Jim “Rockin Holdem” Hagan has been grinding away and finding his niche
Jim “Rockin Holdem” Hagan has made waves in the Texas poker scene after reaching an incredible 51 final tables in a single month. Competing primarily at Texas Card House in Spring, Texas, Hagan has been on a relentless streak, entering low-stakes daily tournaments and turning consistency into a personal record.
The 59-year-old automotive designer from Detroit has played poker for decades, but it wasn’t until this year that he began treating the game as a full-time pursuit. After his design work slowed down, he shifted focus entirely to poker, saying he now plays “for his life.” His performance over the past month has rewarded that dedication, with more than 50 final table appearances across multiple events.
Most of Hagan’s success has come from $40 buy-in tournaments that draw between 50 and 110 players. He’s recorded one win, two runner-up finishes, and several other deep runs, earning between $200 and $1,100 per cash. Hagan’s determination is evident—when he doesn’t cash, he drives for Uber to fund his next entry, often using the day’s ride earnings to get back into action.
His poker journey began at Texas Card House two years ago, where he immediately found success by winning a $15,000 guaranteed event with 121 entries. Since then, he’s built a reputation for grinding daily events with remarkable consistency. He credits much of his motivation to professional player Daniel Negreanu, whose advice about perseverance through bad beats inspires his mindset.
While players like Jeremy Becker have gained fame for dominating daily tournaments, Hagan’s streak stands out for its sheer volume and grit. Balancing poker and family life with an 11-year-old son at home, Hagan’s story is one of persistence and passion — proving that dedication and hard work can still turn small-stakes dreams into big results.
