Steve Dannenmann (born August 15, 1966), is a Maryland accountant and business entrepreneur, whose first stab at professional poker proved to be one of the most successful ever, having placed him at second place on the 36th WSOP Main Event.
Steve Dannenmann forayed into professional circles at the relatively late age of 39. The Baltimore native, however, is far from being a late bloomer. In 1989, at just 23, Dannenmann was certified as a public accountant, and opened a private CPA firm. His one-man enterprise soon evolved into a prosperous financial company. Throughout his career Steve Dannenmann maintained his "four aces of finances" to build up his clientele: borrow from the best, write and prioritize a plan, practice small and build on what works. These guidelines would later help him build up a formidable bankroll as well.
Around 2004 Steve Dannenmann began taking a different approach to poker, which until then had been little more than an occasional pass time for him. For a broader theoretical knowledge and tips on Texas Hold'em he turned to fellow financier Dan Harrington's book Harrington on Hold'em: Volume II: The
Endgame. Friendly tournaments and reading some 15 poker books completed his preparation for the 2005 WSOP. In true financial style, Steve Dannenmann devised an action plan based on the literature he had read. After splitting the $10,000 entry fee with friend Jerry Ditzel, Steve Dannenmann was ready for the world's most important poker event.
The 2005 WSOP Main Event saw some of the best players in the world getting toppled by the unknown Maryland amateur. By the time he reached the final table, Steve Dannenmann had knocked out long-time aces Russ Hamilton and Howard Lederer. He was left heads up against Australian pro Joe Hachem, who finally managed to beat the surprising financial phenomenon. He turned 7-3 offsuit into $7.5 million, but Dannenmann didn't leave empty-handed either - he won $4.25 million. Indeed, this was quite a difference from the $300 Limit Hold'em he had played until then.
Immediately after the Main Event Steve Dannenmann sparked controversy when he said that poker was a "boring" game. Disregarding pros' criticism, Dannenmann continued playing the professional circuit. He became friends with Mike Matusow, whom he sent packing in 2005; Matusow also began training him. Steve Dannenmann kept on making poker news: in the 2007 U.S. Poker Bowl Finals he won the first place, netting $100,000. Mathematical thinking, good advice from the pros and a discerning taste for poker books ensure Steve Dannenmann will keep up his presence in the professional arena. And considering his sharing of the prize money with his friend Jerry Ditzel, there is no doubt poker gods will add a dash of luck to this winning formula.
Steve Dannenmann - Landmark Victories:
2008 Executive Poker Tour
Main Event - No Limit Hold'em
01/13/2008 $3,190
2006 WPT, Borgata Winter Open
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em
01/25/2006 $10,980
2005 Bellagio Weekly Tournaments
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em
11/04/2005 $27,635
2005 36th WSOP
$10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship Event
07/07/2005 $4,250,000
