uk poker players

Ram Vaswani: The Hendon Mob Star and His Rise to Poker Glory

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Ram Vaswani: The Hendon Mob Star and His Rise to Poker GloryRam ‘Crazy Horse’ Vaswani is a well-known figure in the world of poker, particularly in the UK, where his affiliation with the Hendon Mob has cemented his place in poker history. Born and raised in London, Vaswani was one of the four founding members of the Hendon Mob, a group of professional poker players who gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The group, which also includes Joe Beevers, Barny Boatman, and Ross Boatman, became synonymous with the UK poker scene, showcasing their talents at both live events and online tournaments.

Vaswani’s poker journey began before the boom of televised poker, and he quickly established himself as a player with an impressive skill set and strategic mind. His involvement with the Hendon Mob not only elevated his status in the poker world but also made the group one of the most famous teams in the poker community. The Hendon Mob became known for their ability to compete at the highest level and their unique approach to branding, working with major sponsors to promote poker throughout Europe.

One of Vaswani’s greatest achievements came in 2007 when he won a coveted World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. He triumphed in the $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout event, marking his arrival on the global poker stage. This victory added to his already stellar resume, which included multiple deep runs in various tournaments. In addition to his WSOP bracelet, Vaswani has accumulated millions in live tournament earnings over his career, with notable cashes across both European and American events.

Vaswani’s reputation within the poker world extends beyond just his tournament successes. He is regarded as a highly analytical player, capable of adjusting his strategy based on his opponents. His calm demeanor at the table, combined with his ability to read situations accurately, has earned him respect from his peers. Along with his Hendon Mob teammates, Vaswani helped shift the perception of poker from being purely about luck to being a game of skill and strategy.

5 Interesting Facts About Ram Vaswani:

1) Footballer Aspirations: Before becoming a professional poker player, Ram Vaswani dreamed of being a professional footballer. He played at a high level in his youth, but his career in sports was derailed by injuries, pushing him towards poker.

2) Early Gambling Success: Vaswani’s transition into gambling began with his success as a backgammon player. His ability to excel in strategic games laid the foundation for his poker career.

3) Online Poker Pioneer: Along with the Hendon Mob, Vaswani was one of the early adopters of online poker. The team’s association with Full Tilt Poker helped grow the platform and make online poker accessible to a wider audience.

4) European Poker Tour (EPT) Final Table: Vaswani was one of the first players to make a final table in the inaugural season of the European Poker Tour (EPT), further establishing himself as a top-tier player on the European circuit.

5) Poker Movie Inspiration: The Hendon Mob’s colorful career and personalities, including Vaswani’s, have inspired discussions about potential movie adaptations, reflecting the group’s influence on the cultural side of poker.

Ram Vaswani remains a significant figure in both UK and international poker, and his influence alongside the Hendon Mob has left a lasting legacy on the game. His skill, dedication, and personality continue to be celebrated in poker circles today.

Photo: Freepik (Doesn’t depict Ram Vaswani)

Barny Boatman: A Member of the Famous “Hendon Mob”

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Barny Boatman: A Member of the Famous “Hendon Mob”Barny Boatman is one of the most respected figures in the world of professional poker. As a founding member of the renowned “Hendon Mob,” Boatman helped shape the UK poker scene and became a global poker icon. With a career that has spanned over two decades, Boatman’s success in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has cemented his legacy as one of Britain’s finest poker players.

The Hendon Mob:

Boatman’s rise to poker fame is closely tied to his involvement with the “Hendon Mob,” a group of four British poker players who gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Alongside Joe Beevers, Ross Boatman (Barny’s brother), and Ram Vaswani, Barny Boatman formed a team that would become synonymous with UK poker.

The group was named after their home base, Hendon, a suburb in North West London, where they frequently played and socialized. The Hendon Mob were pioneers in the poker world, not just for their tournament success but also for their savvy use of sponsorships and online presence. The group’s website, The Hendon Mob Database, became a go-to resource for tracking live poker tournament results and has continued to thrive as one of the most important poker databases in the world.

World Series of Poker (WSOP) Success:

Though Barny Boatman had built a solid reputation on the European poker circuit, it was at the WSOP in Las Vegas where he achieved some of his most significant career milestones. After several years of near misses, Boatman finally captured his first WSOP bracelet in 2013. Competing in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event, Boatman emerged victorious from a field of over 2,200 players, taking home $546,080 in prize money.

This win was a particularly emotional moment for Boatman, who had been a regular at the WSOP for years but had always fallen short of securing a bracelet. Reflecting on the victory, Boatman said, “Winning this bracelet is the ultimate validation of a lifetime spent in the game I love. It’s more than just the money, it’s the recognition.” His first bracelet win was a crowning achievement, and it solidified his place as one of the UK’s top poker players.

Boatman wasn’t done, however. In 2015, he won his second WSOP bracelet, this time in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em event. This victory earned him another $273,776 in prize money and added another chapter to his illustrious poker career. By then, Boatman had become one of a select group of British players with multiple WSOP titles.

A Poker Pioneer:

Beyond his bracelet wins, Boatman’s contribution to poker goes far beyond the felt. As part of the Hendon Mob, he was instrumental in making poker more accessible and engaging for fans and players alike. The group’s sponsorship deals, media appearances, and interactions with fans helped popularize the game during the poker boom of the early 2000s. Barny’s personality—always witty, charming, and approachable—made him a fan favorite, both in the UK and abroad.

Legacy and Impact:

Barny Boatman’s legacy in poker is not just defined by his two WSOP bracelets or his place in the Hendon Mob. His role as an ambassador for the game and his contributions to the broader poker community have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. His longevity in the game and continued passion for poker make him a standout figure in the industry.

Today, Barny Boatman remains a prominent player on the poker scene, regularly competing in events around the world. His achievements, particularly in the WSOP, are a testament to his skill, perseverance, and dedication to the game he loves. For Barny, poker is not just a profession—it’s a way of life.

Photo: Freepik