Poker’s Tom Dwan Tweets from London Mental Hospital in Psychological Distress
Posted on: May 1, 2025, 08:22h.
Last updated on: May 1, 2025, 09:38h.
- Concern for poker star Tom Dwan after disturbing tweets from mental facility
- Claims that intelligence agencies, medical staff, flight attendants conspiring to kill him
- Later tweeted he was “finally feeling a bit better” after ordeal
There was concern in the poker community Wednesday after a series of tweets from US poker pro Tom Dwan indicated that the legendary high-stakes player had suffered a mental health crisis.
In a flurry of confusing, disordered, and often opaque posts beginning April 29, Dwan revealed that he was in the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in West London. He appeared to be experiencing severe paranoia and feared for his life.
I am so scared. They are trying to kill either me or most of my brain. All the doctors and nurses said ofc [of course] I don’t need drugs, yet they try to force them anyway. Please I beg you, anyone who can, help.”
Several of his tweets tagged politicians, including US President Donald Trump, US Vice President J.D. Vance, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Restrained on Plane?
While it’s impossible to piece together what happened to Dwan, he hinted at an incident on a plane during which he was restrained, and he claimed to have sustained injuries at the hands of London’s Metropolitan Police force.
Dwan said that someone posing as a flight attendant on the plane had plugged in his phone to charge and had wiped its browser history and other info, “so this plan was obviously in motion for a while.” The plan, according to Dwan, was to create “a problem in order to create fake charges” against him.
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. The weirdo Fkers that are ‘doc/nurses’ but still in investigative not proper normal ones are brutal.”
Dwan also referenced “US operational command” several times and claimed to be under attack from an “admittedly shitty” intelligence agency, without expanding. He also indicated he believed his water to be drugged.
“There’s nurses here from NHS [National Health Service] and other groups. They can see me, I’m in a medical emergency where I’m about to be killed,” Dwan tweeted.
Dwan’s claims that intelligence agencies, medical staff, and flight attendants were conspiring against him – along with accusations of drugging and phone tampering — are characteristic of persecutory delusions seen in conditions like acute psychosis or manic episodes with psychotic features.
Feeling Better
Will Shillibier, a UK-based reporter for PokerNews.com was able to visit Dwan at the Park Royal Hospital and speak with him for 15 to 20 minutes.
He spoke to me at length about what he believes he’s gone through,” Shillibier said. “He’s looking well and appeared physically unharmed. He’s probably in exactly the right place to continue to get better.”
Thankfully, Dwan tweeted later Wednesday that he was “finally feeling a bit better.”
“I got a bit stressed, sorry,” he added.
Last Comments ( 5 )
Tom, I hope you are doing a lot better. Psychosis and psychotic break downs are usually caused by stress and or meds (legal or non legal). It's horrible to be in that place of paranoia but it's also a breakdown or breakthrough opportunity. I wish you well. Incidentally I have been through the mental health services here in the UK and more recently the oncology teams for cancer and cured of all. Our NHS is the best in the world...so proud to be born and live here in the UK
He was probably up for 72 hours playing poker
Someone get him out of there, now! Where are his friends? No way the UK is tellingthe truth!
This guy always looked like a nut case. I hope they keep him penned up for a long time.
Dear Tom you'll be fine . Sad to hear the experience you had to go through. Stay sober don't touch drugs. Love you much keep playing poker and make us (fans) fascinated by your fame.