Poker Stories: Chris Brewer

What this episode covers

Chris Brewer discovered poker while competing at the 2012 Olympic Trials, getting hooked after playing in a $5 home game. The San Diego native's first love was running, which led him to the 32-time national champion University of Oregon Ducks track and field team. He built his bankroll while in college, and graduated ready to take on the world as a professional player. With some aggressive shot taking and a desire to play the biggest game in the room, it wasn't long until Brewer found himself playing against some of the best players in the world. In fact, during the pandemic he played stakes as high as $1,000-$2,000 no-limit! When the live tournament circuit resumed, Brewer turned his attention to high rollers. He made 22 final tables in 2021, winning two titles and more than $3 million en route to a ninth-place finish in the Card Player Player of the Year race. Highlights from this interview include the drawer full of championship rings, chasing the four-minute mile, Nike fashion police, competing at the Olympic trials, being 'faster' than Usain Bolt, a near-death experience, graduating from the $1-$2 games, paying a guy to go all-in, emptying the box, heads-up matches with Andy Stacks, winning a $560k pot against Michael Addamo, getting crushed by money bubbles, tilting Daniel Negreanu, cashing in on the election, and being a ghost pepper.

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