Corey Williams

Cory Williams grew up in Florida in a family of firefighters. He studied fire science at Edison State College and joined the Fort Myers Fire Department in 2010, where his father Larry and younger brother Dalton also work. Before his poker career took off, Williams dealt part-time for five years at the Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track.

Williams began playing poker in small sit 'n' go's and local tournaments. His first recorded WSOP cash came in 2007 at a WSOP Circuit event, earning $567. In 2008, he cashed in the WSOP Event #39: $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em, finishing 193rd for $3,155. Over the years, he has accumulated over $172,000 in live earnings, with his best cash of $57,010. He reached the $100,000 milestone and ranks among the top players from Florida.

Williams' most notable achievement came in 2018 when he entered the WSOP Main Event for the first time. He won a $525 sit 'n' go to fund a $2,175 Mega Satellite, which earned him a $10,000 seat. He sailed through Day 1 and bagged 200,600 chips on Day 2. Supported by his family and friends, he made it to Day 5 and played on the ESPN Feature Table alongside Antonio Esfandiari. There, he famously folded pocket queens against Esfandiari's all-in. He survived a bad beat with pocket kings against aces and entered Day 6 with over a million chips. His run ended in 84th place, earning $72,085, but he was named the 'Firefighter of the Main Event'.

Williams is known for his aggressive, yet calculated play. He is not afraid to make big moves, as seen when he four-bet all-in with A-J offsuit. Off the table, he is described as humble and grounded, often joking with tournament staff. During the 2019 Heartland Poker Tour Golden Gates Main Event, he announced he was playing 'for all of New Mexico' after an all-in steal.

Cory Williams represents the everyman poker player – a working professional who balances a career in firefighting with his passion for poker. His Main Event run inspired many, showing that with skill and a bit of luck, anyone can compete on the biggest stage.