Erik Seidel Most people who are not very familiar with poker probably know Erik best for the final pot he lost to Johnny Chan in the 1988 World Series of Poker. It is famous because the footage was used in the movie Rounders. People familiar with poker know him for being one of the best No Limit players around. He is well respected by his peers because he is a World Class player, intellectual and a wonderful person. Howard and Erik are among the most intelligent poker players in the industry. They are the type of people you would want to sit down and have dinner with. Not only would they be able to discuss poker, but they are the type of people that could have stimulating conversations about any topic.

Erik has made his living at the poker table for many years. He plays high stakes poker in Las Vegas and also plays tournaments with larger buy-ins. He has earned himself six World Series bracelets, including the $1,500 Omaha at the 2003 series, 1992 Limit Hold'em, 1993 Omaha High-Low, 1994 Limit Holdem, 1998 No Limit Deuce-to-Seven Lowball and 2001 No Limit Hold'em. From what I have observed, patience seems to be a key to his success. I asked Erik if he agreed with me and he said, "I think patience is one of the skills I have, malleability another perhaps."  He went on to say there are many areas that he works on and has improved on, like his sense of tournament structures and pace, and how different formats call for different styles of play.

His other notable finishes at the World Series include second place in the main event in 1988, third in Pot Limit Holdem in 2002 and third in No Limit Holdem in 2003. Some of his other final table finishes are second place at the No Limit Holdem event at the 2002 United States Poker Championship at the Taj, second in No Limit Holdem at the United States Poker Championship and the Four Queens Classic in 2003, and a Pot Limit Omaha win at the 2003 Bellagio Five Star World Poker Classic. You can play with Erik at his own table at online card room Full Tilt Poker.