Steve Dannenmann

Steve Dannenmann, also known as the Taxman, started playing Texas Hold’em in 2003, a year and a half before he competed in the WSOP. He started out simply online, playing for a few months before graduating to small tournaments in casinos. As a present to himself, Dannenmann decided that he wanted to try his skills at the WSOP. Going into the tournament, he only wanted three things: make it to the second day, get on television, and make some money. Dannenmann managed to accomplish all three things. He set up chip goals for each day, which helped him advance to the final table. Finally, on the last day, during the 2005 WSOP Main Event, he placed 2nd and won $4.25 million. Before competing, Dannenmann split the $10,000 buy-in with a friend, Jerry Ditzell. After winning, he split the pot equally between the two of them. When not competing, Dannenmann is a Certified Public Accountant and Financial Advisor. Because of his line of work, thinking up, and sticking to, a plan during the tournament came easy to him. Dannenmann attributes his win to luck. During the entire Main Event he wore the same shirt and visor. He also only took even numbered taxis to get to and from the event. His luck continued a few months later during the Tournament of Champions, where he made it to the final table and placed 5th, earning him $100,000. Dannenmann continues to dabble with poker in his spare time, reading up on the subject and playing online. He plans to play 8 tournaments a year and hopefully make money along the way.