Online Poker Pro and ‘Bad Boy’ Chad Batista Dead at 34

A Coral Spring, Florida professional poker player, known for his diamond-studded teeth grill, black, baggy clothing, has passed away at the young age of 34.

Chad Batista was reportedly in declining health, though his death Thursday was said to be “unexpected”.  Details were not immediately revealed.

Batista’s family issued this statement:

"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, nephew, cousin, brother and friend, Chad 'lilholdem954' Batista. Chad died suddenly this beautiful Thursday afternoon with his family surrounding him. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers."

Batista was well regarded, especially in the realm of online poker where he won millions of dollars.  His official live career tournament winnings totaled $952,496.

Batista had moved to Mexico immediately following a crackdown on Web poker in April of 2011, or more specifically April 15, 2011, a day that would later be referred to as poker’s “Black Friday”.

He went by the handle “lilholdem954” but the aunt who raised him since the age of 16 told the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel that things were different for Chad after “Black Friday”.

"He didn't like live poker because it was too slow-paced, and he didn't like the crowds,” she relayed to that paper.

It was also revealed in the Sentinel that Bautista had learned how to play poker from his grandmother “and in 2004 a friend staked him $50 to play online”.

Bautista was not always on the right side of the law.  Broward County court records show charges of public intoxication, battery, trespassing and violation of probation.

Despite his image and criminal record, Bautista was considered to be highly intelligent and one of the best players in the game.

A crowd funding account set up in his name is not believed to be legitimate, according to family members.

Watch a past interview with Bautista below...

- Ace King, Gambling911.com