Greg Raymer - Poker Player

Biography

Gregory Raymer, born on June 25, 1964, in Minot, North Dakota, is an American professional poker player. He is renowned for winning the 2004 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. He is affectionately known as ‘Fossilman’, a nickname inspired by his hobby of collecting fossils.

Background

Raymer's early life involved frequent relocations, including stints in Lansing, Michigan, Clearwater, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Parkway South High School in St. Louis and pursued higher education at the University of Missouri-Rolla, majoring in chemistry.

He later earned a master's in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1989 and a law degree from the same institution in 1992. Before dedicating himself full-time to Poker, Raymer worked as a patent attorney for over a decade.

Poker Career

Raymer began his Poker journey in 1999 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. His breakthrough came in 2004, when he won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, securing a $5 million prize. He performed consistently in subsequent years, including a notable 25th-place finish out of 5,619 entrants in the 2005 WSOP Main Event.

Tournament Achievements

WSOP

2004: Won the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold'em World Championship, earning $5,000,000.

2005: Finished 25th in the Main Event, earning $304,680.

2009: Secured 3rd place in the $40,000 No Limit Hold'em 40th Anniversary Event, winning $774,927.

2005: Achieved 3rd place in the inaugural British Poker Open, earning approximately £20,000.

Other Achievements

2012: Won four Heartland Poker Tour events, including titles in Albuquerque, St. Louis, Iowa, and Indiana.

2020: Captured a record fifth Heartland Poker Tour Main Event title in East Chicago, earning $171,411.

Quick Facts

Nickname: Fossilman, due to his fossil collecting hobby.

Online Presence: Former member of Team Poker Stars Pro. He is currently active on social media platforms.

Advocacy: Actively lobbied for regulating poker as a game of skill following the passage of the UIGEA in 2006.

Net Worth

As of 2021, Raymer's total live tournament earnings exceed $8.25 million, with the majority coming from his 60+ cashes at WSOP events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greg Raymer's biggest Poker achievement?

Greg Raymer won the 2004 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, outlasting 2,576 players to win a $5 million prize. This victory secured him a WSOP bracelet. His performance in 2004 was further validated in 2005 when he made another deep run, finishing 25th out of 5,619 players.

Has Greg Raymer won any other WSOP bracelets?

Despite his legendary win in 2004, Greg Raymer has not added another WSOP bracelet to his collection. However, he has come close multiple times, including a third-place finish in the 2009 WSOP $40,000 40th Anniversary No-Limit Hold'em event, earning $774,927.

What is Greg Raymer's current involvement in poker?

Greg Raymer remains an active figure in the Poker world, though he is no longer a high-volume tournament grinder. He frequently participates in Heartland Poker Tour (HPT) events and WSOP Circuit tournaments. Beyond playing, Raymer is also involved in Poker coaching and training. Additionally, he has been a vocal advocate for poker legislation, working to legalize and regulate online poker in the United States.

What is Greg Raymer’s educational background?

Greg Raymer first attended the University of Missouri-Rolla, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. After that, he pursued a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota. However, his career path took a turn when he decided to study law, earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1992. Before turning to Poker full-time, he worked for over a decade as a patent attorney, specializing in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents.

What is the origin of Greg Raymer’s nickname?

Greg Raymer is known as ‘Fossilman’, a nickname from his long-time hobby of collecting fossils. He often brings small fossils to poker tournaments and uses them as card protectors at the table, which has become a signature part of his image.

Conclusion

Whether as a player or a voice for Poker regulation, Greg Raymer’s influence on the game remains undeniable. His legacy is one of intelligence and a commitment to the Poker community, making him a true ambassador of the game.