Remembering Matthew Parry: A Tribute to a Fallen Poker Champion

Key Takeaways:

• Matthew Parry, a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, passed away unexpectedly.
• Parry was known for his passion for chess and poker, achieving significant success in both.
• With lifetime tournament earnings of $1,908,422, Parry leaves behind a legacy in the poker world.

The poker community faces a somber moment as the news of Matthew Parry's untimely passing reverberates through the ranks. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, celebrated for his remarkable talent and dedication to the game, passed away suddenly, leaving friends, family, and fans in mourning.

The announcement came through a heartfelt message from Parry's family on his Facebook account:

"It’s with crushing sadness that we’re letting friends of Matt’s and our family know that Matt passed away on Saturday, June 15. As many of you are aware, he had 2 true passions - chess and poker. Happily, he was in Las Vegas attending the WSOP doing what he loved when he died. Last year, he fulfilled his dream when he won his first bracelet. He is deeply and forever missed. At this time, arrangements are being made and we’ll use FB and email to communicate in the event you would like to join us in celebrating his life. Please keep our Matt in your prayers."

A New York native, Parry's journey began in Fairport High School, followed by his studies at the University of Buffalo. His competitive spirit was evident early on as he excelled as a Scholastic National Champ in chess before diving into the world of poker, learning the ropes with friends and online platforms.

Parry's poker career was nothing short of impressive, boasting $1,908,422 in lifetime tournament earnings, according to the Hendon Mob. His crowning achievement came in 2023 when he clinched his first WSOP gold bracelet in Event #82: $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 6-Handed, pocketing $480,122. This victory was a testament to his skill and determination, marking him as a formidable competitor on the felt.

Despite considering himself "mostly a cash game player," Parry demonstrated versatility and strategic acumen across various formats. His recent performances included an 11th place finish in the 2024 WSOP Event #18: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha and a victory in the Wynn Summer Classic $2,200 Pot-Limit Omaha, further cementing his legacy as a top-tier player.

Reflecting on his journey, Parry shared with PokerNews, "One thing that I like about the tournament versus cash play is it feels like there's less variance. You see a lot less re-raising and it allows you to navigate through a field like this a lot better." His words inspire aspiring players, echoing his belief in the power of dreams and determination.

As the poker world mourns the loss of a bright star, Matthew Parry's legacy will undoubtedly live on. His passion for the game, remarkable achievements, and the memories shared with those who knew him will continue to inspire and influence the poker community. PokerNews extends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Matthew Parry, a true champion of the game.