Aaron Kanter

Aaron Kanter is an American professional poker player from Lodi, California, who has earned over $2.4 million in live tournament winnings. His most notable achievement came in July 2005 when he finished in 4th place at the 36th World Series of Poker (WSOP), securing a massive cash prize of $2,000,000.

Kanter began his poker journey while in college, developing a passion for the game, particularly No Limit Hold’em, which became his favorite. He quickly earned a reputation as a formidable player, gaining the nickname “The Giant Killer” for his ability to eliminate top poker pros in dramatic fashion. Notably, he knocked out Phil Ivey with a lucky river card and severely crippled Greg Raymer in another hand.

Kanter’s success is often attributed to his family’s background in mathematics and science, which likely sharpened his analytical skills. However, he also credits much of his poker knowledge to reading books and watching training videos. His impressive performance caught the eye of major poker brands, leading to sponsorships with Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars.

Aaron Kanter: Live Tournament Participation

Aaron Kanter recorded his first live cash in September 2004, he finished 92nd at the $6,000 + $200 No Limit Hold’em event at the UltimateBet.com Poker Classic in Palm Beach, earning $8,000.

A year later, in July 2005, Kanter had a breakout performance at the 36th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he placed 4th in the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold’em World Championship event and won $2,000,000.

Later that same year, in October 2005, he won the $1,000 + $50 Limit Hold’em event at the Bay 101 Open in San Jose, taking home $50,000 for 1st place.

Moving forward to January 2007, Kanter competed in the $7,800 + $200 WPT Championship Event at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in Paradise Island. He finished in 48th place and earned $17,787.

During June 2007, he placed 18th in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event at the 38th World Series of Poker, earning $23,576.

In June 2008, Kanter had another strong showing when he finished 3rd in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event at the 39th WSOP, earning $258,862.

In October 2024, he finished 5th in the $515 + $85 Pot Limit Omaha event at the WSOP Circuit Northern California in Lincoln and earned $3,650.