Just a couple of days ago, one of the instructors at PokerXFactor, Eric Lynch, a.ka. “Rizen” (pronounced ‘RIZZ-en’) finished third in the $1,500 Pot Limit Hold ‘Em Event at the 2006 WSOP, winning over $100,000. link to results

This is great news not only because Eric is a superb instructor (PokerXFactor is currently offering a free Rizen video, check it out), but also because he seems like a genuinely nice guy.

It’s also very encouraging news to me personally because Eric Lynch is relatively new to high stakes tournaments. Through hard work, mastery of no limit concepts and a good deal of natural ability, he has risen (no pun intended) to the top in a very short period of time. I believe he officially “went pro” around the same time as me, and his success so far is astounding.

I am a realist. I can’t touch Rizen; he’s a ridiculously good player on a plane I can only view from below. But his story is an inspiration to me, and I hope to follow in his footsteps, only a bit slower. Oh, and Eric Lynch’s poker career, along with numerous valuable insights, have been chronicled very nicely in his blog. Check it out, it’s a great read.

Congrats Rizen.