The Unbelievable True Story Behind Don Nelson’s Home Poker Games

Recently, the sports world mourned the passing of the late NBA coach Don Nelson, who died in August 2026 at age 86. While most people remember him for his legendary 31-season basketball coaching career, poker fans know him for a different reason. Don Nelson poker games were among the most unbelievable celebrity home games in history.

After retiring to Maui, Hawaii, the basketball legend found a new passion at the felt. He traded the high-pressure environment of the NBA for relaxed, mid-stakes card games . However, one specific Don Nelson poker game stands out for a truly crazy reason.

In this game, a player actually passed away at the table, and the action simply continued. It sounds like a scene from a movie, but it is 100% true. Let’s go into the fascinating details of this unforgettable night.

Who Played in the Famous Don Nelson Poker Game?

When “Nellie” moved to Hawaii, he built a regular crew for his home games. These weren’t just standard celebrity poker games, either. The guest list included some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the music industry.

Actors like Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Woody Harrelson were frequent visitors to the felt. Singer Willie Nelson (no relation to Don) was also a regular player. In fact, when it comes to Willie Nelson poker habits, Don once joked that the legendary singer “never saw a card he didn’t like.”

Even though these tables were packed with millionaires, the late NBA coach Don Nelson kept the stakes reasonable. Pots would typically reach around $3,000, making it a friendly but competitive environment. Erik Seidel , a 10-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, even shared fond memories on Twitter about meeting the coach in these relaxed games.

RIP Legend. Was in Hawaii on vaca with family, bumped into him at an ice cream shop. Gave us a tour of his poker room at home, was nice as can be. Didn’t know me from poker, just being super friendly https://t.co/c9DrEfiVPC

- Erik Seidel (@Erik_Seidel) August 10, 2026

Here is a quick look at the regular players and game details:

What Happened When a Player Died at the Table?

About five years ago, an incredibly rare and tragic event occurred during one of these home games. A regular player named Greg Booth suffered a medical emergency and passed away right in the middle of the session. Most people would immediately end the night, but this specific Don Nelson poker game played out differently.

Instead of clearing out the room, the players made a collective decision to keep the cards in the air. Woody Harrelson was actually at the table when this happened. The group felt that stopping the action was not what their friend would have wanted.

In a 2023 YouTube interview with Rick Quan, Nelson explained their unique reasoning. Nelson stated, “I told the guys, Greg would want you to play on. He was a live life at its fullest.”

How Did the Players Honor Their Deceased Friend?

You might be wondering what they actually did with Greg Booth while the game continued. The solution was both practical and surprisingly touching in a very unconventional way. The players carefully moved him onto the porch and laid him down to rest.

To honor their friend’s love for the game, they added a special tribute. Every player at the table walked over and placed a $20 poker chip into his pocket. He rested there peacefully with his chips until the authorities arrived to take him.

This memorable moment shows just how close-knit these celebrity poker games truly were. They shared a unique bond over the cards that went far beyond basic casual play. It was an unforgettable farewell to a man who truly loved the game.

Why Did the Late Coach Love Poker So Much?

To fully understand the vibe of a Don Nelson poker game, you have to look at his intense career. He won 1,335 games as a coach, which ranks as the second-most in NBA history. He also secured five NBA championships as a player for the Boston Celtics.

For decades, his life was consumed by stressful travel, high-stakes decisions, and massive egos. Retiring to Hawaii and dealing cards gave him a much-needed escape from the spotlight. The relaxed Willie Nelson poker style and the constant jokes with Hollywood actors were the perfect retirement plan.

Poker allowed the late NBA coach Don Nelson to stay competitive without the crushing pressure of professional sports. His passing leaves a massive hole in the basketball world, but his incredible stories will live on. The tale of the game that refused to end will always remain a legendary piece of poker history.

via Pokernews