Poker Press Release

In Memory of a Dear Friend

It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of my dear friend Hemish Shah. Hemish died at 3.00am GMT from a heart attack, after only yesterday speaking with John Kabbaj (another great UK poker player) and saying he was feeling a lot better and was looking forward to coming home soon and getting back into action.

He had been in hospital in England since returning from the World Series of Poker in May of this year, complaining of stomach pains. The doctors were unable to diagnose what the exact problem was.

His last and probably greatest poker achievement was winning his first WSOP bracelet in the $5,000 Limit Hold ‘em event this year at Binions Horseshoe Las Vegas.

He was a wonderful person, and a fantastic poker player who I had known for 15 years. I am extremely distressed by this news. I spent some time with Hemish at this years WSOP after his crowning moment. I am gutted. My sympathy goes out to everyone that knew him but especially his nearest and dearest.

Rest in Peace Hemish,

-Mark Napolitano

See Hemish's Limit Texas Hold 'em victory at the WSOP