Steve O’Dwyer: High Stakes Hero and EPT Monte Carlo Champion

Nice to meet you, Steve O’Dwyer

Meet Steve O’Dwyer, known in the poker world for his formidable skills and impressive resume. O’Dwyer, born in 1982, has risen to be one of the elite players in the poker universe. Hailing from Colorado Springs, he spent his early years living in different parts of the U.S., eventually earning a degree from East Carolina University. His love for cards began at a young age, leading him to a career that many aspire to but few achieve. Whether you call him Steve or by his online alias, “MrTimCaum,” he’s a guy you’ll want on your radar.

Steve O’Dwyer’s personal life

Steve O’Dwyer keeps his personal life relatively private. He is known to reside in Dublin, Ireland, a favorite among many poker pros due to its vibrant scene. When he’s not at the poker tables, Steve enjoys a variety of interests, including traveling and exploring new cultures. O’Dwyer is not just a poker face; he has a penchant for gastronomy, often sharing his culinary adventures on social media. As far as relationships go, the poker pro hasn’t publicly shared much about his marital status or family life, focusing more on his career and hobbies.

One of O’Dwyer’s passions outside poker is sports, particularly soccer. He’s been spotted at several high-profile matches, and you might even catch him in a friendly match when he’s not stacking chips. Health-wise, Steve maintains a balanced lifestyle. Card games can be mentally taxing, so staying healthy physically and mentally is a priority for him. This includes regular workouts and a well-rounded diet.

In the poker community, O’Dwyer has built lasting friendships. He’s frequently seen mingling with other pros like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey, sharing not just strategies but also laughs. His network extends beyond poker tables, involving various ventures including cryptocurrency investments and charity work. His well-rounded life showcases a man who is as dedicated off the table as he is while playing Texas Hold’em.

Steve O’Dwyer’s beginning in Poker

Steve O’Dwyer’s journey into poker stardom began in his college days. While attending East Carolina University, he developed a keen interest in online poker. His first big break came in 2009 when he cashed a noteworthy sum at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). This early achievement gave him the bankroll to explore larger tournaments, hardly ever looking back thereafter.

In 2011, Steve secured his first six-figure prize at the EPT London event, which helped him garner attention from sponsors. Following this, he landed a sponsorship deal with Full Tilt Poker, a significant milestone in his career. It wasn’t just the money that mattered, but the validation that he belonged among the pros.

One of the most interesting anecdotes about O’Dwyer’s early days involves a near-win at the 2013 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA), where he narrowly missed a top spot but gained invaluable experience. His first major tournament victory came in 2013 when he won the EPT Monte Carlo, earning him a cool €1,224,000 and solidifying his status among poker’s elite.

O’Dwyer isn’t just a tournament player; he’s also known for his performance in high-stakes cash games. His strategic plays in the early days, influenced by the likes of Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson, laid a foundation for what would become an illustrious career. You’ll often see him holding his own against the best, irrespective of the game’s format.

Steve O’Dwyer’s strategies in Poker and playing style

Steve O’Dwyer’s playing style is both meticulous and adaptable. He doesn’t strictly adhere to GTO (Game Theory Optimal) strategies, often using his keen sense to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. This flexibility has made him a feared presence on the felt, both online and live.

You’ll rarely see Steve engaging in table talk. He’s more the silent assassin type, preferring to focus intently on his opponents’ tells and betting patterns. Sporting the occasional hoodie or cap, he’s all about minimizing distractions. Steve’s signature strategies include calculated 3-bets and well-timed bluffs, making it hard for anyone to get a read on him.

Although primarily a tournament player, O’Dwyer excels in cash games too. You’ll find him in high-stakes settings, both online and in lavish poker rooms across the globe. His adaptability across different formats is a testament to his profound understanding of the game.

When it comes to analyzing hands, O’Dwyer is methodical. He often reviews his plays and continuously updates his strategies to adjust to the ever-evolving landscape of poker. Whether playing Texas Hold’em or diving into Omaha, his versatility makes him a force to be reckoned with.

Steve O’Dwyer’s Greatest Achievements in Poker

Steve O’Dwyer in WSOP

Though Steve O’Dwyer hasn’t secured a WSOP bracelet yet, he’s had some notable moments at the World Series of Poker. Here’s a spotlight on his top performances:

	Event	Date	Prize	How was it?
	$50,000 Poker Players Championship	2019-06-27	$165,089	Steve made a valiant effort, finishing 4th in this prestigious event known for its mixed game format, bested by some top-notch players.

Steve O’Dwyer’s Other Major Achievements

Beyond WSOP, Steve O’Dwyer has an impressive resume packed with big wins and notable performances. Here are five of his greatest poker achievements outside of WSOP:

Event	Date	Prize	How was it?
Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge	2016-01-27	A$1,051,960	O’Dwyer took down this high-roller event, mastering the field and defeating Connor Drinan heads-up for the title.
EPT Monte Carlo Super High Roller	2013-05-13	€1,224,000	Steve captured the prestigious Super High Roller title in Monte Carlo, outlasting some of the best, including Andrew Lichtenberger.
PCA $100,000 Super High Roller	2015-01-08	$1,872,580	He dominated the PCA Super High Roller, topping a final table with poker legends like Roger Sippl and Bryn Kenney.
WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic Second Edition	2011-12-11	$726,790	Steve showcased his skills in this WPT event, taking home a huge cash prize after a hard-fought final table.
EPT Grand Final Main Event	2013-05-13	€1,224,000	Another feather in his cap, Steve clinched the EPT Grand Final Main Event title, affirming his dominance on the European circuit.

