His death was confirmed by fellow poker pro Ari Engel
The poker community is mourning the loss of Mark Dickstein, a well-known player and mixed game enthusiast, who passed away recently. His death was announced by fellow poker player Ari Engel, who shared the sad news on social media, highlighting their brief but meaningful friendship. Engel noted Dickstein’s unique perspective on various topics, which often led to engaging and sometimes heated discussions, as well as his quiet generosity through charitable donations.
Dickstein was a familiar face at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and had accumulated $775,874 in lifetime earnings since 2004, according to different reports. His most notable achievement came in 2006 when he finished third in the WSOP $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event, securing $184,428. More recently, he continued to make his mark at the tables, cashing in seven events during the 2024 WSOP, including a 26th-place finish in the $1,500 Limit Seven Card Stud event.
The news of Dickstein’s passing resonated deeply within the poker world, with many players expressing their condolences and sharing memories. Yuval Bronshtein, a poker pro who had known Dickstein for about 15 years, reflected on the difficult health challenges Dickstein had faced over the years. Despite these struggles, Bronshtein remembered him as a thoughtful and generous friend.
Other players, like Hameed Hamid and AJ Kelsall, shared their experiences playing with Dickstein, emphasizing his friendly demeanor and passion for the game. Jesse Lonis and Ken Po also expressed their sadness, noting how much they enjoyed Dickstein’s company at the tables.
Dickstein will be remembered for his contributions to the poker world, his distinct personality, and the impact he had on those who knew him. His passing is a significant loss to the poker community.
