The poker community is mourning the loss of Jordan Fishman, a beloved figure on the East Coast circuit who passed away two days after suffering an unexpected cardiac event. The retired professor from Southborough, Massachusetts, was deeply respected both at the tables and off, known for his passion for the game and his warm, genuine personality.
A Career of Steady Success
According to The Hendon Mob, Fishman had $184,433 in lifetime live tournament earnings. His career reached new heights earlier this year when he captured the Eastern Poker Open $1,650 High Roller title in Milford, taking home a career-best $45,000. The victory marked a defining moment in his poker journey, as Fishman called it “the best poker I’ve ever played.”
It wasn’t his only success of 2025. Over the summer, he won a Resorts World $400 NLH event for $18,183, further solidifying his place among New England’s most consistent performers. He also posted a third-place finish in February’s Gate City Winter Open $350 No-Limit Hold’em, adding another $10,850 to his growing list of results.
Before his breakthrough win, Fishman’s previous top score came in 2018 when he finished runner-up in the Bar Poker Open Championship for $13,589.
2025 Eastern Poker Open High Roller Final Table Results
| Rank | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Fishman | $45,000 |
| 2 | Steven Tabb | $27,000 |
| 3 | Ron Scott | $15,500 |
| 4 | Dennis O’Hare | $10,500 |
| 5 | Adam Johnson | $8,400 |
| 6 | Justin Carey | $7,100 |
| 7 | Brian Haughey | $6,400 |
| 8 | Mike LaMontagne | $5,200 |
| 9 | Linval Gentles | $3,900 |
A Partnership Built on Poker and Love
Fishman’s poker journey was closely tied to his partner, Linda Swears, whom he met through the Eastern Poker Tour. The two had known each other for 15 years before becoming a couple two and a half years ago. From that point, both of their games began to elevate.
“She had a more conservative style, and I was more aggressive. We meshed our games together,” Fishman once said. “Without her, it wouldn’t be as much fun.”
Swears shared heartfelt words in tribute: “He was my deepest love and my home. It’s hard to think of life without him in it, but we had two and a half amazing years together. I will be forever grateful for the love we had. I never doubted his love for me for a moment after our first date.”
Remembering a True Gentleman of the Game
Fishman’s combination of intellect, competitiveness, and warmth made him a favorite among players and fans alike. His thoughtful approach to poker and genuine enthusiasm for the community left a lasting mark on everyone who crossed paths with him.
The poker world extends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Jordan Fishman, who will be dearly missed both on and off the felt.
