The 2003 Brian Saltus Award

by Mike Sexton | Published: Apr 25, 2003

Three of the final four players in the 2001 Tournament of Champions were tournament superstars T.J. Cloutier, Scotty Nguyen, and "Miami" John Cernuto. The fourth player was a guy named Brian Saltus, a relative unknown in the poker world. With that competition, no one in the packed audience gave Brian a chance to win. Yet, he did - and did so convincingly.

While the audience sat stunned following his victory, Brian took the microphone and gave an impromptu speech that will be remembered forever by those of us who were fortunate enough to have been there. Tears filled the room. We quickly learned that he was a champion in more ways than one. It was a very special night.

Brian Saltus continually demonstrated amazing strength and resolve in the face of adversity and sickness. He made everyone realize what's really important in life. Poker was his passion, but his message to others was love of family and appreciation of health, life, and happiness.

PartyPoker.com and Card Player Cruises honored Brian at the inaugural PartyPoker.com Million (March 2002) with an award for his outstanding achievements in poker and for the way he conducted himself both at and away from the table. In honor of his memory (sadly, Brian is no longer with us), this award will henceforth be known as the "Brian Saltus Award." To win this award, a player must have a good year in tournament poker and conduct himself with class and dignity at all times.

The initial Brian Saltus Award was presented during the recent PartyPoker.com Million II event. It went to Robert Williamson III. Robert is a 32-year-old restaurateur/developer from Dallas, Texas. He plays 30-50 tournaments a year and is well-respected in the poker community. He is a fun-loving guy, but also a very tough tournament player. In the past year, his poker accomplishments are very impressive. His victories include the $5,000 buy-in pot-limit Omaha tournament at the World Series of Poker, the Omaha eight-or-better title at Casinos Europa in Costa Rica, and the pot-limit Omaha tournament at the Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica, Mississippi. Robert is also a role model for behavior.

I spoke with Robert in Tunica to get some of his views on the current state of the poker world. Here is a portion of that conversation:

Mike Sexton: How would you like to see poker players conduct themselves?

Robert Williamson: My father always said, "Do unto others as though you were the other." Treat people with respect and the feeling will be mutual.

MS: How do you feel about the treatment of dealers?

RW: Dealers are selectively appreciated. More players need to appreciate them more. Don't link your luck to the messenger.

MS: What do you think of players who get out of line at the table?

RW: It aggravates me, because it takes the fun out of the game. Most people play poker to have a good time. If they don't enjoy themselves, they won't be back. From a business point of view, bad behavior costs casinos money (as they lose players). It continually amazes me that players criticize and ridicule someone on how he played a hand. All it does is smarten him up or make him uncomfortable to the point that he may leave the game.

MS: With the advent of the World Poker Tour, tournament poker is moving toward the goal of becoming a televised game. What are your thoughts about the World Poker Tour?

RW: I believe the WPT is the best thing to ever happen to poker. It is the platform to bring sponsorship to poker. You must have television to acquire any substantial sponsorship money. Mainstream America could very well embrace the poker world due to the WPT. If that happens, look for more players to come into poker and sponsorship money to appear in prize pools.

MS: What are your favorite poker games and why?

RW: Pot-limit Omaha and triple-draw lowball. In these games, the fluctuation in the short term is wider, but the long-term fluctuation is less. These games also allow you to gamble more if you so choose. (And with that, he smiled.)

MS: Who are the people you admire most in the poker world?

RW: Linda Johnson, Berry Johnston, Jim Lester, and Russ Hamilton.

MS: If you were the newly appointed "Poker Commissioner," what would you do to improve poker?

RW: First, I'd have the players shape up or ship out. Second, I'd make every effort to weed out the angle shooters. Third, I'd like to implement a dress code. (With that platform, he'd surely get elected Poker Commissioner.)

After he was presented the award, Robert said, "I am shocked to be the recipient of the 2003 Brian Saltus Award. It humbles me. I am honored to win such a prestigious award."

As you can see, Robert Williamson is a deserving recipient of the Brian Saltus Award.

Take care.