The news of Kaufman's death was announced on October 26 by Hustler Casino Live co-founder Ryan Feldman. Kaufman leaves behind three teenage children. The cause of death was not mentioned in the available reports. Aside from poker, he was the head of the Chicago real estate investment firm Kaufman Jacobs.
More Than Just His Playstyle
Feldman, who befriended Kaufman during the pandemic, highlighted his demeanor during losses. According to his recollections, Kaufman never complained, even after painful bad beats, and could lose big pots with a smile.
Kaufman was introduced to a wider audience in 2017 on Poker Night in America, where he faced players like Shaun Deeb and Doug Polk. Later, he appeared on Hustler Casino Live and Poker at the Lodge and participated in private games in Los Angeles.
The loss of Jeremy Kaufman is truly one of the hardest things I’ve ever felt in my life! I can’t believe he’s gone, he was my closest friend in life. A person who would talk to me for hrs and hrs about life and I’d talk hours and hours about poker. He literally made me laugh… https://t.co/N5EenXBakw
— Mike Matusow(code:Mouth) (@themouthmatusow) October 26, 2026
One of his most memorable televised episodes took place at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia. He was involved in a ten-card stud flip with Polk for $42,000. Kaufman negotiated a settlement for $25,000 before the hand was completed. However, the remaining cards showed he would have made a winning straight.
Poker Night in America co-founder Todd Anderson admitted he initially included him in the lineup reluctantly, as a favor to his boss. He later acknowledged Kaufman as one of the most entertaining players the show ever had.
Poker Legends Remember a Dear Friend
Among the most heartfelt tributes was Mike Matusow's remembrance. He described Kaufman as his closest friend and recalled their long conversations about life and poker. Matusow cherished his ability to make him laugh, no matter how tough the day had been.
Phil Hellmuth, who spent hundreds of hours playing with Kaufman, highlighted his kindness and unique sense of humor. Even the teasing, often part and parcel of high-stakes poker, carried a friendly tone when it came from Kaufman, making players eager to share a table with him.
Sources – PokerScout, Poker.org, X
