2006 WPT "Player of the Year"
Gavin Smith is one of the most colorful and outlandish personalities in the world of poker.
While working at a local golf course, Gavin was invited to play in a charity poker tournament. Turns out, he was a natural and soon, he stopped swinging clubs and began slinging cards. He sharpened his game by working as a dealer for two years and even ran his own card room for a period of time. His best move, however, was befriending fellow pro Erick Lindgren, who staked Gavin in tournaments and helped him on his way to success.
Gavin's work soon paid off, especially at the WPT where he quickly became a regular at the televised final table and won several events, including winning The Mirage Poker Showdown for over $1 million. In fact, Gavin had such a good run of events in the WPT that he was named "Player of the Year" for 2006. He's also played well at the WSOP, making a deep run in the Main Event in 2004. Gavin's an avid online player as well, where he uses the handle "birdguts," a high school nickname.
A fearless and hyper-aggressive player at the table, Gavin is known for his ability to play any two cards and out-talk all of his competition. Outside of poker, Gavin is host of poker podcasts and Internet shows, including one where he makes outrageous prop bets with his co-host. One such bet resulted in Gavin having the initials of his co-host tattooed on his body.
Gavin is a huge sports fan, and spends much of his time away from the table working his game on another green surface - the golf course. Wherever he may be, Gavin is known as the life of the party. He is always a fun one to watch at the table, just be certain not to make a bet with him where you can't hold up your end of the bargain.
