Meet Richard Wierzba, a Canadian Cowboy Looking To Parlay a Vegas Score into Choctaw Success

By Sean Chaffin

With plenty of players rolling from all over Oklahoma and Texas, spotting a few cowboy hats in the field of the Season XVI WPT Choctaw Main Event is nothing out of the ordinary. A stroll through the sea of tournament tables offers a glimpse into the state’s Native American culture and Western heritage. On Day 1, one cowboy was ready for action – but not from the Sooner or Lone Star State.

Richard Wierzba, 64, is a bit of a cowboy, but unlike others close by, he hails all the way from Ponoka, Alberta, Canada. Wierzba rolled into town looking for action after a recent nice poker run.

“I had a nice cash at the WSOP, so I thought I’d come down here and keep playing,” he said after the first break in the action.

In the World Series of Poker Main Event, Wierzba finished 755th for $18,693. It was his second shot at the event.

Wierzba is in the oil and gas industry back home, and on the felt he has more than $65,000 in tournament winnings while playing as a recreational player. Wierzba has played the game for several years and says he plays because he likes the competition. In 2014, he took first in an Edmonton Poker Classic event for $10,544. He’s also played a couple WPT events in the past and notched a cash in the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic for $23,420 back in 2008.

As he battles it out at the poker tables, Wierzba’s wife was flying in to join him. They’re visiting a friend in the area, but who doesn’t love a little WPT action on vacation?

As the action heats up, this Canadian is hoping his luck carries over from the bright lights and desert sands of Las Vegas to the plains of Oklahoma.

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