A Shocking Chapter of Dwan's Tale

If you’ve been around poker Twitter or Discord these past few weeks, you know the name dominating every chat: Tom Dwan. The high-stakes legend sent the poker community into full panic mode after a string of disturbing tweets from what he claimed was a psychiatric hospital in London.

On April 29, Dwan started firing off Twitter posts like this one:

“UK met police likely broke my rib and I’d guess small chance punctured lung, still no x ray. Also 20-30% broken hand (small), buncha other minor injuries.”
— @TomDwan on X (formerly Twitter)

Looking at the range of tweets, it's tough not to be concerned for Tom, whatever the cause.

It was slightly more unfiltered than we were all familiar with—and words you never expect to hear from one of poker’s most famously calm players. Asking for "non-drugged water" and saying hospital staff were "hoping" for a heart attack were quite out of character. Things escalated with even darker claims:

“I am so scared. They are either trying to kill either me or most of my brain.”
— @TomDwan on X

Within minutes, poker fans and players around the globe were tuned in, speculating wildly: Was Tom being mistreated? Was he in psychosis? Was this real or a strange publicity hoax?

It soon became clear this was no stunt. Dwan was reportedly admitted to Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in London. And the story was only getting stranger.

The Poker Community React: Concern and Caution

Dwan has been one of the As expected, the poker world jumped into action, along with poker reporters. Will Shillibier of PokerNews went straight to London and confirmed that he met with Dwan in person at the facility. Although Twitter has become a wonderful hub for news, this outside source was welcomed. The reporter had comforting news:

“I spoke to him for about 15-20 minutes. He spoke to me at length about what he believes he’s gone through. I can assure you that he is looking well. He appeared physically unharmed.”
— PokerNews

That being said, plenty of viewers were unhappy with the quality of reporting.

Still, Dwan’s paranoia-filled posts left even fellow pros unsettled. Longtime grinder Jaime Staples voiced what many were thinking:

“I think Tom may be experiencing some psychosis. The important thing now is that the right professionals help him. Prayers up for one of the most brilliant poker minds of our time.”
— @jaimestaples on X

The community didn’t split hairs much, as Tom Dwan is a beloved fixture of the poker world. Whether it was a breakdown, delusion, or something more complex, the consensus was that Tom needed help, not judgment.

Throughout it all, Dwan’s inner circle remained largely silent. Some of the old-school pros, many of whom battled Dwan during his epic Full Tilt days, quietly reached out behind the scenes to check on him. As one veteran high-stakes player messaged anonymously to SpadePoker.tv:

“We’re all worried. This is not the Tom we know.”

What Comes Next for Tom Dwan?

On April 30, Dwan finally offered a tweet that gave the poker world a collective sigh of relief:

“Finally feeling a bit better, I got a bit stressed sorry.”
— @TomDwan on X

It was a step in the right direction, but vague. At the very least, it suggested the worst had passed, and supporters wished him well.

One of those most heartfelt messages came from Beriuzy:

"Tom, you inspired millions & changed the lives of many with your unbelievable poker story.

Don't ever forget that. The whole community stands behind you & will help you through anything you need."

The whole ordeal also reignited a long-overdue conversation in our community: the toll poker can take on mental health. We all worship guys like Tom for living on the razor’s edge—multi-million-dollar swings, all-nighters, the 2-7 bluffs, the weight of expectation. But perhaps even the best of us can’t bluff the demons forever.

As of now, there’s no official statement from Dwan or his camp about what triggered the episode or what the road ahead looks like. Whether he comes back to the tables or takes a long break, every player I’ve talked to agrees on one thing: Tom Dwan changed the game forever. We all hope he’s getting the care he needs.

If you need any assistance with your own mental health, there are plenty of resources to start using.