Greg Raymer has won the World Series Of Poker 2004, confiriming that online hold 'em players are not just a flash in the pan but the force to be reckoned with in the world of poker. Both the winner of the WSOP and the runner-up, David Williams, qualified online and play poker online. Could it be that online poker players are now superior to the poker regulars and celebrity players?
They might not be better, but they certainly have a huge advantage in these tournaments. Remember that players like Raymer and Williams and the other online qualifiers have the opportunity to play in large no-limit tournaments every single day. Online poker gives them the experience to deal with the WSOP, and to play aggressively if needed.
Greg Raymer began the final day as the chip leader and he was relentless, knocking out the final table within a matter of hours. He raised pots and was not afraid to come over the top with spectacular re-raises as well. Internet poker has a new champion following the success of Moneymaker last year!
Greg Raymer personally eliminated 7 of the 8 players at the final table, while Williams knocked out the Texan Matt Dean, who finished 7th after a great surge up the leaderboard yesterday. Greg Raymer is a mild-mannered lawyer but his table demeanor was that of a man not to be toyed with or provoked. Anyone who challenged him today, including the great player Dan Harrington, left the table soon after in a defeated daze.
Greg Raymer won the 1st prize of $5,000,000! Can you say "internet poker explosion"? We thought so...