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Mr. Kotter

Gabe Kaplan – comedian, actor, commentator and professional poker player

You may remember Gabe Kaplan from his signature 1970's TV show, "Welcome Back, Kotter." However, what you may not know about Gabe is that he's a world-class poker player.

Between 1975-1979, while Gabe was working on his hit TV series, he was also working in another venue - the poker room. Gabe first played in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) way back in 1978, long before it became nationally popular. In the years since, Gabe has been an integral part of the poker world, commentating for the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, High Stakes Poker, and the Intercontinental Poker Championship.

In addition to providing commentary, Gabe has continued playing poker over the years. In 2004, he finished third in a World Poker Tour No-Limit Texas Hold 'em event, earning more than $250,000. He also finished second in a Limit Hold 'em event in the 2005 WSOP, winning $222,515. As of 2006, his career poker tournament earnings are in excess of $970,000.

Gabe is considered to be one of the best poker-playing celebrities in the world. We welcome Gabe back to our screens, and we expect to see some great poker from this multifaceted competitor.