The poker world received sad news on Thursday when word spread that Graeme “Kiwi” Putt passed away. Though he hailed from New Zealand, Putt was well-known throughout the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Australia. A cause of death has not been revealed.
“Sad to hear we lost Graeme Putt today, one of the nicest old guard poker players in Australia and a deserved Hall of Famer,” wrote Australian poker pro Oliver Gill. “Had the best stories about playing in the cane fields in the 70s with farmers at high stakes. Always enjoyed having him at the table.”
Putt had $866,744 in lifetime tournament earnings dating back to 1994 according to The Hendon Mob, which places him 10th on New Zealand’s all-time money list. His career-high score of $49,455 came when he placed fifth in the 2004 Gaming Club World Poker Championship €6,000 Grand Final in Dublin, Ireland. Putt’s last cash came in May 2024 when he finished fourth in the APT Gold Coast Championships AUD$350 H.E.R.O.S. tournament.
In 2013, Putt came close to winning a World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet when he placed sixth in the WSOP APAC Event #1: AUD$1,100 NLH Accumulator, good for AUD$41,610, and also third in Event #3: AUD$2,200 Mixed 8-Game for AUD$22,427.
More recently, PokerNews reported that Putt finished runner-up in GGPoker’s Winter Giveaway Series $250 Grand Final last month for $325,621.
Known as “the most seasoned road gambler in Australia,” Putt was inducted into the Australian Poker Hall of Fame in 2014.
Founded in 2009 by Maurie Pears, the Australian Poker Hall of Fame formally recognizes the accomplishments of poker players and professionals in the poker industry, from Australia and New Zealand.
Consideration Criteria are:
- Either current or former residents of Australia or New Zealand,
- Demonstrated significant and outstanding service to the game, by either bringing credit to Australian Tournament Poker, or obviously
- Displaying significant player excellence.
The WPT League shared on social media:
“We are sad to hear that Graeme Putt has passed away. He was a true icon in the poker community, a seasoned road gambler with an incredible track record both in Australia and around the world. His skills at the table were matched by his kindness and legendary storytelling and always ready with an entertaining anecdote. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of playing alongside him. Rest in peace, Graeme.”
PokerNews offers its condolences to the friends and family of Graeme “Kiwi” Putt.
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