Pat Lyons

Pat Lyons began his live tournament journey in August 2004, recording his first cash in San José, California. Two years later, in September 2006, he secured his first live tournament victory at the Speedway of Poker, also in San José, taking home nearly $15,000. Lyons steadily built his bankroll and reputation as a Bay Area grinder, frequently playing low-stakes daily tournaments at Bay 101. A significant breakthrough came in March 2011 when he finished second at a Bay 101 Shooting Star event, earning $105,500 after a deal. This six-figure score put him on the map and fueled his climb up the tournament ranks.

Lyons achieved his first major title in August 2016, winning the Arizona State Poker Championship main event in Scottsdale for over $240,000. Just two weeks later, he captured the biggest triumph of his career: the World Poker Tour (WPT) Legends of Poker main event in Los Angeles, collecting $615,346. This victory earned him a WPT champion ring and a career-best live cash. In July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lyons transitioned to online poker and won Event #17 of the WSOP Online series: a $777 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em tournament. Playing under the screen name "IchiiKawawa," he navigated a field of 1,382 entries (917 players plus 465 rebuys) to claim $173,551.56 and his first WSOP bracelet. The final hand saw Lyons all-in with queen-nine against Christopher Ginley's ace-king; Lyons spiked a queen on the river to make trips and seal the deal. This victory added to his prior WSOP experience, which included cashes in 2015 – notably in the Main Event – and a fourth-place finish in a WSOP Circuit Mega Millions event in 2018 for over $90,000.

Lyons is widely regarded as a fearless and charismatic table captain. One fellow pro noted: "He’s always the table captain and he’s capable of making a move in any spot in any tournament at any time." Lyons himself told a competitor at a final table, "You know I’m fearless, right Greg?" This aggressive approach, combined with a loud but respectful demeanor, makes him a constant threat. He thrives in high-pressure spots, often employing bold bluffs and leveraging his mojo to dominate opponents. Despite his intensity, Lyons is never rude; he treats others with respect and enjoys the game. His ability to shift gears and execute creative plays has earned him both fans and detractors, but those who know him acknowledge his proven track record.

As of 2025, Pat Lyons has accumulated over $2.145 million in live tournament earnings, ranking among the top U.S. players on the all-time money list. His best live cash remains the $615,346 from WPT Legends of Poker. Beyond live events, his WSOP Online bracelet underscores his adaptability across formats. Lyons continues to compete in major series, representing the San Mateo, California poker community. His legacy is that of a hard-grinding pro who rose through the ranks through skill, fearlessness, and a never-say-die attitude. Whether at Bay 101, the Rio, or online, Lyons remains a force to be reckoned with at any table.