The poker community received sad news recently that Wisconsin’s Alexander Hill, who final tabled the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Seniors Event two years ago, died due to complications with cancer.
“The poker community and his poker buddies meant so, so much to him,” Hill’s son, Alex Kestrel, wrote in a social media post.
Hill’s passing was especially tragic for his family as just a few days earlier his son-in-law, Nic Haug, passed away unexpectedly.
In response, Kestrel has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the family at this difficult time, specifically Hill’s granddaughter, four-year-old Mackenzie.
“Mackenzie experienced the sudden and unexpected loss of her father Nic Haug. Just a few days later Mackenzie lost her grandad Alexander Hill,” the campaign reads. “The family asks that memorial contributions for these great men go towards Mackenzie’s future. We know that her being taken care of would be their highest priority. Please consider contributing to Mackenzie’s future in Nic’s and Alex’s honor. Thank you.”
Click here to view the GoFundMe Campaign.
Hill’s Poker Accomplishments
Hill notched his first tournament cash in 2017 finishing in second place in the MSPT Milwaukee for $60,000. He went on to amass $294,943 in lifetime tournament earnings according to the Hendon Mob.
In September 2022, Hill topped a 283-entry field to win the WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Council Bluffs Event #9: $400 Monster Stack for $20,375 and a gold ring.
Three years earlier, he finished runner-up to Wisconsin poker icon Paul “Big Daddy” Elfelt in the WSOP Circuit Potawatomi $250 Seniors Event for $8,781.
Speaking of Seniors Events, Hill had the largest score of his career when he placed ninth in the 2022 WSOP Event 47: $1,000 Seniors Championship for $67,471.
It came a year after he finished 15th in the same tournament for $30,099.
“Alex was an amazing player and a joy to be around,” said Michael Hanson, proprietor of the Madison Poker Community (MPC). “My memories of him will always center around how much his family meant to him and his absolute pride of becoming a citizen of the United States.”
“Great person. I remember stories about his family. He really loved his children.”
Aaron Olson echoed those sentiments: “This one hurts. He was an amazing poker player and an even more amazing person. He will be missed.”
Elfelt offered: “Very sad. Stayed with Alex in Vegas a few years ago during the WSOP. Great person. I remember stories about his family. He really loved his children.”
Matt Hagan shared a story about Hill: “Cheering him on his way to the WSOP Seniors final table is one of my favorite poker moments. With two or three tables left, I’m standing on the rail next to Chance Kornuth and a huge pot is developing. The opponent puts Alex all in and Alex says something along the lines of, ‘I just don’t think you got it, I call!’”
PokerNews joins those offering their condolences to the friends and family of Alexander Hill.
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