Online Poker Legend Chad Batista Passes Away35-Year-Old Was One Of Game's Most Fearless Players |
|
Chad “lilholdem954” Batista, one of the original online poker stars, passed away on Thursday in Las Vegas, according to various postings on social media.
He was 34.
The Florida-native had nearly $1 million in lifetime live tournament earnings to go along with millions more on the Internet. He was one of the strongest players in the early days of online poker and played poker for a living for roughly 15 years.
He was known for having a hyper-aggressive playing style and relying heavily on instinct. He also would not shy away from speaking his mind, a personality trait many in poker loved and will remember.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, nephew, cousin, brother and friend, Chad Batista,” his family said in a statement. “Chad died suddenly this beautiful Thursday afternoon with his family surrounding him. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers.”
News of his passing generated an outpouring of condolences from the poker community.
RIP to Chad Batista. Undoubtably one of the true OG's of online poker.
— Sorel Mizzi (@sorelmizzi) August 21, 2015
Feel like sharing a couple Chad Batista memories with you guys… I followed PearlJammer and lilholdem954 the most when I first started…
— Philip Collins (@USCphildo) August 21, 2015
Chad Batista and I texted often about things that bothered him in poker. Always seemed to have a lot of pain but also a ton of passion! #RIP
— Matt Savage (@SavagePoker) August 21, 2015
RIP Chad Batista. An online tournament legend. Came from nothing to become one of the best of his time.
— Christian Harder (@realcharder30) August 21, 2015
RIP Chad Batista. I am at a loss for words…
— Kevin MacPhee (@KevinMacphee) August 21, 2015
This Chad Batista news is very sad. Didn’t know him super well but in my experience he had a good heart despite his issues. BF hurt a lot
— Brian Hastings (@brianchastings) August 20, 2015
Card Player TV interviewed Batista back in 2010 at a Las Vegas tournament:
Copyright © 2001-2024
CardPlayer.com. All rights reserved.
