Recidens: Amarillo, Texas

Ask just about anyone who is even remotely familiar with the professional poker circuit and he or she will tell you that Thomas Austin "Amarillo Slim" Preston is one of the undisputed legends of this game. A man who is every bit as colorful and memorable as his nickname, Preston has lived an amazing life filled with more excitement, danger and triumph then you'd find in even the most outlandish Hollywood film.

On the tournament circuit, it is obvious that Preston's greatest accomplishment was winning the main event at the World Series of Poker in 1972. But that is just one small part of his story. Before reaching the highest peaks of legitimate poker playing that year, he had been an extraordinarily successful rounder, touring the country with his good buddies Doyle Brunson and Sailor Roberts, always in search of some action. He made a lot of money that way - and probably more than a few enemies, as well.

But it is his friends for whom Slim is remembered. In particular, he was the best friend of legendary casino honor Benny Binion. In a touching tribute to that friendship, upon Binion's death in 1989, Preston learned that he'd inherited his pal's beloved horse. Some have accused Preston of having a chauvinistic view towards female poker players, but those who know him well claim that much of this is simply bluster in keeping with his rough 'n' ready cowboy persona.

Perhaps the most hair-raising anecdote of Slim's saga was when he was kidnapped by some of Pablo Escobar's thugs during a tour of Colombia. It turned out to be a case of mistaken identity and Preston was released unharmed, but even such a cool character must have been a little rattled by the experience.

Over the course of his colorful life, Slim has played poker with an unbelievably wide range of people, including movie stars, professional athletes and even two U.S. presidents (Johnson and Nixon, respectively.) He currently lives in the town after which he is named, keeping a relatively low profile. Yet he has not been able to entirely avoid controversy, barely dodging a charge of indecency with a minor in 2003. In seems that devil inside and Thomas Preston is never satisfied to rest.

Despite his wild-man persona, he will always be primarily remembered for his incredible feats at the poker tables. Currently, Preston can brag about having multiple World Series of Poker bracelets and well over a half a million dollars in tournament play. A lifelong member of the Poker Hall of fame, his exploits will be talked about and written about for a long, long time to come.