As you watched the 2004 World Series of Poker, you were introduced to many interesting characters. Poker had hit the big time on the wake of Chris Moneymaker's 2003 victory, and players were out in full force as they took their shot at poker immortality. One of these characters seemed to mesmerize his opponents by staring at them with his holographic eyewear. At first, he appeared to blend into the collection of unusual players looking for a little air time with their gimmick attire. Then, as his chip stack grew, you realized this player was different. He wasn't a gimmick at all. He actually had the skills and talent to go with his enchanting spectacles. As it turned out, the man you were watching was none other than the next world champion of poker. Even after the biggest poker victory in history, few people gave Greg Raymer the respect he deserved. After all, he wasn't a household name. He was a player no one had previously seen on TV. Everyone knew the big names like Howard Lederer and Johnny Chan, but Greg Raymer was just another Poker Stars miracle. Then came 2005…

With each passing year, the WSOP grows to staggering proportions. From 839 players in 2003, to 2576 players in 2004, to 5619 players in 2005. With Greg's arrival as reigning champion at the 2005 WSOP, you can be sure that each amateur wanted to be the player that knocked off the king. And, each poker pro wanted confirmation that his 2004 victory was merely a stroke of luck. Then, something happened that many people did not expect. As the long days came and went, and the top poker players were lost in the sea of poker wantabees, Mr. Raymer remained. Actually, he did more than remain, he thrived and showed the poker world that he was a true champion. Then, with only a handful of the thousands remaining, Greg Raymer took the lead in the 2005 World Series of Poker.

Greg Raymer is the type of poker player that amateur players should strive to be. He has the skill and talent to play against the best players in the world. He conducts himself with dignity at the table and refrains from belittling his opponents. As Greg put himself in position to make a run at history by repeating as Main Event champion, another player overplayed a weak hand and hit miracle cards to cripple him. Yet, in Raymer like fashion, he said nothing demeaning as he graciously pushed the majority of his chips towards his opponent. It was at that moment I realized Greg Raymer is a great ambassador for the game of poker. He's the good guy you can't help but root for. He throws no tirades like Phil Hellmuth. He shows no look of boredom at the table like Phil Ivey. And, he doesn't act foolish like Phil Laak. He just plays the game with respect until the end.

During the 2005 ESPN broadcast of the WSOP, Norman Chad repeatedly said (in reference to Mike Matusow) "New Mike, same as the old Mike." This meant his true personality came out as he reverted back to his childish ways. The same could be said about Raymer. "New Greg, same as the old Greg." I hope we see Greg Raymer at many more poker tables, because I'm a big fan of both the new and old.