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Las Vegas, Nevada (August 18, 2025) - The World Series of Poker expresses its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Poker Hall of Famer and former WSOP Tournament Director Jack McClelland, who passed away today at the age of 74.

A cherished member of the WSOP and the poker community as a whole, McClelland’s induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2014 was reflective of his contributing role in growing the game of poker and the lasting impact he had on the industry.

"Thank you, Jack McClelland, for your service and unwavering passion for the game. A true poker man and even better gentleman,” said WSOP CEO Ty Stewart. “Whether as player, tournament director, or friend, everyone knew the poker room was made better by your presence."

To honor the life of Jack McClelland, we reflect on the career and achievements of one of poker’s greatest ambassadors.

McClelland sharing a laugh with fellow Poker Hall of Fame members Billy Baxter (left) and Eli Elezra (middle).

Jack McClelland: Hall of Fame Tournament Director and Poker Community Member

Before a career in poker operations that spanned five decades, Jack McClelland was a semi-professional bowler who happened to make his way to Las Vegas to care for his ailing mother. Brought to the poker capital of the world by circumstance, McClelland began working as a poker dealer for $18 a day, gradually working his way up to bigger poker operations positions.

Invited to join the WSOP by fellow Poker Hall of Famer Eric Drache, during the 1980’s and 90’s, McClelland served as Tournament Director for the WSOP while it was still at Binion’s on Fremont Street. 

Jack McClelland and Phil Hellmuth during the 2021 WSOP.

Providing innovations that are still praised by the likes of all-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, McClelland even served as announcer for the WSOP from 1987 to 1999.

Working poker events all over the world, including London, Aruba, Vienna, and Cyprus during his career, from 2002 until his retirement in 2013, McClelland served as tournament director of the Bellagio poker room and played a critical role in hosting the World Poker Tour’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic.

For his contributions to the poker community as a Tournament Director, in 2014, McClelland was elected to the Poker Hall of Fame along with seven-time WSOP bracelet winner and poker legend Daniel Negreanu.

Following the announcement of his induction in 2014, McClelland shared the following words, reflecting his appreciation:

“Being inducted into the Class of 2014 Poker Hall of Fame is a very exciting prospect, and I am sure it will be a very humbling experience,” said McClelland.  “I thank everyone involved in this process and to the WSOP, WPT, and all of the great people I have met and the wonderful people I have worked with throughout the years. Thank you for bestowing this honor upon me. I am very grateful.”

Jack McClelland pointing to his spot on the Poker Hall of Fame Wall.

While McClelland’s legacy is defined by his contributions as a Tournament Director, the 2014 Poker Hall of Fame inductee was no stranger to the poker table. Regularly playing various tournaments around Las Vegas, even up to his passing at age 74, McClelland compiled over $554 thousand in live earnings throughout his career, with his largest cash coming from a fifth-place finish in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship during the 2021 WSOP ($40,284).

Rest in peace, Jack McClelland, and thank you for the lasting impact you made on the WSOP and the game of poker.