Poker Profiles: Greg Raymer
Greg Raymer is definitely one great player that the Poker world has ever known. He earned his tag 'The Fossilman' not through his colorful Poker career but through his known habit of collecting priceless fossils.
Born Gregory Paul Raymer on June 25, 1964, Greg sparked interest in poker during college. He was fooling around with cards his frat brothers, not having the slightest idea that it would be a full-time career in the future.
After having so much fun with his buds, Greg moved on to play in land-based casinos. He frequented the Foxwoods and Connecticut casinos. What made him stick to Poker is really the cash prize at stake. Since he had his hands full by winning money games, Greg found himself hooked. He continued to play around the circuit, enjoying every dollar that he earns from it, and not putting to waste every dollar he loses from it. His wins and loses combined made him the great player that he is now. Greg made it a habit to learn with every game. His 2004 triumph at the World Series of Poker Main Event only proved to show that he is indeed, a good learner. He bested 2,575 players for the WSOP title and for the $5 million cash prize. Far more interesting is the fact that Greg only spent $160 to enter the event. Like most players, he gained entry through an online tournament. After securing a seat at the Main Event, Greg knew there is no turning back. Good thing, luck favored his side more than David Williams, who posed tough competition.
After the big win, Greg chose to slow down. Unlike other players who are consistently thirsty for wins, he is very much contented with what he has. Greg believes that every Poker professional's dream is to earn a WSOP Main Event title. Now that he has accomplished that, he owes his time to his family, which includes a wife and a daughter. He continues to play Poker but not as frequent as he used to, when the ambition of being recognized as a distinguished player is still far fetched.
But no, Greg fans must not feel sad because this does not mean goodbye. Although Greg is much more comfortable being settled with his family, his love for Poker is never lost. You will never miss those opaque holographic sunglasses because the man who loved wearing them is just around the corner.