Cycalona (Clonie) Gowen (born November 6, 1971) is an
American professional
poker player, based in
Dallas, Texas.
Early life
Gowen was born in
Florida, and grew up in
Kiowa, Oklahoma. (Her first name was inspired by the fact that she was born during a
powerful storm.) She won Miss Teen
McAlester, Oklahoma, at age 15, and as a teenager moved to
Corsicana, Texas. She was a member of the varsity
basketball team and placed seventh in state high jump.
Poker
Gowen was introduced to poker by her boyfriend's father, and started playing while living in
Dallas, driving to
Shreveport, Louisiana, on the weekends. She earned national recognition when she followed up her Top 10 finish at the
World Poker Tour (WPT) Costa Rica Classic with a win at the WPT Ladies' Night event in 2003, then the highest rated WPT show ever broadcast.
She has served as a guest commentator for the
Ultimate Poker Challenge,
The Gaming Club World Poker Championship and the 888.com Women's Poker UK Open. She is a regular
columnist for
All In magazine. She frequently hosts
tournaments and charity events and is now a partner in a poker school. She appeared on the NBC television program
Poker After Dark, winning first place (and $120,000) during "Ladies Week" (Week 10) and again during Week 17. She is one of only five players to win three or more
Poker After Dark titles.
Gowen was formerly a member of "Team Full Tilt" at online poker site
Full Tilt...
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