PLAYER PROFILE – Bobby “The Owl” Baldwin
November 7, 2023 3 min Read
Oh, where do we even begin when it comes to the legendary Bobby "The Owl" Baldwin? Is it with his piercing gaze that earned him his nickname, or perhaps the illustrious journey that saw a young man from Tulsa, Oklahoma, rise to become a titan in the poker world? Well, dear reader, buckle up because we are about to embark on a thrilling ride through the life and times of this poker maestro.
The Early Days
Picture it: Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the early 1950s. In this serene setting, a future poker legend was born. Bobby Baldwin, a name that would soon resonate in the corridors of poker greatness, embarked on his journey in this very place. But what was it that propelled this young man to the zenith of poker stardom? Let's delve a bit deeper, shall we? Bobby Baldwin's early life was somewhat of a prelude to his later success. Attending Oklahoma State University in 1970, Baldwin was gearing up for a future that was as bright as a stack of freshly minted poker chips. But before he could grace the green felt of the poker tables, there was a journey to be undertaken, a journey that would see him crowned as the youngest Main Event champion at the time.
The Rise of The Owl: A Streak of Triumphs
Now, let's fast forward to the late 70s, a period that saw the meteoric rise of "The Owl". In 1977, Baldwin showcased a performance that left many in awe, clinching not one but two bracelets at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Can you imagine the exhilaration of winning the $10,000 Deuce to Seven Draw event, only to follow it up with a victory at the $5,000 Seven Card Stud event? Well, that was Bobby for you, a man who was just getting started. The year 1978 was nothing short of a fairy tale for Baldwin. At the tender age of 28, he clinched the WSOP Main Event title, becoming the youngest champion in its history at that time. Picture this: a final table graced by the likes of Ken Smith, Jesse Alto, and Buck Buchanan, among others. And there, standing tall amidst these giants, was Baldwin, who eventually triumphed over Crandell Addington in a heads-up play that would be etched in the annals of poker history. But wait, there's more! In 1979, Baldwin repeated his victory at the $10,000 Deuce to Seven Draw event, adding another feather to his already illustrious cap. His triumphs didn't stop as he continued to grace the winner's circle in various other tournaments, including the Super Bowl of Poker events organized by the 1972 world champion Amarillo Slim.A Legend Beyond the Poker Table
Now, you might be thinking, "Well, that's a stellar poker career, but what else?" Oh, dear reader, Bobby Baldwin was not just a maestro at the poker table. In 1982, he transitioned into the world of casino management, becoming a consultant for the Golden Nugget casino. And guess what? In just two years, he was named the president of the establishment. Talk about a meteoric rise! Baldwin's journey in the casino industry was nothing short of legendary. From heading The Mirage in 1987 to becoming the president of the Bellagio hotel and casino in 1998, Baldwin showcased a knack for leadership that was as impressive as his poker strategies. His tenure saw him overseeing several significant projects and expansions, cementing his legacy as a titan in the casino industry. But wait, there's a twist! In 2018, after a lengthy tenure as Chief Customer Development Officer of MGM Resorts and CEO and President of CityCenter, Baldwin decided to bid adieu to his executive roles. A well-deserved rest, don't you think?
