News that three-time World Series of Poker Panayote "Pete the Greek" Vilandos has passed away has reached the poker world. Vilandos, originally from Greece, and later a long-time resident of Houston, Texas, captured three WSOP titles amid other accolades in a career spanning several decades.
Vilandos passed away at age 82 from undisclosed causes. His death on July 24 was brought to the attention by his friend, professional player and famed rock photographer David Plastik. Plastik shared the news of Vilandos's passing on Facebook.
Vilandos arrived in the United States from Greece in his late 20s, and worked full-time in engineering for decades. He also took up poker as a hobby, first in private games in Texas, then later took his skills on the road as a traveling pro.
Though he's officially credited with nearly $3.3 million in recorded tourney cashes, his actual tourney winnings were likely significantly higher. His first officially recorded tournament cash dates to 1990, and he logged his first WSOP cash in 1993.
