I need to pen a rebuttal, for I cannot accept the announcement I just read on the PokerStars Blog.
NO! You are the guy who was NOT supposed to ever get up from the table. You are the guy who can tell the story again and again and it won’t matter if/that we’ve heard it before because your storytelling is do damn spellbinding. You are the guy who I don’t care how long he lingers at the table… because if you’re still there it means you’re already crafting your next story, and I want to hear that story, too!
I LOVE that guy.
I want to read more stories. I want to keep falling in love with poker over and over and over again by reading your words. I’m secretly hoping that you did actually pen those 10,000 words you alluded to in your goodbye post so that I could perhaps get a copy and savor them privately at my desk.
I suppose I knew this was inevitable, as I’ve been seeing fewer and fewer Brad Willis bylines over the last couple years, and the main updates I’d see from you were the beautiful pictures of your boys on the baseball diamond. But I knew you were always there — still with a seat at the table.
I’m surprised you didn’t hear my very audible “NO!” all the way in Greenville, South Carolina when I saw the Tweet and article with your announcement. Miriam ran out of her (home) office asking me “what happened?!” and I told her. She gave me a much needed hug.
This week we say so long to @BradWillis, the founder and all round icon of everything PokerStars Blog, signing off after 18 years…https://t.co/9cggh5er2T pic.twitter.com/MMnO7nm4C2
— PokerStars Blog (@PokerStarsBlog) July 12, 2022
We only met in person that one time, in January 2016 at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. That was actually the first poker event I ever attended. What a special time that was. What precious joy I had in buying you that Kalik. A small token of love and appreciation for the joy your work had brought me over the previous years.
I’ve always said that my two poker writing inspirations were you and Nolan Dalla. I never dared to think of myself in the same league as either of you, as I’ve always wished that what I brought to the table possessed that special magic you have to captivate and enthrall.
I have no idea what’s next for you, Brad, but at only 48 years young, as much as you’ve done and accomplished, I know your best years are yet to come.
Helen of Troy may have had a face that launched 1,000 ships, but Brad’s pen launched this man’s heart into the poker stratosphere 1,000 times. That heart is a little broken today.
READ MORE: Get to Know the Poker Media — Brad Willis
May Gd will it such that I someday have the privilege of sitting with you at a poker table… or any other table. That will be a great day.
Wishing you only blessings, Brad. Thanks for everything, always.
Further Reading
Please take the time to read some of Brad’s incredible work.
