WSOP Circuit Grinder Bob “Big Tex” Talbot Passes Away
The poker world recently received the sad news that Bob “Big Tex” Talbot of Granbury, Texas passed away on July 8 at the age of 73.
Talbot, born November 3, 1946, had a modest $105,896 in live tournament winnings including a career-best $42,896 for finishing third in the 2010 World Series of Poker Circuit IP Biloxi $1,600 Main Event. All told, he had 14 WSOP Circuit cashes totaling $76,314. Prior to picking up tournaments in 2010, Talbot focused on cash games.
Perhaps what Talbot will be most remembered for is his passion and dedication to poker. In addition to playing, he tirelessly helped promote events in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and other states throughout the south.
“Since traveling the tourney circuit I have made many friends around the country and have had a little luck on the felt,” Talbot wrote on his website, bigtexpokernews.com.
Those who knew Talbot shared memories of their friend on social media, including former tournament director Jimmy Sommerfeld:
"Bob Talbot seemed like he was invincible to me! Rest easy and Godspeed.”
“I met Bob Talbot in Tunica. We had a huge stage set up for the final table. He asked me, ‘Hey buddy, how am I gonna get up there when I make the final table?’ I said, ‘I don't think I have to worry about that!’ Was kidding with him but it broke the ice with him. My next tournament was at IP Casino and I told Bob that I had made the stage with a ramp so he could get up to the final table area. He made the final table, then I gave him a two-round penalty at the final table. He came back to win the tournament.”
He continued: “Every tournament he would look at me and say, I don’t know why I support you. You gave me a two-round penalty at the final table. I always laughed and would tell him I was afraid he was going to get pocket queens and dump all his chips. He was a stubborn old man, I said from day one I better get on his right side. I did get on his right side and he became one of my best friends!”
Noted poker photographer Eric Harkins added: “So sorry and saddened to hear this news. Bob Talbot seemed like he was invincible to me! Rest easy and Godspeed.”
PokerNews offers its condolences to Talbot's friends and family.
Click here to read more about Talbot's run in the WSOPC IP Biloxi
PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
