A legend in the Counter-Strike community, a commentator, a previous top-ranked online poker player, a comic book enthusiast, a film lover, a proud Canadian, and a millionaire. These are just some titles that define Griffin Benger, who is preparing to chase an $8 million prize at poker's most significant event.
These descriptors paint a vivid picture of the multifaceted Griffin Benger, who is gearing up to compete for a remarkable $8 million prize in the high-stakes poker scene.
Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the 31-year-old Griffin is among the final nine contenders in the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event, which saw an entry of 6,737 players. Reaching the final table, also referred to as the November Nine, ensures Benger a guaranteed payout of $1 million, but the stakes are even higher, including the chance to make poker history.
Money Vs a Title
"Throughout my career as a professional poker player, I have realized that monetary gain doesn't equate to happiness,\" Benger reveals to 888poker. \"Many of us were inspired to get into poker by watching the World Series of Poker Main Event, so winning this tournament would be a dream come true. Money is fleeting, but securing a legacy in the World Series of Poker will be everlasting.\"
For someone like Benger, who has already amassed nearly $2.4 million in live tournament earnings prior to reaching the November Nine, the allure of the money may seem secondary. His impressive track record includes a $1 million win on a televised poker show and a victory at the 2013 European Poker Tour Berlin High Roller, where he took home $562,343. Additionally, he has seen considerable success in the online poker realm, once holding the title of the top-ranking player in the world under the user name \"Flush_Entity.\"
"My greatest achievements in poker include reaching the number one rank for online tournament play on PocketFives in 2012 and clinching the EPT Berlin High Roller title in 2013,\" says Benger. \"These achievements symbolize a significant culmination of dedication—like conquering two distinct peaks, so to speak.\"
Video Gaming, GPL, and Preparation for the WSOP
Griffin Benger has also made his mark in the gaming world of Counter-Strike, a well-known multiplayer first-person shooter. Competing under the alias \"shaGuar,\" he excelled and became a world champion, an accomplishment that influenced his journey to poker.
"I've had the incredible opportunity to achieve success in both Counter-Strike and poker, allowing me to travel globally and immerse myself in various cultures,\" he reflects. \"I consider myself a spontaneous explorer, as I've never hesitated to embrace the unfamiliar. For instance, I once made an unexpected trip to a music festival in Belgium to surprise my closest friends. When my instincts guide me towards something or someone, I tend to follow that feeling.\"
Before making it to the November Nine, Benger took on the role of a commentator in the Global Poker League, an experience that was cut short after the inaugural season's first half.
"I truly enjoyed my time with the GPL and gained a wealth of knowledge from that experience,\" he explains. \"I would be happy to return in the future, but my current focus is on getting ready for the final table of the Main Event.\"
As the big day approaches, what kind of preparation is Benger planning for this pivotal moment in his poker career? He admits that for the six weeks leading up to the event, he primarily spent time with family and friends while enjoying the Toronto Blue Jays’ season. Nevertheless, he intends to ramp up his efforts as September approaches.
"I plan to dedicate the majority of September and October to intensive preparation with fellow poker players,\" he assures. \"This is an extraordinary opportunity, and I want to ensure I'm thoroughly prepared for this significant moment.\"
How He Came to Play the Main Event
Interestingly, many may not know that Benger almost passed on entering the Main Event. He found himself in Malta and nearly missed the chance to participate until the eleventh hour. 888poker satellites.
"I'm a big fan of the 888poker platform,\" Benger enthuses. \"It's well-designed, vibrant, and even has a playful aspect—like the fun tournament titles and silly interactions like throwing tomatoes at rivals [chuckles]. There’s a wide variety of buy-in options catering to both casual and professional players, and the satellite tournaments provide excellent opportunities for amateurs, alongside significant advantages for seasoned pros—everyone benefits. It's my preferred site, and I wouldn’t be in this year's Main Event if it weren't for 888poker.\"
After investing around $1,000 of his own funds, Benger successfully qualified for the $10,000 buy-in Main Event. He then returned to Las Vegas with aspirations of improving from his 90th-place finish in the 2014 WSOP Main Event. Seven intense days of competition later, he found himself at the final table.th"To celebrate, I treated my closest friends to a lovely dinner in Las Vegas, where we spent the evening reminiscing and laughing about the incredible thrill of having made it to the November Nine,\" Benger recounts when asked about his way of celebrating.
And if he were to win the event?
"Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought. My primary focus is on making prudent decisions to secure the $8 million, rather than what I might spend it on. But it would undoubtedly lead to a massive celebration in Las Vegas,\" he admits.
Naturally, should victory be his, Benger is ready to fully embrace that role and serve as an ambassador for the game.
"I've gained valuable insights from my friendships with past champions like Jonathan Duhamel and others, which prepare me for what to expect. With their mentorship and the supportive foundation I've built, I feel ready to accept the challenge of representing this beloved game,\" he asserts.
Although many may recognize Benger as a poker pro or a competitive gamer, he possesses a wide range of interests beyond just these pursuits. For instance, he has a passion for cinema and a fondness for \"nerdy things\" like comic books and pop culture. Greg Merson \"I’m really into movies, television series, video games, and comic books,\" Benger states. \"I visit the cinema at least two or three times a month and try to catch up on my favorite TV series and video games whenever possible.\"
Benger Not Playing Games
Benger is also a dedicated collector of pop culture memorabilia.
"The most recent addition to my collection is a statue of the 'Comedian' from the Watchmen graphic novel and film,\" he shares with a chuckle when the topic arises.
One might assume that with an additional $1 million in his bank account, Benger would indulge in some luxuries. However, that's not quite his style.
"I’ll likely use my winnings to travel more, as there are still several destinations I’m eager to visit, including Australia,\" Benger replies when asked about his plans for his potential winnings. \"However, I don’t have any extravagant ideas in mind.\"
Follow Griffin Benger's remarkable journey to the 2016 WSOP November Nine by keeping up with him on Twitter.
Chad Holloway, a 2013 WSOP Bracelet recipient, has previously served as a managing editor and live reporter for PokerNews.
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