RIP Darwin. I followed you even before joining 2+2.

Like yesterday.

+2

Nolan’s tribute makes me wish I’d gotten to know Darvin. The main thing I remember about him was that after it was over he said that he was happy for Joe and knew what the title meant to him, while it wouldn’t have made that much of a difference to his life. In fact, I believe he felt good for Joe because it was his dream, not Darvin’s, and he didn’t want the disruption to his life that winning the title. Not to mention, as Nolan describes, he had little use for the money or the fame. I remember when I was watching that there were a few hands that made it pretty obvious he didn’t really want to win, felt Joe deserved it and was just happy with the experience. The world lost a good one.

I know I already commented on this, but I had to quote this part of Nolan's tribute. It's still my favorite thing about Darvin Moon, although the "making his own moonshine" part is now climbing the charts.

Also, if you go to the actual blog post, you'll see the New Orleans Saints logo appear as the title bar icon. https://www.nolandalla.com/remembering-darvin/. Another nice touch by Nolan.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune did a story on Darvin back in August 2009, right around the time when ESPN's weekly coverage began. Of course, Darvin is from Maryland, but a NOLA writer could not help but look into the oddity of a logger wearing the colors of a team 1,000 miles away. It's actually a really cool piece to read 11 years on – especially when you consider that the Saints did, in fact, win the subsequent Super Bowl: https://www.nola.com/sports/article_...ca89db5d8.html

Really like that Nola.com article.

Two of the many memorable parts:

“Three key hands put Moon on the path to the final table. The first came in the middle of the tournament, when he folded with pocket kings pre-flop after a re-raise from his opponent.

"You've got to be able to fold a big hand. If you call and know you're behind, that's bad. He didn't have to show me. I knew he had the aces."”

and

“Moon said he is a simple man who feels most comfortable in blue jeans and enjoys working every day. When pressed further, Moon did think of one way to spend some of his money.

"I'd like to go to a Saints game, " he said. "Watch them play a couple of times."”

Moon seems to have been a truly authentic, unruffled and unpretentious man.

very sad to hear that, one of the real characters in the game. RIP dude.

RIP Darvin. Seemed like a nice man

3 things stick in my head

1) the player saying "no 1 can call here, he cant call" then Darvin calls with a small flush I think.. totally busting the player and the look of being absolutely mortified on his opponent LOL

2) when he did some bluff and put like 80% of his stack in or something, then like folded for like 2 big blinds more or something haha

and finally 3) I believe he busted Ivey from sucking out if i remember, I think it was AQ vs AK. While i was gutted to see Ivey go out (he would have had a good stack had he won that hand) - you also couldnt begrudge Moon winning it!

I was fortunate enough to be seated next to Darvin Moon at an HPT side event. Darvin was a class act and full of stories. During the few hours we played together, he told us about how he was mentioned in an episode of Unsolved Mysteries (apparently his ex GF went missing) and how he injured himself riding dirt bikes back in the day.

This was an HPT in Indiana, where drinks aren't free. He bought the entire table a round of drinks and tipped the drink girl $20 bill. I saw him later on in the evening when he was playing Pai Gow in the pits, he recognized me, called me his good buddy and asked me how I did in the tourney.

We need more guys like Darvin Moon. Truly seemed like a good dude.

Memories of such an iconic run to the WSOP FT. RIP

What a great story. Thx for sharing.

Just rewatched the 09 main event. Darvin Moon was the kindest most humble poker player I've ever seen on TV. From never even flying on a plane, never been in Vegas, to almost winning it all. It was such a treat, I enjoyed every minute watching him play. RiP Sir

I'm watching now after reading last post. Shocked to see Slim Preston in the field!

Wasn’t much game left in ol’ Slim by that point.

R.I.P Darvin.

Rest in Peace, Darvin. May Wendy be comforted by the fact she married a good man who is now at rest.