Greg Metzak
Canada
Greg Metzak is a Canadian former poker player who gained attention in 2008 at age 23 by winning the Eurocity Poker Tour (ECPT) Madrid Open as his first live tournament, taking home €40,000 (approximately $61,500). A psychology student at the time, he earned his seat through a Titan Poker freeroll, marking a remarkable debut in live poker.
Early Life and Background
Greg Metzak is a Canadian citizen who was a 23-year-old psychology student in 2008. Prior to his poker success, he had competed in powerlifting at the high school level, placing 3rd in the BC High School Powerlifting Championships in 2001 with a total of 362.5 kg in the 75 kg weight class.
Major Tournament Victory
In May 2008, Metzak achieved his most notable poker victory by winning the Eurocity Poker Tour (ECPT) Madrid Open, a €1,000+€100 no-limit hold'em tournament held at the Casino Gran Madrid. The event featured 150 players, generating a prize pool of €148,000. Metzak had qualified for the tournament through an online freeroll offered by Titan Poker exclusively for its top VIP players. Despite being his first live poker tournament and his first trip to Europe, he defeated experienced professionals to claim the first prize of €40,000 (approximately $61,500). He notably kept his win quiet from friends and family until returning to Canada, humorously planning to downplay his success.
Aftermath
There are no further recorded live tournament results for Greg Metzak in poker databases, suggesting his poker career may have been brief. His victory remains a standout example of an amateur player achieving a major win in a debut live event.
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