The Vegas and poker icon passed away at the age of 74
The poker community is mourning the loss of Jack McClelland, a Hall of Famer and one of the most respected tournament directors in the game’s history. He passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy that shaped poker across decades.
McClelland began his path into the industry in the mid-1970s after moving to Las Vegas from Ohio. Initially a semi-professional bowler, he shifted careers after taking a job as a poker dealer at the Sahara. His sharp skills at the table quickly earned him a promotion to shift manager, setting the stage for a career that would eventually redefine tournament operations.
By the early 1980s, McClelland was already making his mark. Fellow Hall of Famer Eric Drache recruited him to the World Series of Poker, where McClelland became Tournament Director in 1984. He would hold that position until 1998, overseeing many of the game’s most iconic moments. Among them were Johnny Chan’s back-to-back world championships, Phil Hellmuth’s historic 1989 title, and Stu Ungar’s unforgettable third victory in 1997. McClelland became a steady presence at the WSOP, making critical rulings and managing an era long before standardized rules existed.
His impact extended far beyond Binion’s. In 2002, McClelland was hired by the Bellagio, where he ran some of the biggest World Poker Tour events until his retirement in 2013. He helped establish Bellagio as one of the premier poker destinations in the world, admired by both professionals and recreational players for its high-level tournaments.
McClelland’s contributions to poker were formally recognized in 2014, when he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. Beyond his resume, he was remembered as approachable, fair, and deeply passionate about the game. His career not only advanced the professionalism of tournament poker but also left a lasting influence on generations of players and industry figures.
Jack McClelland’s passing marks the end of an era, but his imprint on poker remains indelible.
