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Poker World Mourns The Loss Of WPT’s Kurt McPhail

The poker community is in mourning after the unexpected passing of Kurt McPhail, a pillar of the World Poker Tour (WPT) for the past 17 years. McPhail’s influence extended far beyond his role in establishing the WPT League back in 2007. More recently, he spearheaded the WPT at Sea Poker Room aboard Virgin Voyages, bringing his passion for the game to players on the high seas.

WPT tweeted a post on McPhail’s sudden demise. The post read, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kurt McPhail, who has been a part of our @WPT family for 17 years. Kurt founded WPT League in 2007, operated the WPT at Sea poker room on @VirginVoyages, and was the backbone of our recent WPT Voyage, contributing immensely to its success and leaving an indelible mark on our community. 

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kurt McPhail, who has been a part of our @WPT family for 17 years.

Kurt founded WPT League in 2007, operated the WPT at Sea poker room on @VirginVoyages, and was the backbone of our recent WPT Voyage, contributing immensely to its success… pic.twitter.com/d5hZg35iJY

— World Poker Tour (@WPT) July 11, 2024

Kurt’s life was marked by his love for poker, but even more so by his profound love for people. To Kurt, everyone was a friend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kurt.”

McPhail called Wichita, Kansas home, but over the last year, the allure of the open water proved irresistible. He wasn’t just a seasoned traveler though; McPhail was also a proud alumnus of Fort Hays State University and a devoted husband to Kathy McPhail, his wife since 1998.

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Tributes poured in from across the poker world. Tommy Stokes, a fellow player, expressed his grief on social media: “RIP Kurt. You enriched my life in so many ways. I picture you enjoying a never-ending cruise up there, saving a spot for the rest of us. Love you, man.”

Adding to the chorus of remembrance was Chad Holloway. He recounted his experience meeting McPhail last year: “I had the privilege of knowing Kurt this past year, and his passing is a huge loss. When I visited the WPT at Sea Poker Room last October, Kurt’s hospitality truly went above and beyond. He was incredibly kind and generous, always ensuring everyone felt welcome and had a blast.

He was also a driving force behind the recent WPT Voyage, and everyone who worked with him held him in the highest regard. Kurt’s passion for poker was infectious, and the community has undeniably lost a great one.” Gutshot Magazine offers its heartfelt condolences to McPhail’s family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed at the tables and beyond.

For more updates from the poker world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter  and Telegram.

 

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