pro-am poker equalizer

Player Profile

Gabe Kaplan - Welcome Back, Gabe

You may remember Gabe Kaplan from his signature 1970’s TV show, "Welcome Back, Kotter." However, what you may not know about Gabe is that he’s a world-class poker player.

Gabe began working as professional comedian in his late 20’s. His start in comedy happened in an unusual way - he got a job as a hotel bellboy. As it happened, this hotel was a regular stopover for touring comedians. After seeing a few of their gigs, Gabe decided to give it a try himself.

Gabe built up a successful comedy act, touring the country and appearing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson several times. Part of his comedy routine was based on his high school experiences - and it was this part of the act that formed the basis of "Welcome Back, Kotter".

"Welcome Back, Kotter" became a huge hit, captivating a nationwide audience. With the juvenile delinquent "Sweathogs" and Kotter’s dry, cutting wit, the show had a charming, playful feel. This breakthrough show worked on many levels; while highlighting the mischievous antics of the Sweathogs, the show often used goofy humor to address serious issues such as alcoholism and drug addiction. "Welcome Back, Kotter" is also famous for launching the career of one of the world’s most famous actors - John Travolta, who played lead Sweathog Vinnie Barbarino.

However, at the same time that Gabe Kaplan was working on the set of "Welcome Back, Kotter" he was also working in another venue - the poker room. Gabe first played in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) way back in 1978, long before it became nationally popular. In the years since, Gabe has been an integral part of the poker world, commentating for the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, High Stakes Poker, and the Intercontinental Poker Championship.

In addition to providing commentary, Gabe has continued playing poker over the years. In 2004, he finished third in a World Poker Tour No-Limit Texas Hold 'em event, earning more than $250,000. He also finished second in a Limit Hold 'em event in the 2005 WSOP, winning $222,515. As of 2006, his career poker tournament earnings are in excess of $970,000.

Gabe is considered to be one of the best poker-playing celebrities in the world. As a matter of fact, he’s such a good poker player, he’s actually playing in the Pro-Am Poker Equalizer not a celebrity, but as a professional. We welcome Gabe back to our TV screens, and we expect to see some great poker from this triple threat - actor, comedian, and poker player.