The Rhino … a formidable opponent you do not want to face across a poker table
Although largely underestimated, they say a rhinoceros is one of the most dangerous animals because of its unpredictable nature and incredible sense of smell. In the same sense, many unsuspecting poker players have fallen prey to the formidable Ryan Dreyer, aka “Rhino.” In spite of his placid appearance, “Rhino” is a force to be reckoned with and the results of most recent major poker events have once again affirmed that. Although Dreyer himself is virtually impossible to read, he has an almost supernatural ability to sniff out a bluff from a distance. Combine these traits with his analytical approach to the game, and the “Rhino” is a poker opponent you do not tussle with.
According to Ryan himself, his best poker characteristics are his “patience, discipline and bankroll management.” And although these characteristics are not what make an overnight poker star, they are certainly the qualities that will let you win at poker consistently in the long run. In the past few years, Ryan has slowly but surely grown from a tournament newcomer to a familiar face at major poker events, not only locally, but on the international poker circuit as well. During the last year 2 years for example, Ryan placed 6th at the Main Event of the Million Dollar Sun City Poker Tournament; was runner up at PokerAce, 4th at the Carousel and cashed at A WSOP event in June this year.
The achievement that finally made the world sit up and notice his poker talents though, has to be his most recent win in 2008 Sun City Million Dollar Poker Challenge. To claim the victory as well as the much desired prize of $650,000, Ryan had to outplay 273 competitors, which included some of the most established poker pro’s from around the world, including the likes of Shannon Elizabeth; Patrik Antonius; top 5 player of the year candidate and WSOP final tablist Michael Binger; local poker legend Ray Rahme who came 3rd at the 2007 WSOP Main Event; All Africa Poker Champion Darren Kramer and all the rest of the Top South African crew. Interestingly enough, a little over a year ago, Ryan relayed one of his strangest poker moments as looking over his shoulder while playing at the WSOP, just to see Daniel Negreanu playing at the table right next to him. Well, Ryan, we suspect that Daniel, “Kid Poker” Negreanu will be rather proud to be seen playing next to you too…!!
Ryan’s interest in tournament poker, originates from his involvement in the All Africa Poker Tournament. Not only does Ryan form a part of the team who produces the live poker footage that is screened on the All Africa Poker Channel, but he is also the lead commentator for the All Africa Poker Tournament, which takes place several times a year at Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino, Swaziland. And how has this impacted on his game? “Being involved on the sidelines at All Africa has definitely made me want to play more tournaments…and play them well, which has led to me being an ardent student of the game”, says Ryan.
Ryan is also part of a popular programme that was recently launched on the Poker Channel, called “Ask the Commentators.” In this interactive poker programme, real poker scenarios are created, and viewers get to email in and ask for poker tips. Ryan has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is not just a flash in the pan, but a respected poker player who can provide invaluable insight into the game from both a player and a commentators’ perspective. To watch and learn from Ryan Dreyer, aka “Rhino,” the new undisputed African King of Poker.
