Brad Booth biography
Brad Booth was born on September 20, 1976, and earned the nickname "Yukon Brad" after a personal journey that took him through Vancouver, Calgary, and ultimately Canada's Yukon territory.
He built his reputation not at the tournament felt but in some of the biggest cash games ever shown on television, becoming a fan favorite on GSN's "High Stakes Poker" for his willingness to buy in for what he once called "a cool million." He also memorably finished runner-up to Patrik Antonius during "International Week" on NBC's "Poker After Dark," in a heads-up match that broke the network's previous duration records.
By his own account, Booth played poker nearly every day for fourteen years, but his fortunes turned dramatically: he was a victim of the Ultimate Bet cheating scandal, potentially losing $2 million, and has said he lost a further $4.2 million playing poker since 2008, publicly acknowledging unpaid debts to fellow professionals in 2012. His struggles became a matter of public concern in July 2020, when he went missing for several weeks before his family confirmed his safety that September.
In a candid 2025 interview, Booth reflected on needing "a timeout" from the game and reconsidering the behaviors he described as stemming from "a sickness," while expressing hope for a genuine comeback.
Career summary
A boom-era high-stakes cash-game television legend famous for headline million-dollar buy-ins on GSN's "High Stakes Poker" and a record-length heads-up battle with Patrik Antonius, whose career has since been marked by well-documented financial struggles and a public effort to rebuild.
Brad Booth poker winnings
Verified live tournament earnings: $710,000+ (live tournaments; career built primarily around high-stakes cash games) from 10+ cashes.
GSN's "High Stakes Poker" - Multiple televised appearances, including a famous million-dollar buy-in session
NBC's "Poker After Dark" (International Week) - 2nd to Patrik Antonius in a record-length heads-up match
Live tournament earnings: $710,000+ as of 2009, including one WPT final table
Brad Booth playing style
Fearless and action-oriented in cash games, willing to buy in for enormous sums and play a high-variance, psychologically driven style that made for some of the most memorable moments in televised poker history.
Cash games
A legendary high-stakes cash-game player famous for televised appearances on GSN's "High Stakes Poker," including a headline-making million-dollar buy-in.
Business & sponsorships
Full-time high-stakes cash-game professional; has spoken publicly about financial hardship, the Ultimate Bet cheating scandal, and a personal comeback effort.
Why Brad matters
A boom-era television legend whose fearless million-dollar buy-ins made for unforgettable television, and whose very public struggles since have made him one of poker's most honest cautionary tales.
FAQ about Brad Booth
What is Brad Booth best known for in poker?
He is best known for his fearless, high-stakes cash-game appearances on GSN's "High Stakes Poker," including buying in for a famous "cool million," and for a record-length heads-up match against Patrik Antonius on "Poker After Dark."
What happened to Brad Booth after his television fame?
He faced significant financial setbacks, including losses tied to the Ultimate Bet cheating scandal and further poker losses he has estimated at $4.2 million since 2008, and has spoken publicly and candidly about the toll this took, including a period in 2020 when he went missing before resurfacing safely.
How much has Brad Booth won playing poker?
Brad Booth has won $710,000+ (live tournaments; career built primarily around high-stakes cash games) in live tournament earnings. Total cashes: 10+.
How many WSOP bracelets does Brad Booth have?
Brad Booth has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.