The journalist was well-known for his poker coverage on PokerNews and other sites
The poker community has recently learned of the loss of Marty Derbyshire, a veteran of poker media, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. Derbyshire’s death was caused by Melioidosis, a rare bacterial infection also known as Whitmore’s disease. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Derbyshire had been living in Thailand in recent years with his wife, Karnjanawan Jiamrum, who announced his passing on social media.
Derbyshire was a prominent figure in poker journalism, contributing to various outlets over the years, including PokerListings and PokerNews. He was known for his distinctive style, sharp wit, and willingness to tackle challenging stories. Throughout his career, he covered live poker events around the world and became a respected voice in the industry.
Mo Nuwwarah, a longtime PokerNews reporter, reflected on Derbyshire’s unique approach to his work, saying, “Love him or hate him – and he certainly ruffled more than a few feathers during his time in poker – you had to respect that Marty always did things his way. He did them with his unique brand of cutting humor, oftentimes without care for how he was ‘supposed’ to do them.”
Derbyshire was also remembered for his camaraderie and mentorship. Nuwwarah fondly recalled the time they spent working together, saying, “Most of all, I’ll remember him as a big brother early in my career. He taught me a lot about this industry when I was a pup, and I’ll forever be thankful for his guidance.”
Former PokerNews Editor-in-Chief Matthew Parvis also shared his memories, highlighting Derbyshire’s boldness and creativity. Parvis noted, “Marty had such a passion for poker and a passion for life. He will be missed, and I will look back at our relationship with nothing but fondness.”
Derbyshire’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from his colleagues and friends in the poker world. Many remembered him as a talented writer, a generous friend, and a memorable character in the industry. Many poker outlets and the wider poker community extend their condolences to Derbyshire’s family and loved ones, recognizing the significant impact he made throughout his career.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.