Tim Anders “Doctor Hope“

Birthplace
New York, NY

Hometown
Las Vegas, NV

Total Winnings
$149,900

Born in New York City, Tim Anders was faced with difficulties from an early age as he was separated from his mother and forced to live with stepparents and grandparents, in foster homes and boarding schools. Instead of letting life's hardships get to him, he turned it around and began working on projects that would help others deal with tough situations and put smiles on children's faces. Over the years, he became a piano player, composer, lyricist, and producer of music to make inspiring CD's for children. He has also written and published six children's books. Thus the nickname he has earned through friends and colleagues, Dr. Hope.

At the age of 12, Tim started playing poker after being inspired by watching the television show "Maverick." He bought his first poker book and studied it, then continued to play with friends throughout his teen years and early twenties. After numerous years on the road as a musician and entertainer, he decided by his late twenties to attempt to play poker for a living with a small bankroll and a trip to Southern California's card rooms. He went broke numerous times until finally buying more poker books, those written by the masters of the game, which was when he started playing a winning game.

Most of Tim's poker career has centered around cash games, but since the poker boom and the plethora of tournaments available, he plays more often now. He has cashed in several tournaments, the most notable of which was the World Poker Tour's 2004 Grand Prix de Paris main event. Once at the final table, he managed to make it to fourth place for the most money he's ever won in a tournament - $143,605. While he very much enjoys poker, he admits that he likes it more when it's not his sole source of income. So, he pursues his music, writing, and business interests while playing recreational poker, and Dr. Hope is one of the most positive players one will meet in any given card room or tournament realm. And he donates a portion of all of his poker earnings and other income to Childhelp USA, an organization that fights child abuse and neglect.