WSOP Champions – Greg Raymer (2004)

Greg "Fossilman" Raymer spent years becoming an overnight success as WSOP Main Event Champion (2004).

Greg Raymer was born on July 25th, 1964 in Minot, ND. When he was just a few months old, Raymer and his family moved to Lansing, MI. By the time Greg was 11, the family moved again to St. Louis, MO. Greg graduated from high school in this location.

Raymer attended the University of Missouri-Rolla where he received a degree in biochemistry. After moving to Minnesota, Greg received a Masters in Biochemistry and a law degree.

It was in Minnesota where Raymer first became involved in casino games, learning to play blackjack. He used his winnings from blackjack to help fund his education. However, he also tried his hand at Texas Hold’em at this time as well, learning the ropes at the $3/$6 limit tables.

After graduating, Raymer moves to Chicago where he finds work as a patent attorney. He continues to play hold’em in his spare time. Eventually, he moves to San Diego and moves up to the $5/$10 and $10/$20 tables. Working 60 to 80 hours a week didn’t really appeal to Raymer so he moved to Connecticut and took a job with a pharmaceutical company, which gave him some extra free time.

With the free time, Raymer improved his poker game. He also found love with his wife, Cheryl, and together they have a daughter named Sophie.

While Raymer was grinding it out on the tables, he became a frequent contributor to the 2 + 2 forums. He became known regionally as the Fossilman because of the small fossils he used as card protectors. In April 2001, Raymer decides its time to make his debut at the WSOP.

In his debut year, Raymer makes a deep run in a $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha tournament, earning more than $5k. However, he’d have to wait until 2004 before he’d plunk down another money finish. In 2004, of course, Raymer won the WSOP Main Event, defeating young professional David Williams heads-up.

Soon after, he became a member of Team Poker Stars and continues to actively play the game and is an activist for the rights of poker players in the United States and beyond.

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