Seat 3: Paul Fisher

By Sean Chaffin

Chip Count: 1,700,000 (21 big blinds)
Age: 55
Hometown: Northbrook, Illinois
Twitter: None

The future looked a bit grim for Paul Fisher when action resumed on Monday for Day 3 of the Season XVI WPT Choctaw Main Event. At a distinct chip disadvantage, he needed a little luck, some nice cards, and to play well. He got a little bit of all three.

“I’m actually surprised it happened so quick,” Fisher said after making the televised WPT final table on a day when the new Action Clock kept the play moving along. “I came in today literally I think 23rd out of 24. I wasn’t expecting much at eight big blinds, but whenever I have chips I always know that I have a chance. And then you double up and then go from there.”

After an early double, he continued building and building. While he enters Day 4 fifth out the final six, Fisher will be determined.

“I still think I have a chance,” Fisher said.

The oldest at the final table, Fisher has been playing poker for three decades and has more than $242,000 in lifetime tournament winnings. He’s made several final tables in smaller events and notched a win in 2015 in a $365 preliminary event at the Chicago Poker Classic series for $20,008. His biggest cash came in the 2005 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 141st for $46,245.

As one of the short stacks, Fisher will have his work cut out for him, but is hoping he can bide his time a bit and build his stack when the cameras are turned on at the final table.

In his free time, Fisher enjoys working out and playing tennis, as well as spending time with his wife, Pam, daughter, Jessica, 22, and son, Clayton, 20. He lists them as his biggest poker supporters.

A graduate of Arizona State University, he is now semi-retired after working in the home-improvement industry for 28 years.

At the tables, Fisher says he likes to mix it up and hopes his style will help him rally when play resumes. What will he do with his winner’s cash? Fisher says much of it will go back into his bankroll for even more poker, hoping for even more final tables.

No matter the results, Fisher is happy with his run at Choctaw.

“I play for fun, not the money,” Fisher said.

Photography by Joe Giron of PokerPhotoArchive.com.

Looking to win your way to a World Poker Tour event for your shot at becoming a WPT champion? Play for your chance on ClubWPT.com, where eligible VIP Members can play for over $100,000 in cash and prizes each month, including seats to WPT events, no purchase necessary.