RIP The Champ - Robert Varkonyi dead

Robert Varkonyi bubbled his 50th birthday today, when he passed away at the age 49.

The former world champion died from a cerebral oedema from a bang to the head he sustained during a hand with Daniel Negreanu. Robert, who was playing a WSOP Side Event at the time of his death, tumbled from his seat when he fell asleep whilst waiting for Negreanu to decide his bottom pair was no good.

Obitchuary - Robert Varkonyi

Robert Varkonyi, a graduate from MIT, is best known for winning the the 2002 World Series of Poker Main Event where he defeated Julian Gardner heads up with the hand came to symbolise his victory - Q10. Varkonyi’s charge to the 2002 title also prompted 11 time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth to declare whilst commentating on the final table that: ‘he would shave his head if Varkonyi wins the bracelet’, a comment he came to regret when his head was duly shaved live on national TV after the bracelet ceremony.

Varkonyi is also best known for, well, nothing really.

Robert will be greatly missed his wife Olga, who cashed on the 2005 Main Event, and his two daughters.

RIP Robert Varkonyi