The poker community is in mourning following the loss of Casey Kastle, who passed away on Monday at the age of 64. Kastle, was a prominent Slovenian poker professional who made significant contributions to the poker world over several decades. His passing marks the end of an era for many who admired his skill and dedication to the game.
Kastle, who was born with the name Ciril Kastelic, began his poker journey in the late 1990s, with his first recorded cash in January 1998, where he secured third place in a $540 buy-in no-limit hold’em event in Las Vegas, earning $22,800. This was just the beginning of a remarkable career that saw him compete in major tournaments such as the World Series of Poker and the Aussie Millions. Over the years, Kastle won an impressive $2.2 million in live tournament cashes.
One of Kastle’s most notable achievements was being the first player to collect 50 flags on The Hendon Mob, a testament to his success in cashing poker tournaments across 50 different countries. This milestone, which reflects his status as a true globetrotter in the poker world, is a rare accomplishment that few have matched. His ability to win tournaments in 13 different countries further cemented his legacy as an international poker star.
Kastle’s career highlight came in 2008 when he achieved his largest single cash prize of $137,985, finishing second in a $1,500 buy-in pot-limit Omaha event at the WSOP. Although he never won a WSOP bracelet, this close finish was a testament to his skill and competitive spirit.
In recognition of his unique achievements, Kastle was honored with the Hendon Mob Award at the Global Poker Awards ceremony in Las Vegas in 2024. This award celebrated his record for tournament cashes in 50 countries, an accolade that became an integral part of his identity within the poker community.
Kastle’s passing was announced by his brother, Stan Kastelic, on Facebook. He revealed that Casey had been battling leukemia and follicular lymphoma for the past three years. The news was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from the poker community, highlighting the respect and admiration he commanded.
Casey Kastle’s legacy will endure as a trailblazer who took the Slovenian flag into the poker world, inspiring many with his dedication and achievements. His life and career serve as a reminder of the passion and commitment that define the world of professional poker.
