Cake Poker OWNS TJ Cloutier
Or, at least, a piece of his poker history. Thought not publicly explaining himself, TJ Cloutier sold his 2005 $5,000 No Limit Hold’em bracelet to a pawn shop. When he was unable to meet the terms of getting it back, the Pawn shop then placed the bracelet on E-bay. The bracelet was purchased by Cake Poker for $4006.00. Some news agencies have speculated that buying this piece of poker history was a ploy by Cake poker to add Cloutier to their roster of “Pros,” but this afternoon it was announced by Cake Poker that they were intending on returning it to the rightful owner. “We can’t, in good conscience, keep it from the man who rightfully won it; which is why we’ve decided to return it to T.J. Cloutier… just as soon as we’re done having some fun with it.” No specific plans for the bracelet were given, although Cake Poker officials mentioned “photo shoots” and “wearing it to a buddy’s home game” as several possibilities.
What Happened?? I Thought Cloutier was…good?
From Cloutier’s perspective Wicked Chops Poker stated: “We called T.J. He didn’t want to come on the air… but told our producer the following: ‘I don’t want to talk about it… yeah it’s mine… I was short… I pawned it… I tried to get it back with my ticket but I was too late.’”
While poker players make a lot of money in the very short term, living day to day risking money to earn money can wear on you. But, unfortunately in this day and age, winning a big title wont keep you in the money forever. Between paying back the people who staked you, paying off your living expenses, and making sure your bankroll is intact, there is very little room for mistakes. And when you live in Vegas (or Atlantic City) there is plenty of opportunity to misuse that bankroll. For a lot of poker players, Sport betting is their vice (Phil Ivey anyone?)…for TJ Cloutier, Craps was a contributing factor to his financial situation.
So, potential WSOP champions, take note: Winning a bracelet DOES NOT guarantee you anything. Mr. Cloutier won many bracelets over his career…and now Cake Poker has it.
