Hal Fowler

Harold Arthur Fowler, known as Hal Fowler, was an American poker player who lived from January 12, 1927 to November 7, 2000. He is known for winning the 1979 World Series of Poker Main Event and is considered the first amateur poker player to become poker's World Champion. He was born in Rutland, Vermont, and later lived for many years in Tulare, California. Before his World Series victory he worked as an advertising executive, so his championship came from outside the ranks of full-time professionals. That amateur status is what sets his win apart in the history of the Main Event.