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    Ryan Riess
    Photo: World Poker Tour, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
    United StatesActive

    Ryan Riess

    2013 WSOP Main Event Champion "The Beast"

    Updated November 2026Sources: Hendon Mob, WSOP.com

    Live earnings
    $16.6M
    WSOP bracelets
    1

    Ryan Riess biography

    Ryan Riess was born in East Lansing, Michigan, and studied hospitality management at Michigan State University. He lives in Las Vegas.

    His first notable live result was a runner-up finish at the WSOP Circuit Main Event in Hammond, Indiana, in 2012. A year later, at only 23, he made the November Nine at the 2013 World Series of Poker Main Event and beat Jay Farber heads-up to win the title and $8,361,570. His confident final table play and nickname "The Beast" made him one of the most talked-about champions of the decade.

    Riess went on to prove himself beyond the Main Event. He won the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale in 2017 for $716,088, finished 4th in the WSOP Europe Main Event in 2018 and 2nd in a $50,000 event at the 2019 US Poker Open. His live tournament earnings are around $16.6 million.

    Career summary

    The 2013 WSOP Main Event champion, Ryan Riess has added a WPT title and many high roller results, with about $16.6 million in live earnings.

    Ryan Riess poker winnings

    Ryan Riess biggest tournament results
    YearEventPlacePrize
    2017WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale1st$716,088
    2013WSOP Main Event1st$8,361,570
    2019US Poker Open $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em2nd$492,000
    2018EPT Barcelona EUR 50,000 No-Limit Hold'em4th$403,299
    2018WSOPE EUR 10,350 Main Event4th$388,445

    Verified live tournament earnings: $16,600,000+, plus 1 WSOP bracelet.

    Ryan Riess playing style

    Riess is a confident, aggressive no-limit hold'em player who puts constant pressure on opponents and is at his best in deep, multi-day events.

    Business & sponsorships

    Professional poker player.

    Why Ryan matters

    Ryan Riess from Michigan won the 2013 World Series of Poker Main Event at 23 and has stayed a successful tournament professional since.

    FAQ about Ryan Riess

    When did Ryan Riess win the WSOP Main Event?

    In 2013. He beat Jay Farber heads-up and won $8,361,570.

    Has Ryan Riess won a WPT title?

    Yes, the 2017 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale for $716,088.

    How much has Ryan Riess won playing poker?

    Ryan Riess has won $16,600,000+ in live tournament earnings.

    How many WSOP bracelets does Ryan Riess have?

    Ryan Riess has won 1 WSOP bracelet.