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Ted Lawson is an American professional poker player and a World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet winner. Hailing from Henderson, Nevada, Lawson is one of the most enduring figures on the tournament circuit, known for his elite technical proficiency in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). Currently ranking 57th on Nevada’s all-time money list, he is recognized for his historic 2004 victory in the WSOP $5,000 PLO event and his sustained success across three decades of competitive play.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings surpassing $3,036,591 (according to The Hendon Mob), Lawson is a multi-million dollar winner with a reputation for consistency. His career-best live score of $500,000 was achieved in 2004 when he won his first gold bracelet at the WSOP $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event.
Lawson has remained active through 2025 and into early 2026, recording consistent scores in high-stakes Omaha events. His recent highlights include:
- October 16, 2025: 9th place in the PGT PLO Series II $5,100 Pot-Limit Omaha for $21,500.
- January 12, 2025: 10th place in the Lucky Hearts Poker Open $600 Mixed PLO for $1,840.
- April 19, 2024: 201st place in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown for $6,400.
- March 2007: 2nd place in the Wynn Classic $10,000 Main Event for $384,120.
- April 2007: 2nd place in the WPT Five-Star World Poker Classic $5,000 NLH for $294,085.
His longevity and frequent deep runs contribute to an estimated poker net worth of over $5 million.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in 1959 and based in Henderson, Nevada, Ted Lawson is a true veteran of the game who transitioned into professional poker during the early stages of the “Moneymaker” boom. Unlike many players who focused solely on No-Limit Hold’em, Lawson dedicated himself to Pot-Limit Omaha, a strategy that paid off in 2004 when he topped an elite field to secure his first WSOP title.
Known for his calm demeanor and high-level analytical skills, Lawson has recorded over 100 live tournament cashes in a career spanning more than 20 years. He is a frequent face at the PokerGO Studio and major Las Vegas festivals, often competing against the world’s best technical minds in specialized Omaha series. Now 66 years old in 2026, he remains a respected elder statesman of the Nevada poker community and a regular on the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings.
Play Style & Strategy
Lawson is renowned for a “highly clinical, patient, and Omaha-specialized” play style. His strategy is rooted in a deep understanding of starting hand equities and pot-size control, which are the fundamental pillars of successful PLO play. He is equally effective in Mixed Game and Omaha Hi-Lo formats, where his ability to navigate multi-way pots gives him a significant edge.
His strategy revolves around:
- PLO Precision: An elite proficiency in Pot-Limit Omaha, utilizing refined range construction to exploit the technical gaps of No-Limit Hold’em players who dabble in the four-card game.
- Tournament Longevity: A disciplined approach to bankroll and mental stamina that has allowed him to remain a winning professional since the early 2000s.
- Adaptability: Successfully incorporating modern solver-based insights into his veteran feel-based game, a balance that helped him secure a final table at the 2025 PGT PLO Series.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow the Nevada veteran as he continues to add to his historic tally in 2026:
