.

Addington was a regular in the Texas poker circuit during the 1960s, earning the nickname "Dandy" for his always well-dressed appearance. In 1969, he won the Texas Gamblers Convention in Reno, Nevada, where the idea for the World Series of Poker was conceived. He participated in the first WSOP in 1970 alongside legends like Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, and Johnny Moss.

Addington holds the record for most WSOP Main Event final table appearances, with seven between 1972 and 1979. He finished second twice: losing to Johnny Moss in 1974 and to Bobby Baldwin in 1978. However, since the Main Event was winner-take-all until 1978, most of these appearances did not result in cash finishes. He never won a WSOP bracelet but was described by Doyle Brunson as a "No Limit Hold'em Legend." His total live tournament winnings exceeded $162,000.

Addington left professional poker in the 1980s to focus on business. Over 40 years as an entrepreneur, he founded successful companies in chemical manufacturing and oil and gas exploration. He served as CEO, Chairman, and Director of Phoenix Biotechnology, a company focused on cancer treatment research.

Crandell Addington died on April 14, 2024, at the age of 85 in San Antonio, Texas. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing his contributions as a founder of the WSOP and his enduring impact on the game.