Poker Wars By Philip Guitar And Jim Martyka Shares The True Crime Origins Of The World Series Of Poker

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, discover the wild, true crime origins of the World Series of Poker—filled with mobsters, hitmen, and legendary high-stakes feuds—in Poker Wars by Philip Guitar and Jim Martyka.

Long before it became a billion-dollar, internationally televised spectacle, the World Series of Poker was born out of a lawless, violent underworld. The fascinating evolution of this multi-million dollar sport is chronicled in the book Poker Wars, written by former professional poker player Philip Guitar and multi-published author Jim Martyka.

The book peels back the shiny veneer of today’s tournament to expose a wild, true-crime joyride filled with hitmen, bandits, card sharks, and mobsters.

The Cowboy Who Built an Empire

At the center of the narrative is Benny Binion, famously known as “The Cowboy.” An illiterate horse trader turned ruthless gambling boss, Binion possessed a business mind as sharp as his temper.

Binion’s journey—and the roots of the tournament itself—began in the dangerous, dark underbelly of Dallas, Texas. The region was a hub for violent conflicts between competing criminal factions, setting the stage for high-stakes survival and underground gambling empires before the action eventually shifted to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Feuds, Assassinations, and Legendary Card Sharks

Poker Wars offers fresh behind-the-scenes insights into some of the most notorious rivalries and personalities in gambling history:

• The Binion-Noble Feud: A primary focus of the book is Benny Binion’s fierce rivalry with Herbert Noble. Known as “The Catman” or “The Cat,” Noble earned his moniker by miraculously surviving numerous assassination attempts before his luck finally ran out.
• The Texas Circuit Pioneers: The book highlights legendary figures who shaped the game, including Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson (who helped introduce new variants to up the ante), Nick the Greek, and Titanic Thompson.
• Larger-Than-Life Anecdotes: These pioneers were defined by eccentric talents and an addiction to prop bets, such as playing golf equally well left- or right-handed. Tales from the era include high-roller moments like challenging the King of Egypt to a single high-card cut for half a million dollars, or displaying such intense dedication to a game that play continued uninterrupted even after a death occurred right at the table.

Meet the Authors Behind the Chaos

The unique blend of high-stakes gambling expertise and true-crime storytelling comes from co-authors Philip Guitar and Jim Martyka.

• Philip Guitar: Growing up in Abilene, Texas, Guitar split his time between family ranches and reading true crime, mysteries, and mafia books. A former professional poker player with notable wins against high-profile players and celebrities, Guitar is also a prolific screenwriter. He founded Red Aces Productions, wrote and produced the award-winning short film Crude Massacre, and produced the acclaimed documentary Water Wars, narrated by Dennis Quaid.
• Jim Martyka: An award-winning journalist, multi-published author, and editor who has worked on more than fifty books, Martyka collaborated with NFL Hall of Famer Willie Davis on his autobiography Closing the Gap and penned titles like The Super Bowls. A Los Angeles-based writing coach and consultant, Martyka brings a passion for true crime and a casual love for poker to the collaboration.

Poker Wars serves as both an exposé of the darker, blood-soaked legacy of early poker and an outlandish historical tale, proving that the foundation of today’s most lucrative card tournament was built on pure grit, danger, and larger-than-life characters.

Find more from Philip Guitar and Jim Martyka now:

Apple Book: https://apple.co/3SFatoY

Apple Audiobook: https://apple.co/46fGXsV

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4c17QV4

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4xUoo9P

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4gEeD9E

Audible: https://amzn.to/4x7jPIV

Philip Guitar: www.redacesproductions.com IG: @philip.guitar FB: @philip.guitar

Jim Martyka: www.jimmartyka.com IG: @jim_martyka FB: @jim.martyka X: @JimMartyka