Thomas K. McEvoy was born on November 14, 1944 in Grand Rapids, MI. He learned to play poker at the age of 5 and played so often he would regularly get in trouble throughout elementary school for his habit. McEvoy began his work career as an accountant, playing poker on the side. After being laid off from his job, he decided to make poker his life and started playing full time.
McEvoy’s first major tournament cash was at the 1982 WSOP where he placed 6th at the $1,000 Razz Event. The following year would prove to be his best showing at the WSOP in his career. He won his first bracelet at the $1,000 Limit Hold ‘em event defeating Irish poker pro, Donnacha O’dea. He also was the Main Event champion that year. He finally defeated Rod Peate to secure the 1983 World Championship in what was the longest heads-up match in WSOP history. The record would last 22 years until it was broken by the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event in 2006 by Chip Reese and Andy Bloch. McEvoy’s main event victory was the first time anyone had won the title by qualifying previously through a satellite event. Since his two wins in 1983, McEvoy would go on to win two more bracelets. The 3rd of his 4 WSOP bracelets came in 1986 when he bested Alma McClellend at the $1,000 Razz Event. Six years later he won his 4th bracelet defeating 1986 Main Event champion, Berry Johnston at the $1,500 Limit Omaha Event. However, since his 1983 win McEvoy has only cashed in one other main event, finishing 371st in 2006.



















