Brian Wachs

Brian Wachs is an American poker player from Palm Springs, California. He has participated in major tournaments such as the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) and other deep-stack events. While not a household name, Wachs has made multiple deep runs in large-field tournaments, demonstrating consistent skill and patience.

Championship Day 2: Saved by a Reraise

During the SHRPO $5 Million GTD Championship (Level 16, blinds 3,000/6,000 with a 1,000 ante), Wachs moved all-in from the button for about 80,000 with an undisclosed hand. The big blind then moved all-in for about 350,000, forcing the UTG+1 player to fold pocket queens face-up. The pot was chopped between Wachs and the big blind, leaving Wachs with 100,000 chips (17 big blinds). The UTG+1 player was visibly frustrated, and Wachs thanked the big blind for helping him survive.

Event 9: Doubled Up by Darren Rabinowitz

In the $570 No Limit Hold’em Deep Stack Re-Entry (Level 30, blinds 50,000/100,000 with a 15,000 ante), Wachs opened to 200,000 under the gun holding pocket tens. After four callers, the flop came 7♠4♣3♣. Wachs continued for 315,000. Darren Rabinowitz, in the big blind with 6♠5♦ (pair of sixes and an open-ended straight draw), check-raised all-in for 1,160,000. Wachs tanked for about two minutes and eventually called, saying “You win.” The turn was an 8♠, and the river was a 2♠, giving Rabinowitz a straight. Rabinowitz doubled to 3,275,000, while Wachs was left with 1,620,000 (16 big blinds).

Based on these hands, Wachs plays a tight-aggressive style. He is willing to commit his stack with strong holdings (pocket tens) and applies pressure from late position. However, he also shows the ability to survive dangerous spots, as seen in the championship hand where he benefited from a larger all-in. His cautious nature is evident in his tanking and verbal reads at the table.

Outside of poker, Brian Wachs is a certified public accountant (CPA) with over 30 years of experience. He has held positions such as President of Brian L. Wachs, CPA (since 2003), CFO of Canfield & Associates, and partner at BDO Seidman and Laventhol & Horwath. He holds an MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University and a BS in Accounting from Cal State University at Fullerton. He is also involved in philanthropy, serving on boards for Gilda’s Club and Mizell Senior Center.

Information compiled from the Hendon Mob, LinkedIn, and Seminole Hard Rock Poker tournament reports.