Eskimo Clark Falls Ill at WSOP

Paul Clark, known to most in poker as “Eskimo,” has had repeated bouts of what look to be serious medical problems at this year’s World Series of Poker.  It is not unusual for people to feel the effects of minor sleep deprivation and stress at the WSOP, but to need an ambulance is a different story. 

It started a few days ago when Clark was seated at a table in the “Pavilion,” which is an air conditioned tent outside the main poker room (literally outside the building) where extra tournament tables were set up.  The problem was, the air conditioning was not very good, and with Nevada temperatures eclipsing 100 degrees, it became a very difficult place to play.  While there are mixed reports on whether or not the temperature was oppressive that day, Clark collapsed in the tent during the $2,000 Seven Card Stud High/Low event.  The tournament was paused while he was attended to and he was taken to a local hospital to treat what rumors were was a heart attack.  He said later to a reporter from PokerPages.com that he had a minor stroke.  This did not deter him from his quest for a bracelet, however, as he was soon back at the Rio. 

Fast forward to this Monday.  During the Razz tournament, he had not one, but two seizures at the table.  During the first one, according to WickedChopsPoker.com, Clark, “…was seated at his table looking confused, his head slumped forward, his hands and arms appearing to convulse, albeit mildy [sic], and players at his table, including Mickey Appleman, trying to get his attention.” 

For whatever reason, security guards, rather than medical professionals, attended to Clark, and he was soon ready to continue.  

A few hours later, he had what has been described as another seizure.  WickedChops described it as, “Same exact thing but a bit worse. The right side of his body stopped functioning more or less and players at the table had to help him muck his cards and stack his chips.” 

This created another impromptu break in the action, which then turned into the dinner break.  Oddly, Clark refused to be taken to the hospital (although he was finally looked at by paramedics), most likely because he was amongst the chip leaders.  He reportedly signed a release form after that, which would absolve Harrah’s from responsibility if he should have further problems.   

As of around 10:30pm Pacific on Monday, Clark was still in the Razz tournament as they were down to four tables.  It is mind boggling that someone who has experienced three rather serious medical issues in a few days would potentially risk his life to play poker.  Hopefully Eskimo Clark will be just fine, but he would be wise to seek medical assistance as soon as he is done with this tournament.  When compared to one’s life, a WSOP bracelet is just not worth it.