John Gabe Patgorski

John Gabriel "Gabe" Patgorski was born on September 16, 1986, in Chesapeake, Virginia. He attended the University of Virginia, where he graduated. During his college years, the poker boom was underway, and he began playing poker. He also co-hosted the poker podcast Rootbone Radio alongside friends Peter Jetten and Brian Powell. Before focusing on poker, he engaged in entrepreneurial activities and hosted a radio talk show.

Patgorski turned professional in 2004, initially building his bankroll through online poker. His first live cash came in August 2007 at the Empire State Hold'em Championships in Verona, where he finished 9th in a $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em event for $15,212. He continued to cash in WSOP events and other tournaments. In October 2010, he finished 2nd in a $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Regional Championship at the WSOP Circuit in Hammond, earning $324,770. After Black Friday in 2011, Patgorski shifted his focus to live cash games in Macau, specializing in Short Deck No-Limit Hold'em, a variant he played since its inception.

Patgorski found significant success in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series, particularly in Short Deck events. In May 2018, at Triton Montenegro, he finished 3rd in a HK$250,000 Short Deck event for $246,751. In March 2019, at Triton Jeju, he placed 5th in a HK$1,000,000 Short Deck event for $777,120. Later in May 2019, he finished 6th in a HK$200,000 Short Deck Turbo event in Montenegro for $98,105. The pinnacle came in August 2019 at Triton London: he won the £250,000 No-Limit Hold'em Short Deck "Les Ambassadeurs Private Event," taking home £4,815,000 (approximately $5,821,826), his largest live cash to date. This victory vaulted him to over $7.8 million in total live earnings.

Patgorski has 15 WSOP cashes totaling $645,586, with best WSOP cash being $82,365 for 87th in the 2019 WSOP Main Event. He also cashed in the 2015 $25,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (19th, $40,357). Other notable results include 54th in the 2015 EPT Bahamas Main Event ($27,700), 439th in the 2014 WSOP Main Event ($25,756), and 14th in the 2014 $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 6-Handed event ($21,031). He also cashed in APPT Macau in 2013. His total live earnings exceed $7.8 million, ranking him 231st all-time and 2nd in Virginia. His best rank was 144th.

Patgorski is recognized as a tight-aggressive (TAG) player, emphasizing precise post-flop reads and decision-making. He leverages positional advantage and exploits opponents' weaknesses. His style is characterized by discipline and emotional control, allowing him to perform under pressure. He is particularly skilled in Short Deck variants, where his technical understanding gives him an edge. He focuses on continuous improvement and sound bankroll management.

Patgorski is often described as humble and hardworking. He has used his poker winnings to fund his education and personal development. He continues to play high-stakes tournaments and cash games. His success in the Triton series and Short Deck poker has cemented his reputation as a specialist in that format. He resides in Chesapeake, Virginia, and remains an influential figure in the poker community.

Patgorski's first WSOP cashes came in 2011, where he finished 14th in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em 6-Handed Championship for $43,976 and 31st in the $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha for $10,247. In 2012, he added four cashes, including a 40th-place finish in a $1,000 event for $8,363. These early results laid the foundation for his career.

In May 2022, Patgorski played a small tournament at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, finishing 7th in a $100 No-Limit Hold'em event for $392. This shows his willingness to compete across all stakes, staying active in the poker community.