ShareA dying poker player’s wish to play the World Series of Poker Main Event has become a reality thanks to the generosity of the poker community.
Michael Graydon, a recreational player from Moody, Alabama, was floored by the news earlier this year that his brain tumour was inoperable. However, one potential bright spot in the near future was his bucket list desire to play the Main Event.
Looking for a big chunk of the $10k buy-in, Graydon was almost lost for words as the poker community rallied around, hitting his target the same day. Michael tweeted: “Wow!! Thank y’all so much!! The poker community never ceases to amaze me with their generosity! One happy guy right here!! SOLD OUT. GLGL US!”
However, with Michael’s initial tweet going viral, things were about to get a whole lot better. All sorts of support was offered, with travel, accommodation, and training all placed on the table.
Then the really big present arrived. Highstakes cash game specialist, MJ Gonzales, the man who coached Daniel Negreanu in his match versus Doug Polk, stepped up to the plate with a generous offer.
The question had to be asked, but nobody was about to ruin the party mood and soon Michael’s buy-in was done and dusted, his potential winnings his to do with as he pleases.
“Ok dope!!! Seems like EVERYONE is ok with michael keeping 100% of himself!!!! LOVE TO SEE IT!” tweeted Gonzales. He added: “@JonathanDepa messaged me privately and asked to pay for half of it so we will be chopping the main event buy in for michael!! GL my man, WIN ALL THE MONEY!!!”
The news for Michael got better still when his 3-monthly scan showed that his radiation treatment has started paying some dividends...
The poker community has rallied around other players to help fulfil their last wishes, with Kevin “Racks” Roster’s 2019 Main Event being his last. Suffering from sarcoma, the Sacramento man raised both money and awareness of the rare and ultra-aggressive disease as he did so.
Backed into the Vegas biggie by 2012 ME champion Greg Merson, Kevin didn’t win the tournament, but he left a legacy with his brave battle.
"While my intentions were to win the cards just didn’t cooperate, but something far, far greater occurred as I received considerable attention for my cause. I was able to reach millions of people and far exceed the expectations that I had for myself a street kid from Queens who grew up in group homes.”
Kevin added: “I would like to thank the press and the poker community for helping to spread my message of awareness far and wide, beyond what I ever thought possible.”
Kevin “Racks” Roster passed away shortly after his Main Event adventure, writing, “I have chosen to peacefully end my fight with sarcoma from a position of strength via the use of medical aid in dying tomorrow (Friday), July 26, 2019.”
We will, of course, keep you updated on Michael Graydon’s own battles on and off the felt as the 2021 World Series of Poker Main Event draws closer.
