WSOP Player Spotlight: Jason Mercier

Jason Mercier is an American poker player who took an opposite path to many other players. While most professional players from Europe travel stateside to participate in tournaments, Mercier took the rounds in Europe, building an impressive bankroll and an equally impressive reputation. With nine WSOP money finishes and one bracelet, he certainly has the ability to back up his claims of skill. As with all poker players, however, it didn't start there.

Mercier was in school, pursuing a degree that would allow him to become a math teacher when Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 WSOP Main Event through an online satellite entry. Mercier sites this as the event that inspired him to use his skills in math to become a talented poker player. He began by playing live games with his friends and then moved into the online arena to further hone his skills. Applying his math knowledge and analytical nature to the online game, Mercier quickly began to post better and better results in both cash games and tournaments, finally achieving the online Supernova Elite status.

In 2008, Mercier stepped off the virtual table and onto the live tournament field, where his impressive winnings earned him considerable recognition. He won the first live tournament that he played and final tabled just a few months later, breaking $1.5 million in tournament winnings. As of the beginning of 2010, he's broken past the $2 million mark, and shows no signs of slowing or stopping.

Mercier dips into other hobbies, but not professionally. He likes to go to the beach, and he plays basketball. He is a sports enthusiast and enjoys watching big games and events. However, the biggest events will always be the ones in which he participates. With his youth and ever growing bankroll, this is a player who's worth watching.