Barny Boatman is one of the most respected figures in the world of professional poker. As a founding member of the renowned “Hendon Mob,” Boatman helped shape the UK poker scene and became a global poker icon. With a career that has spanned over two decades, Boatman’s success in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has cemented his legacy as one of Britain’s finest poker players.
The Hendon Mob:
Boatman’s rise to poker fame is closely tied to his involvement with the “Hendon Mob,” a group of four British poker players who gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Alongside Joe Beevers, Ross Boatman (Barny’s brother), and Ram Vaswani, Barny Boatman formed a team that would become synonymous with UK poker.
The group was named after their home base, Hendon, a suburb in North West London, where they frequently played and socialized. The Hendon Mob were pioneers in the poker world, not just for their tournament success but also for their savvy use of sponsorships and online presence. The group’s website, The Hendon Mob Database, became a go-to resource for tracking live poker tournament results and has continued to thrive as one of the most important poker databases in the world.
World Series of Poker (WSOP) Success:
Though Barny Boatman had built a solid reputation on the European poker circuit, it was at the WSOP in Las Vegas where he achieved some of his most significant career milestones. After several years of near misses, Boatman finally captured his first WSOP bracelet in 2013. Competing in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event, Boatman emerged victorious from a field of over 2,200 players, taking home $546,080 in prize money.
This win was a particularly emotional moment for Boatman, who had been a regular at the WSOP for years but had always fallen short of securing a bracelet. Reflecting on the victory, Boatman said, “Winning this bracelet is the ultimate validation of a lifetime spent in the game I love. It’s more than just the money, it’s the recognition.” His first bracelet win was a crowning achievement, and it solidified his place as one of the UK’s top poker players.
Boatman wasn’t done, however. In 2015, he won his second WSOP bracelet, this time in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em event. This victory earned him another $273,776 in prize money and added another chapter to his illustrious poker career. By then, Boatman had become one of a select group of British players with multiple WSOP titles.
A Poker Pioneer:
Beyond his bracelet wins, Boatman’s contribution to poker goes far beyond the felt. As part of the Hendon Mob, he was instrumental in making poker more accessible and engaging for fans and players alike. The group’s sponsorship deals, media appearances, and interactions with fans helped popularize the game during the poker boom of the early 2000s. Barny’s personality—always witty, charming, and approachable—made him a fan favorite, both in the UK and abroad.
Legacy and Impact:
Barny Boatman’s legacy in poker is not just defined by his two WSOP bracelets or his place in the Hendon Mob. His role as an ambassador for the game and his contributions to the broader poker community have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. His longevity in the game and continued passion for poker make him a standout figure in the industry.
Today, Barny Boatman remains a prominent player on the poker scene, regularly competing in events around the world. His achievements, particularly in the WSOP, are a testament to his skill, perseverance, and dedication to the game he loves. For Barny, poker is not just a profession—it’s a way of life.
Photo: Freepik
