Brad Bout: From High-Stakes Poker to Life in the Woods

Brad Bout, a renowned poker player, is known for his famous bluff against Phil Ivy. His life took a dramatic turn when he was scammed out of several million dollars by Ultimate Bet, leading him to disappear from the poker world for a few years. Now, Brad is making a comeback, aiming to resolve his financial issues.

Brad Bout's journey in poker began at a young age. His grandfather, who worked as a barber, introduced him to the game. They would play draw poker with a deck of cards and chips when the barber had no clients. This early exposure to poker sparked Brad's love for the game. Additionally, Brad's mother had seven sisters who often visited to play gin rummy, further immersing him in the world of cards.

At the age of 15, Brad decided to drop out of school to pursue poker professionally. He spent 14 years playing poker every day, describing it as an obsession. Brad's poker career took off in Canada, where he would travel to the nearest casino, about an hour away, by hitchhiking. If he won, he would return by bus; if he lost, he would hitchhike back. Brad's dedication to poker led him to live in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas for a year and a half, playing poker daily. He recalls that during his stay, he rarely left the hotel, even for groceries.