Background
Fowler was born in Vermont and later lived for many years in Tulare, California.
Fowler was born in Vermont and later lived for many years in Tulare, California.
Before his WSOP victory, he worked as an advertising executive. At one time, he was down to around 2,000 in chips (out of over 500,000) at a final table that included Johnny Moss, Bobby Baldwin, and other professional players. Additionally, it is believed that Fowler could not cover the entrance fee and Benny Binion had to loan it to him.
Fowler would later fade from the poker scene because of complications from diabetes that hurt his eyesight and his legs.
Fowler"s career tournament earnings exceeded $380,000. He died at the age of 73 in a nursing home on November 7, 2000.
World Series of bracelet.
He is considered the first amateur poker player to become poker"s World Champion. Although a relative unknown amateur player, Fowler won the 1979 World Series of main event. Fowler"s 1979 win is sometimes called the greatest upset in the history of the WSOP. Fowler defeated Bobby Hoff heads up to win the championship when his 7♠ 6♦ made a gut-shot straight and defeated Hoff"s A♣ A♥ on a board reading 5♥ 3♣ J♠ 4♠ 10♦.
