Remembering Giant Malcolm Davis

The entire global backgammon community recently suffered a huge loss with the passing of Malcolm Davis of Dallas, Texas. One of the game’s greatest players with an incredible performance record, Malcolm is best remembered as the consummate gentleman. No one was nicer nor possessed a better demeanor over the board. One could never tell if Malcolm was winning or losing (though he won most of the time), he was just enjoying the game.

We at the Texas Backgammon Championships mourn the loss of an ardent supporter, and a loyal, dear friend. Fittingly, when we initiated the Texas Backgammon Championships in 2013, bringing a major tournament back to the State of Texas for the first time in many years, our greatest, most well-known, and most-celebrated native son won the inaugural tournament.

Malcolm will forever be remembered. At our tournament, since 2017, the Longhorn Classic Masters Jackpot carries his name. The Malcolm Davis Longhorn Classic winner is awarded a bronze Texas longhorn figurine honoring Malcolm and his beloved University of Texas mascot. He always wanted to win one of the Longhorn trophies but we knew, being fellow Texans, that he would never accept one without earning it. So, we did the next best thing — it carries his name.

— Bill Riles and Tara Mendicino