Steve Albini was an American poker player, record producer and recording engineer. The two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) passed away on May 8, 2024 at 61.
A self-described audio engineer, Albini helped pioneer noise rock in the 1980s with his bands Big Black and Shellac and later produced some of the most important albums in alternative rock history.
Albini is best known for producing Nirvana's final 1993 album In Utero and also worked with alternative artists including the Pixies, PJ Harvey, Slint, Low and The Breeders. Later in his career, he worked with mainstream giants like Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin.
Albini was also a passionate poker enthusiast — particularly shining in mixed games — and regularly played at the WSOP in Las Vegas. He played in a weekly Chicago home game often held in his Electrical Audio studio, a game that is on pause after 20 years following Albini's death in May 2024.
Albini's first WSOP bracelet came in 2018, winning Event #31: $1,500 Stud after defeating Jeff Lisandro heads-up.
His second came four years later, winning Event #32: $1,500 H.O.R.S.E for $196,089.
Read More: Music Icon, Two-Time WSOP Bracelet Winner Steve Albini Passes at 61