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It’s unlikely any player had a better year in 2004 than Greg Raymer; he
electrified the poker industry by winning the World Series of Poker, along
with the $5 million dollar purse the event carried. Raymer, a patent attorney
from Connecticut, qualified on Pokerstars.com (of Chris Moneymaker fame) and
shocked the world by defeating a record field of no less than 2575 hungry
poker players to take the coveted title.
Born in North Dakota, the 40-yr old father took a liking to Poker while in
college, playing small games with fraternity friends. Through law school,
Raymer remained a casual player, playing low limits games and eventually
competing online at Pokerstars. His love and skill for the game developed, and
in 2000 Raymer competed in the World Poker Finals. He finished in 3rd place, a
result he considered “disappointing”, however he had displayed the ability to
compete at the highest level. Fast forward to 2004, and after winning a $160
satellite, Raymer found himself with an invitation to the World Series of
Poker, where a record field waited for him to make history.
Raymer’s successful brand of poker is a balance of intelligence and luck. He
reads opponents very well and uses his deductive mind to make a decision and
shrink their chip stacks. He is very exciting to watch, combining mathematical
calculation with controlled aggression. Admittedly, he also got lucky on his
way to one of the biggest victories in Poker history- a great example of this
is when he took out Mike McClain at the final table; Raymer was holding TT
against McClain’s AA, and Raymer was saved by a T on the flop. While cynics
use this as a means of detracting from Greg’s success, no top player ever won
anything without luck on their side.
So how has wealth and fame changed Greg Raymer? By all accounts, the only
thing that appears to have changed is his account balance, as Raymer is said
to be one of the most humble, gentlemanly players on the circuit. Wealth has
afforded him more time with his wife Cheryl, and their daughter Sophie; Greg
also enjoys time on the golf course, and antique auctions. His nickname
“Fossilman” comes from his trademark card protector Fossil and interest in
fossils and minerals. Although Greg Raymer is a top professional poker player,
he could be earning a living in a multitude of fields, as he has degrees in
chemistry, biochemistry, and law.
Having watched Greg play, and listened to his commentary on ESPN, it’s clear
he has an incredible understanding of, and appreciation for the game of poker.
He is a commanding presence whenever he sits down at a table, and amateurs
across the continent are wearing his trademark sunglasses. His commitment to
success is inspirational to amateurs everywhere, and it ensures we’ll be
seeing “Fossilman” raking in pots for some time to come.
Greg Raymer's Official Site
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