16 Facts About Jim Bechtel

James Gary Bechtel was born on 1952 and is an American cotton farmer and poker player, now based in Gilbert, Arizona.

Jim Bechtel is best known for winning the 1993 Main Event at the World Series of Poker.

Jim Bechtel began playing poker as a recreational player near his home in Arizona while working as a cotton farmer.

Jim Bechtel cashed for the first time in the World Series of Poker, coming close to winning a WSOP bracelet in 1979 when he finished runner-up to Perry Green in a $1,500 no limit Texas hold 'em event.

Jim Bechtel followed up this showing with several more final table appearances at the WSOP tournaments.

Jim Bechtel first cashed in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event in 1986, finishing in 11th place.

Jim Bechtel made the final table of the Main Event in 1988, finishing in 6th place in the tournament which was won by Johnny Chan who earned his second consecutive world championship title.

At the 1993 WSOP Main Event, Jim Bechtel reached the final table in second chip position with $631,000.

Jim Bechtel went on to eliminate the 1990 World Champion Mansour Matloubi and professional poker player John Bonetti.

Jim Bechtel earned the top prize of $1,000,000 and the WSOP bracelet, becoming the first amateur player to win the WSOP Main Event since Hal Fowler won the 1979 World Series of Poker Championship.

Jim Bechtel finished in the money of the Main Event in 1986,1988,1989, and 2001.

Jim Bechtel was eliminated after his pocket sevens were beaten by Bloch's pocket tens.

In 2009, Jim Bechtel competed in the WSOP Champions Invitational tournament, open only to players who have won the $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Main Event at the World Series of Poker.

Jim Bechtel finished fourth place in the tournament, which was won by 1983 World Champion Tom McEvoy.

Jim Bechtel has competed on the World Poker Tour and has cashed in four tournaments.

Jim Bechtel has earned a total of $106,940 from his cashes on the WPT.