Crandell Addington

Although Crandell Addington is seen as one of poker’s greatest players, he has never actually won the World Series of Poker - the tournament that he had a hand in setting up.

He was known as “Dandy” because he was always well dressed, playing in a suit, and sometimes having up to four costume changes during a game. Addington grew up and played his poker in Texas during the 60s where he would win local tournaments. Looking for a big challenge he became instrumental in the founding of the WSOP.

Saying that he has never won the tournament, however, is not to say that he has not challenged for the title; Addington sat at a final table virtually every year in the 70s. His tenth place finish in 1983 – the eighth time he had reached the final- set the record for highest number of final table appearances at the main event of the WSOP – and it is a record that still stands today. Johnny Moss, now deceased, reached that table six times whilst Doyle Brunson has also made six finals. Brunson has gone on the record to describe Addington as a "No Limit Hold'em Legend".

Addington gave up playing poker professionally in the 80s, only making a return to the WSOP in 2005 when he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. His standard of play had obviously slipped, however, what was more noticeable was the different approach to the game between generations. Addington played in an era when players respected each other and suddenly he was thrown into a tournament with boastful players lording it over each other whenever they won a hand, playing up to the cameras and trying to show off their worth to companies who may wish to sponsor them.

As well as two fourth and one third place finish, Addington came extremely close to winning the event in 1974 and 1978 when he was the runner up. Both times he finished behind players who would also be honoured in the Poker Hall of Fame – first Moss and then Bobby Baldwin.

Winning was never about money for Addington but purely about pride and prestige. After investing in real estate and oil in his homestate, the San Antonio born man was already a millionaire.

With a degree in economics and accounting from Georgetown’s University, he took his money and became an entrepreneur, starting successful businesses in chemical manufacturing and oil and gas exploration, development and production. Addington, who will celebrate his 70th birthday in 2008, is currently the president, chief executive officer, chairmen and director of a company researching a cancer drug treatment.