Greg Mueller

Greg Mueller, known as “FBT” (which stands for “Full Blown Tilt”), is a German-Canadian professional poker player and a former professional ice hockey defenseman from White Rock, Vancouver, Canada. Born on June 2nd, 1971, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Mueller has amassed over $3.5 million in live tournament earnings, including three WSOP bracelets.

His most significant cash prize of $460,841 came when he won his first WSOP bracelet at the 40th WSOP in June 2009. Just 11 days later, he secured his second WSOP bracelet during the same series. He won his third bracelet at the 50th WSOP in June 2019. In addition, Mueller was previously sponsored by the now-defunct Full Tilt Poker.

Greg Mueller: Early Life

Greg Mueller was born on June 2nd, 1971, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. He grew up in White Rock, Vancouver, Canada, where he developed a love for sports, especially hockey. After honing his skills, he moved back to Europe to pursue a professional hockey career. He played for eight seasons in the DEL and First Bundesliga. One of his highlights was participating in the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland, in 1992. He also won the German Championship in the 1993-1994 season with Hedos Munich.

After retiring from hockey in 1999 at the age of 28, Greg turned to professional poker. He had learned the game during his hockey career, playing on the team bus while traveling to games. He started his poker journey with cash games and quickly discovered a passion for competition and big payouts. Soon, he started playing in tournaments, which kicked off his successful poker career.

Greg Mueller: Live Tournament Participation

Greg Mueller’s poker career began in February 2003. He participated in a $1,500 + $80 Seven Card Stud Championship at the Los Angeles Poker Classic. Mueller finished 23rd and took home $2,289.

In June 2007, he achieved a remarkable 2nd place-finish in a $5,000 World Championship Mixed Hold’em Limit/No-Limit at the 38th WSOP in Las Vegas, earning $328,554.

The following year, in June 2008, he again secured 2nd place in a $5,000 No Limit Hold’em – Shootout at the 39th WSOP, garnering $298,638.

On June 15th, 2009, he claimed his first WSOP bracelet in a $10,000 World Championship Limit Hold’em at the 40th WSOP. Mueller finished first and won $460,841.

Just 11 days later, on June 26th, 2009, he captured his second WSOP bracelet in a $1,500 Limit Hold’em – Shootout. He finished on top and won $194,909.

After a decade, in June 2019, he added his third WSOP bracelet in a $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship Event at the 50th WSOP, pocketing $425,347.

In June 2024, he competed in a $3,000 Mixed Games: 9-Game Mix – 7-Handed Bracelet Event at the 55th WSOP in Las Vegas. Mueller finished 35th and earned $6,080.

Mueller Wins Epic Poker League Pro-Am, Foils Theft in 2011

Greg Mueller found himself in a memorable situation in 2011 at the Aria Casino in Las Vegas. As the chip leader in the Epic Poker League Pro-Am tournament, he had just finished Day 1B when he spotted someone acting suspiciously around his stack of $5,000 flags. When he realized one was missing, Mueller quickly chased the would-be thief through the slot machine area.

After tackling the person, he demanded, “Ship the flag right now, and nothing happens to you. I won’t press charges, I won’t knock you out, just ship the flag.” Mueller managed to get his $5,000 back, but casino security soon arrived to arrest the thief.

Conclusion

Greg Mueller, known as “FBT,” has successfully transitioned from professional hockey to poker, earning over $3.5 million and winning three WSOP bracelets along the way. His journey highlights his competitive nature and ability to excel in high-stakes situations.

The theft he thwarted in 2011 at the Aria Casino not only shows his quick thinking and determination but also serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise even in the world of high-stakes poker.