Updated 2008/2009
Robert Varkonyj won the 2002 World Series of Poker as an amateur entrant. His victory was a surprise to just about everyone, especially Phil Hellmuth, a commentator at the event. Hellmuth stated that amateur players are at a marked disadvantage to professionals, and stated that should Varkonyj win, he would shave his head. To his consternation, Varkonyj did win. Most agree he was extremely lucky to do so. He has a very mechanical playing style, and admires David Sklansky, who is one of the leading theorists in poker. While he does write excellent books on poker, as a rule theorists are not the greatest poker players. Varkonyj’s luck in 2002 was highlighted in the 2003 WSOP when he was knocked out in the first days of the tournament.
Varkonyj graduated from MIT in 1983, with degrees in electrical engineering/computer science, and a management degree. After graduation, he worked as an investment banker in Brooklyn, New York for years before beginning to play tournament poker. He currently writes a column for Card Player magazine, and made an instructional video “Wise Guys on Texas Hold ‘Em”, featuring cast members of the Sopranos. He resides in Great Neck, New York, with his wife Olga and daughter Victoria. Olga is a poker player as well, and in 2005, finished 238th in the WSOP, which was a good enough finish to be in the money.
His WSOP victory was astonishing to many because at the final table, he was in last place. After Hellmuth’s comments about amateur players, Varonyj began a steady climb back. It was as if this taunt reenergized him and gave him a renewed strength of purpose. At last, he was in the final two. His opponent, Julian Gardner, was holding J 8 of Clubs, and Varkonyj had Qd 10s. The flop was Q 4 4, with two clubs. Gardner moved all in, hoping to catch a club to make a flush. The turn was a 10, making Varkonyj two pair. On the river, Gardner got his club, but it was the 10. This gave Gardner a flush, but Varkonyj had made a full house, a better hand. This amazing hand gave Varkonyj two things: the WSOP title, and the chance to help shave Phil Hellmuth’s head. Hellmuth was a good sport about the whole thing, and while not happy about getting his head shaved, submitted to it with good grace.
Varkonyj made some excellent plays during the 2002 WSOP, and he was rewarded with the championship. His is a true fairytale story, the underdog coming from behind to beat the favorite, in a dramatic way. Although he lost the next year, this does not detract from the amazing story that the 2002 WSOP provided. Thanks to great play, some luck, and a foolish comment by Phil Hellmuth, the 2002 WSOP will be one that is remembered for many years to come.
1. Scotty Nguen in the Biography section.