Eric Shanks

Eric Shanks is an American player who has been a long-time competitor in the World Series of Poker (WSOP). According to official WSOP data, he has cashed 14 times, with total earnings reaching $319,910, and has made two final tables. His tournament history shows he primarily plays in small to mid-stakes events with buy-ins ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, reaching his personal peak between 2013 and 2014.

Eric Shanks' best WSOP performances were concentrated in 2013 and 2014, though he has maintained a consistent cash record in subsequent years. Below is a list of his key results (based on WSOP official data):

• 2014 WSOP Event #56: $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em — 3rd place, $177,527 (2,525 entrants)
• 2013 WSOP Event #22: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha — 6th place, $43,460 (1,021 entrants)
• 2014 WSOP Event #21: $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em — 12th place, $19,398 (2,043 entrants)
• 2015 WSOP Event #45: $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em — 22nd place, $12,422 (1,655 entrants)
• 2024 WSOP Event #54: $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER — 98th place, $12,690 (10,939 entrants)
• 2024 WSOP Event #51: $1,500 Super Turbo Bounty — 52nd place, $5,218 (2,110 entrants)
• 2015 WSOP Event #61: $1,111 The Little One for One Drop — 254th place, $2,664
• 2015 WSOP Event #34: $1,500 Split Format — 40th place, $5,185
• 2014 WSOP Event #3: $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha — 98th place, $2,091
• 2022 WSOP Event #37: $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER — 859th place, $2,625
• 2024 WSOP Event #5: $1,000 Mystery Millions — 798th place, $2,170

Several pivotal elimination hands involving Eric Shanks at WSOP events have been covered in detail by PokerNews, showcasing his decision-making under pressure and the swings of luck.

2014 WSOP Event #56: Battle for Third Place

During three-handed play, Eric Shanks shoved from the button, facing Jeff Blenkarn's QQ. Shanks held A-T, but the flop offered no help, and he was eliminated in third place. This hand earned him the largest single payout of his career: $177,527.

2014 WSOP Event #21: 12th Place Exit

On Day 3, Thayer Rasmussen raised from under the gun, and Shanks shoved for about 275,000 with A♠Q♣. Rasmussen called with A♦K♣. The flop gave Rasmussen a pair of kings, and Shanks failed to catch any outs, finishing 12th for $19,398.

2014 WSOP Event #21 Day 2: Backdoor Straight Double-Up

Shanks pulled off an impressive comeback. He shoved with A♠J♠, and opponent Robert Tepper held pocket tens. The flop gave Tepper trip tens, but Shanks hit a backdoor straight (10-9-8-7-6) to survive and double up. This hand demonstrated his resilience.

2013 WSOP Event #22: 6th Place Exit

After Shanks raised from the button, Josh Pollock re-raised from the small blind. Shanks shoved, and Pollock called with A♦K♥. Shanks' K♠Q♠ was behind, and when Pollock made a flush on the flop, Shanks was eliminated, earning $43,460.

Eric Shanks is not a top-tier star in the poker world, but his consistent performance in small to mid-stakes WSOP events proves his skill. With two final tables, 14 cashes, and total earnings exceeding $310,000, he has established himself as a steady competitor on the tournament circuit. His record reflects good endurance and timely execution in key moments.