Gabe Kaplan is one of those poker players that did not dreamed about making a living out of poker. Gabe was born in Brooklyn, NY and his dream was to become a professional baseball player. Luck and genetics weren't on his side so he decided to change his dreams about his future profession.
He was working as a bellboy in a New Jersey hotel and he was fascinated by the stand up comics that stayed there sometimes. He wrote an act about how is it to grow up in Brooklyn and he had success.
He toured with his comedy act and was spotted by the ABC producers. A show based on his style of comedy was created and it was entitled Welcome Back Kotter. Gabe became a famous face thanks to this show, and it even helped launch John Travolta's career.
In 1979 the show ended so Gabe decided to turn to poker, one of his early passions. At the 17th Annual World Series of Poker, in 1986 he finished on the 8th place at the No Limit Deuce to Seven Lowball, which was impressive. In 1988 he placed third at a WSOP final at the 7-Card Stud event. In 2003 at the World Poker Tour he finished two times in the money, and in 2005 at the 36th World Series of Poker in 2005 he finished on the 2nd place.
Gabe is a much respected poker player, and he managed to change careers very successful.
