The poker community mourned the passing of Jack McClelland, a legendary tournament director and member of the Poker Hall of Fame since 2014. His legacy was not measured by victories at the tables, but by the profound impact he had on shaping modern tournaments and bringing the game to an international stage.
A Life in Poker
Born in 1951, he first learned to play Seven Card Stud from his grandmother during family games. After working as a dealer and organizer, his career took off when Eric Drache brought him into the World Series of Poker. There, he served as tournament director from 1987 to 1999, becoming the voice behind some of the most memorable moments of that era.
Later, from 2002 to 2013, he oversaw tournaments at the Bellagio, during the televised poker boom fueled by the World Poker Tour, where he also contributed in its early years. His organizational skills, approachable style, and innovative vision cemented his place as an undisputed reference in the poker world.
His induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2014, alongside Daniel Negreanu, was the ultimate recognition of his remarkable career. At the time, McClelland said: “I’m tremendously grateful to everyone I worked with over the years. Being part of the Hall of Fame is a humbling and thrilling experience.”
A legacy as enduring as his resolve
Although he retired in 2013, McClelland never strayed far from the game. After undergoing a heart transplant in 2018, he returned to the tables, even finishing fifth in the 2021 Seven Card Stud Championship. As recently as 2025, he remained active, with 16 cashes in daily Las Vegas tournaments.
On Monday, August 18, the poker world bid farewell to one of its great builders. Jack McClelland didn’t just run tournaments—he helped shape the very history of the game, leaving a legacy that will endure in every hand dealt.