Robert Varkonyi

After college, Robert spent 15 years putting his two degrees from MIT to good use on Wall Street. He designed trading systems.  This was a good existence for a while, but eventually Robert yearned for a different sort of challenge and came back to the game of competitive poker.

In 2002, Robert entered the World Series of Poker as an amateur player. He played very conservatively the first day, just to make sure that he stayed in the tournament. He had a few rough days leading up to the final day, especially the fourth day. He played very aggressively and bluffed like crazy to keep his time in the tournament going.

Then Robert found himself at the final table. Phil Hellmuth, doing commentary for the finals, made a dire prediction. He said that as an amateur, Varkonyi would be at a grave disadvantage and could not win the tournament. Hellmuth was so sure of himself, he said he would shave his head if Varkonyi won.

Robert surprised Hellmuth and a lot of other people in the room by winning the tournament. He went home with $2 million in prize money and the satisfaction of seeing a bald Phil Hellmuth.

Robert is had a focused style of play and he concentrates very carefully on what is going on at the table. He is able to change his game as the situation requires. He can be aggressive but still have fun at the table.

Robert lives in Great Neck, NY with his wife Olga, who is also into competitive poker, and their daughter. He enjoys skiing and bicycling.

His major poker accomplishments include the following:
· First place finish and $2 million in prize money at the 2002 World Series of Poker
· 31st place on the All-Time Money List
· One World Series of Poker Bracelet