Clyde "Snack Attack" Gaskins: 7 Shocking Facts About The Poker Icon's Journey From Ohio To Las Vegas Stardom

The vibrant world of high-stakes poker is rarely defined by the dealers, but Clyde "Snack Attack" Gaskins is the rare exception. As of December 2025, Gaskins is not just a beloved figure at the ARIA Resort & Casino poker room in Las Vegas; he is a media personality, an inspirational content creator, and a formidable poker player in his own right, whose journey from a humble house painter in Ohio to a casino icon is one of the most compelling stories in the game. His trademark nickname, "Snack Attack," comes from his energetic and enthusiastic way of calling small pots a "snack," bringing a much-needed jolt of personality to the often-stoic environment of the poker table.

The story of Clyde Gaskins is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the power of a positive attitude. His recent, highly-celebrated win of a tournament seat while dealing is just the latest chapter in a life that has included a major health scare and a transformative appearance on a globally famous reality show. This article dives deep into the seven most shocking and inspiring facts about the man who has captured the hearts of the poker community and beyond.

Clyde "Snack Attack" Gaskins: Complete Biography & Professional Profile

Clyde Gaskins embodies the spirit of the American dream in the glittering city of Las Vegas. His profile is a unique blend of a dedicated service professional and a rising media personality.

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• Full Name: Clyde Gaskins
• Nickname: "Snack Attack"
• Approximate Age: 61 years old (as of the latest reports)
• Hometown/Origin: Ohio, United States
• Current Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
• Primary Occupation: Famed Poker Dealer at ARIA Resort & Casino
• Secondary Occupation: Content Creator, Podcast Host (Snack Attack Podcast), and Professional Poker Player
• Total Live Poker Earnings: $123,870 (according to The Hendon Mob)
• Best Live Cash: $42,500
• Health Milestone: Overcame a serious quadruple bypass surgery
• Media Appearances: Featured "Hero" on Netflix's Queer Eye, Season 9, Episode 4 ("The Snack Attack Is Back!")

1. The Shocking Moment He Won an NAPT Seat While Dealing

In one of the most heartwarming and unique stories of the year, Clyde Gaskins secured a seat in a major poker tournament while he was actively dealing. This incredible moment took place at the PokerGO Studio, where Gaskins, a longtime dealer at the ARIA poker room, was working an event.

During a promotional event, Gaskins won a coveted $5,300 buy-in entry into the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) Las Vegas Main Event. The reaction from the players and fellow staff was immediate and overwhelming, with a massive cheer erupting at the table. This victory was particularly significant as it cemented his transition from a beloved dealer to a recognized player, giving him a chance to compete on one of poker's biggest stages. The moment was a viral sensation, highlighting the respect and affection the community has for him.

2. His Transformative Appearance on Netflix’s Queer Eye

Clyde Gaskins' fame exploded beyond the poker world when he was featured as the "hero" on the fourth episode of Queer Eye Season 9, titled "The Snack Attack Is Back!" The episode documented his inspiring journey to regain confidence and re-engage with his life following a major health crisis—a quadruple bypass surgery.

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The Fab Five—consisting of Antoni Porowski (Food & Wine), Tan France (Fashion), Karamo Brown (Culture), Jonathan Van Ness (Grooming), and Jeremiah Brent (Design)—worked their magic to revitalize Gaskins' life. Jeremiah Brent, who replaced Bobby Berk for the season, redesigned his space, which included creating the now-famous "Snack Attack Studio" where Gaskins produces his content. The transformation was deeply personal, helping him to overcome the emotional and physical toll of his surgery and encouraging him to pursue his passion for content creation, ultimately turning him into a global sensation.

3. The $123,000+ Poker Career That Proves He's More Than Just a Dealer

While his primary job is dealing, Gaskins is far from a novice at the table. According to his official statistics on The Hendon Mob poker database, Clyde Gaskins has amassed total live tournament earnings of $123,870. This impressive figure places him among a respected tier of professional and semi-professional players.

His best live cash of $42,500 demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure in large-field events. This dual career as both a dealer and a player gives him a unique perspective on the game, earning him respect from both sides of the table. He has been seen playing in various high-profile events, including the World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship Festival events, alongside other notable players like Tony Ma, Carol Fuchs, and Nick Puppilo.

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4. The Origin of the "Snack Attack" Nickname

The name "Snack Attack" is arguably Gaskins' most famous attribute. The nickname was born out of his energetic and charismatic style of dealing at the ARIA poker room. In poker, a "snack" is a term Gaskins uses for a small pot—a modest amount of chips that is still a win for the player.

Gaskins' enthusiastic call of "Snack Attack!" when pushing a small pot to the winner quickly caught on with the players, who appreciated the positive energy and flair he brought to the game. This infectious personality is what made him a fan favorite in the Las Vegas poker circuit and ultimately led to his television and content creation opportunities. His unique table presence is a key reason why he is considered a casino icon.

5. His Content Creation Empire: The Snack Attack Studio and Podcast

Leveraging his newfound fame and the resources provided by his *Queer Eye* makeover, Clyde Gaskins launched his own content platform: the "Snack Attack Studio" and the accompanying Snack Attack Podcast.

The podcast has become a popular destination for in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in poker. Gaskins’ unique position as a dealer who knows the pros personally allows him to elicit candid conversations. Notable guests have included high-stakes professionals such as Andrew "LuckyChewy" Lichtenberger, Mike Holtz, and World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Ari Engel. His YouTube channel, "Clyde The Snack Attack Gaskins," continues to grow, serving as a hub for his interviews and personal vlogs about the ups and downs of dealing and playing poker.

6. Overcoming a Quadruple Bypass: The Ultimate Comeback Story

The foundation of Gaskins' inspirational story is his fight for life and health. Before his rise to viral fame, Gaskins suffered a serious health crisis that required a quadruple bypass surgery. This event was a major turning point, forcing him to re-evaluate his life and priorities.

His recovery and subsequent return to the poker room and the spotlight are a powerful narrative of resilience. The *Queer Eye* episode focused heavily on helping him regain his confidence and passion after the physical and emotional trauma of the surgery. His ability to overcome such a major medical obstacle and then achieve new professional heights—winning an NAPT seat and building a media brand—makes his story resonate deeply with fans worldwide, establishing him as a true symbol of a successful comeback.

7. The Las Vegas Poker Community's Unwavering Support

Clyde Gaskins' success is a reflection of the strong bond he has forged within the Las Vegas poker community. Unlike many dealers who remain anonymous figures, Gaskins is genuinely beloved by the players, from the low-stakes regulars to the high-roller professionals.

The celebration that erupted when he won his NAPT seat, with players stopping the game to applaud him, was a clear demonstration of this affection. His move from being "just a guy from Ohio" to a fixture in the Las Vegas scene is a testament to his kind nature, positive energy, and professionalism. The community’s support is his greatest asset, fueling the success of his podcast and his continued presence at major poker events, ensuring the "Snack Attack" phenomenon is here to stay.