Brent Carter, two-time WSOP champion and a poker star of the 1990s, has passed away

The poker community mourns Brent Carter — two-time WSOP bracelet winner and a legend of the 1990s. We remember his contribution to the development of poker.

The poker community recently learned some sad news — at the age of 78, Brent Carter, a two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and one of the prominent figures on the poker scene in the 1990s, has passed away. The exact cause of death was not disclosed, but it is known that in recent years Carter suffered several heart attacks and strokes. Brent Carter’s Poker Journey: From Stardust to the WSOP Brent Carter began his professional poker career in the mid-1980s, when he started regularly participating in tournaments. His first steps were in the popular Stairway to the Stars tournaments held at the Stardust casino. Back then, tournament structures were different from today: for example, in a $500 buy-in event, players received exactly $500 in chips for their starting stack. Carter quickly adapted to tournament poker, learning as he played. For nearly three decades, Carter was a regular at the biggest tournaments, and his name became well-known thanks to numerous cashes. According to The Hendon Mob, his total live tournament winnings amounted to $3,099,501. The last time he cashed was in 2015. Carter especially stood out at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he finished third in four different events and was runner-up three times. His highest achievement was third place in the 1995 WSOP Main Event, for which he received $302,750. This result was his record for prize money won. Main Victories and Achievements Brent Carter won the WSOP gold bracelet twice — the highest honor in tournament poker: In 1991, he became the champion of the WSOP $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event, winning $156,800. In 1994, he won the WSOP $1,500 Limit Omaha event, earning $83,400. In addition to the bracelets, he also won two WSOP Circuit gold rings — a separate series of tournaments held in various US cities, which is also considered prestigious among professionals. Carter also found success in other major events. In 1990, he won the Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker $1,550 No-Limit Hold’em event, earning $87,000. In 1991, he won the Hall of Fame Poker Classic — $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha, taking home $156,800. Table of Brent Carter’s Key Results 3rd place, WSOP Main Event 1995 — $302,750 1st place, WSOP 1991 $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em — $156,800 (bracelet) 1st place, WSOP 1994 $1,500 Limit Omaha — $83,400 (bracelet) 1st place, Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker 1990 $1,550 NLH — $87,000 1st place, Hall of Fame Poker Classic 1991 $2,500 Pot-Limit Omaha — $156,800 Two WSOP Circuit gold rings More than 53 pages of cashes (according to Carter’s partner) A Man of Principle: His Attitude Toward the Game and People Brent Carter’s partner of 32 years, Jane Paquette, told PokerNews about the poker player’s personal qualities. According to her, Carter was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. He never expected anything in return for his good deeds. In the poker community, he was easily recognized by his blue jacket and a Big Gulp cup in his hand. Jane recalled that Carter often helped other players: for example, he gave Stu Ungar $20 for a taxi the day before Ungar’s death. When Carter won, he tried to share his winnings with those around him. He paid close attention to tournament schedules and always suggested adjustments to organizers so that players could participate in multiple events in the same category — if tournaments overlapped, he advised separating them by date. Besides poker, Carter was actively involved in charity: several times a week he brought food to the homeless. According to Paquette, he could find common ground with anyone and always tried to act fairly, especially at the poker table. Interesting Facts: From Horse Racing to Poker Before dedicating himself to poker, Brent Carter was involved in harness racing. As noted on the official WSOP website, his love for racing began back in school, when he first visited a racetrack with his girlfriend. Later, Carter started working with a horse owner and became immersed in the sport. Carter himself noted that there are many similarities between poker and horse racing: in both, you have to develop a strategy against several opponents, and the favorite doesn’t always win. In his words, “At the poker table, you’re up against eight opponents, and each is trying to come up with a strategy to win all the chips. In horse racing, there are eight, nine, or ten horses, and everyone is trying to get theirs to the finish line first. The best horse doesn’t always win, just like the best hand doesn’t always win.” Controversial Episode: Accusation of Sending Threats In 2021, Brent Carter’s name appeared in the headlines again, but this time not for poker achievements. According to The Times Union, Carter was charged with a federal crime — sending false threats. He was accused of repeatedly sending suspicious envelopes containing white powder to the headquarters of the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) in Schenectady. Carter pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served. He admitted to sending threatening letters to NYSGC employees, as well as four letters containing white powder and other substances. Remembering Brent Carter The poker community extends its condolences to Brent Carter’s family and friends. His contribution to the development of poker, his honesty, and his kindness will be remembered by colleagues and opponents. Carter was not only a successful player but also someone who strove to make the poker community fairer and more open to everyone. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players Brent Carter’s story is an example of how, in the poker world, not only skill but also personal qualities are valued. His attention to detail, fight for fair conditions for all participants, and willingness to support others are important guidelines for PPPoker club players. In the club environment, where players with different experience levels often interact, such principles help create a friendly atmosphere and foster trust. Carter also showed that success in poker is built on continuous learning and the ability to analyze not only your own play but also tournament structures. For PPPoker club game participants, this is a reason to pay closer attention to event schedules, choose optimal formats, and not be afraid to suggest ideas to organizers. Active participation in club life and caring for other players make poker not just a game for money, but a true community of like-minded people. Finally, Carter’s story is a reminder: regardless of status or achievements, it’s important to remain a good person, help those around you, and support fair play. These are the values that create long-term success and respect in the poker world — both online and at live tables.