Paul Wasicka

Paul J. Wasicka was born on February 17, 1981, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Denver, Colorado, and later attended college in Madison, Wisconsin. Known by his nickname "Kwickfish," Wasicka eventually moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to pursue professional poker. He emerged during the mid-2000s poker boom, quickly establishing himself as a formidable tournament player.

Wasicka’s breakout performance came at the 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event, which remains the largest WSOP main event field in history with 8,773 entrants. He finished as the runner-up to Jamie Gold, earning $6,102,499 – his largest live cash to date. The final table was broadcast on ESPN and is one of the most iconic in poker history. This result catapulted Wasicka into the spotlight and secured his place in poker lore.

The following year, Wasicka won the 2007 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship, defeating a star-studded field. He dispatched Eli Elezra, Joe Hachem, T. J. Cloutier, Nam Le, and Shannon Elizabeth before facing Chad Brown in the finals, whom he beat 2–0. The victory earned him $500,000 and further cemented his reputation as a top player.

On the World Poker Tour, Wasicka made the final table of the 2007 L.A. Poker Classic ($9,900 No-Limit Hold’em), finishing fourth and earning $455,615. The final table also included J. C. Tran and Eric Hershler. He also cashed in three other WPT Championship events, accumulating over $700,000 in WPT earnings alone. At the 2007 Aussie Millions Main Event, he placed 12th for A$120,000 (approximately $95,434). The event was won by Gus Hansen.

Over his career, Wasicka has recorded 14 WSOP money finishes (according to official records), with total WSOP earnings of $6,308,316 as of 2016. His notable WSOP cashes include: 2015 $1,500 Millionaire Maker (497th, $3,928), 2013 $10,000 Main Event (493rd, $24,480), 2013 $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em (31st, $10,328), and several other deep runs. He also cashed in WSOP Circuit events, such as a 14th-place finish at Harrah's St. Louis ($3,829) and a 12th-place finish in the Caesars Atlantic City Main Event ($13,072). Despite numerous close calls, he has not won a WSOP bracelet.

After his early successes, Wasicka gradually stepped back from regular tournament play. In a 2016 interview, he noted that he no longer plays much professional poker. As of 2025, his total live tournament winnings exceed $7,885,747, ranking him 227th on the All Time Money List. His runner-up finish in the 2006 Main Event and his Heads-Up Championship victory remain defining achievements of the poker boom era. Wasicka is remembered for his patient, calculated approach and his ability to perform on the biggest stages.

Besides his Main Event runner-up, Wasicka has one WSOP Circuit ring, and his WSOP.com profile lists 23 cashes, 4 final tables, and 1 ring. His additional deep WSOP runs include a 20th in the 2012 $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em ($15,287), 33rd in the 2012 $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em Re-entry ($18,427), 33rd in the 2013 $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em ($7,307), 37th in the 2013 $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em ($8,987), and 31st in the 2013 $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em ($10,328). He also cashed in the 2015 Millionaire Maker (497th) and the 2010 $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em (286th). These results demonstrate consistency over several years.

Wasicka's All Time Money List best rank was 9th, achieved shortly after his 2006 Main Event success. As of 2025, he ranks 227th overall, 106th in the United States, and 12th in Nevada. His total live tournament winnings stand at $7,885,747, with over $6.3 million from WSOP events alone.

Wasicka is active on Twitter as @Kwickfish. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. After his peak years, he reduced his tournament schedule and has been involved in various poker-related projects. He remains a respected figure from the poker boom era.