5. Amarillo Slim

Amarillo Slim originally came from Texas and played poker. He then teamed up with Doyle Brunson and Puggy Pearson, two other gamblers. Slim had a poker background, but he gained the most of his wealth and reputation by placing incredibly hazardous wagers on racetracks. In 1972, he took home the title of World Series of Poker Champion and won more than $60,000. He took home WSOP bracelets in 1974, 1985, and 1990 and rose to fame.

He defeated publisher Larry Flynt in a game of poker and earned $2 million. Not only did he place dangerous bets, but he also placed clever bets that he was able to easily win by using his own cleverness and intellect. And this wasn’t limited to the racetrack, Slim also implemented his skill and scheming to games of pool and table tennis. One of the interesting stories of his life is of him being kidnapped by Pablo Escobar.