David Baxter

David Baxter first cashed at the World Series of Poker in 1980, finishing second in a no-limit hold'em event for $27,600. Over the next few years, he built a reputation as a formidable tournament player.

Baxter won his first WSOP bracelet in 1983, taking down the $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event for $145,500. Three years later, he earned his second bracelet in the $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha (with rebuys) event, winning $127,000. In total, he recorded 14 WSOP cashes, including three deep runs in the Main Event: 15th in 1986, 18th in 1991, and 22nd in 1995. His WSOP earnings alone exceeded $432,000.

Beyond the WSOP, Baxter excelled in other high-profile tournaments. In 1984, he won the Grand Prix of Poker $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em event for $320,000, and he finished runner-up in the same event the following year. He also captured titles in mixed games, winning the America's Cup of Poker $1,000 Ace-to-Five Draw and the $5,000 Deuce-to-Seven Draw at the Grand Prix of Poker, both in 1987. Throughout the 1980s, he made seven final tables at Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker.

Baxter was known for his versatility across poker variants, excelling in both hold'em and Omaha. His consistent results in major tournaments earned him a lasting place in poker history. He retired from tournament play in the late 1990s, leaving behind a record of over $1.4 million in lifetime earnings and two WSOP bracelets.