Steve O’Dwyer’s challenges and controversies

Steve O’Dwyer once said, “I don’t chase drama, but drama sure knows my address.”

The Jungleman Feud

In 2019, Steve O’Dwyer had a heated exchange with Daniel “Jungleman” Cates over a controversial hand at the Triton Super High Roller Series. O’Dwyer was visibly upset, believing Cates slow-rolled him during a crucial pot. The hand in question was analyzed frame-by-frame by the poker community, creating a buzz. Cates later apologized, but O’Dwyer has remained vocal about the incident, feeling it was unsportsmanlike and tarnished the event’s integrity.

Twitter Beef with Doug Polk

Steve O’Dwyer found himself in the spotlight with controversial poker vlogger Doug Polk in 2018. It all started when Polk criticized O’Dwyer’s playing style on his YouTube channel. O’Dwyer clapped back via Twitter, challenging Polk’s understanding of high-stakes strategy. The back-and-forth included memes, sarcastic comments, and a lot of popcorn gifs from followers. The feud escalated when Polk accused O’Dwyer of being overly defensive, leading to a dialogue that was part informative, part hilarious for their fans.

The €50K EPT Barcelona Dispute

During the 2015 EPT Barcelona €50,000 Super High Roller event, Steve O’Dwyer got into a verbal spat with Bryn Kenney over a ruling. Kenney was adamant about a floor decision that O’Dwyer vehemently disagreed with. After a tense few minutes and an appeal to the tournament director, the ruling favored O’Dwyer, causing a visibly frustrated Kenney to leave the table briefly. The incident was heavily discussed in poker forums, with opinions divided on who was right.

The Phil Hellmuth Incident

In the 2016 World Series of Poker Europe, O’Dwyer had an intense exchange with poker legend Phil Hellmuth. Known for his “Poker Brat” persona, Hellmuth was particularly abrasive during a hand, prompting O’Dwyer to call him out on his behavior. Hellmuth’s infamous temper flared, leading to colorful language and a lot of eye-rolling from other players. The clip went viral, adding another chapter to the “Hellmuth vs. Everyone” series that poker fans love to follow.

The Ivey Prop Bet

Steve O’Dwyer isn’t just about poker; he’s also known for wild prop bets. One of the most memorable was with Phil Ivey. In 2014, they bet on who could hold their breath the longest underwater. While it sounds trivial, the stakes were sky-high. Ivey won, but not before O’Dwyer gave it an all-in effort, nearly passing out in the process. The bet became the stuff of poker legend and was a hot topic at poker tables and forums alike.

Steve O’Dwyer – Poker Videos

How Steve Crushed €1.2M in Monte-Carlo

Ready to see Steve O’Dwyer show us how it’s done at one of the most glamorous locations on the planet? Check out how he snagged a cool €1.2 million at Monte-Carlo, making it look as breezy as a day at the beach.

Steve O’Dwyer at the $10M Final Table

Ever wondered what it takes to play at a $10,000,000 High Stakes Final Table? Join Steve as he faces the ultimate poker marathon, with heart-pounding hands and jaw-dropping bluffs. This one’s a real nail-biter!

Como Steve Ganhou €1.2M Em Monte-Carlo

Para os nossos amigos brasileiros, aqui está a versão em português de como Steve O’Dwyer faturou €1,2 milhões em Monte-Carlo. É pura mágica com cartas!

Why Steve Only Plays No Limit Hold’em

Some players dabble in different variants, but not Steve. Discover why he keeps his game classic with No Limit Hold’em. Spoiler alert: it’s all about mastering the craft!

Steve Calls with Fourth Pair

Watch Steve go full Sherlock at the tables, making a call with just fourth pair. Was it genius or madness? You decide!

Steve O’Dwyer Poker books

This player didn’t write any books.

Steve O’Dwyer’s notable TV shows appearances

EPT Grand Final 2013

When Steve O’Dwyer took down the EPT Grand Final in 2013, it wasn’t just a win; it was a spectacle. This final table was packed with poker heavyweights including Daniel Negreanu and Johnny Lodden. Talk about star power, right? The event aired on various poker broadcasts and was hailed as one of the most compelling EPT episodes. Steve played his A-game, dismantling dreams and building his chip stack like a true pro. His victory in Monte Carlo earned him a substantial payday and immortalized his name in the annals of EPT history. Others may have come to play, but Steve came to conquer.

Poker After Dark 2015

Steve O’Dwyer graced the felt on “Poker After Dark” in 2015. Sharing tables with legends like Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan, O’Dwyer fit right in. The episode showcased his strategic brilliance, leaving fans and foes alike in awe. Besides big names, big pots were the highlight. Steve didn’t just survive; he crushed, bagging significant wins and proving poker is more about skill than sheer guts. When this episode aired, it was clear Steve O’Dwyer wasn’t just part of the game; he was ahead of it.

Super High Roller Bowl 2016

The Super High Roller Bowl in 2016? Oh, it was a big one. Steve O’Dwyer not only participated but turned heads with his tactical finesse and fearless bluffs. This invite-only event also featured popular faces like Bryn Kenney and Fedor Holz. During the broadcast, Steve’s calculated moves and impressive reads were a masterclass for viewers. Even though he didn’t take down the event, his performance was both inspiring and lucrative, adding another hefty sum to his earnings. He left the world in no doubt about his super high roller cred.

World Series of Poker Europe 2018

Steve’s television appearance at WSOP Europe in 2018 was another highlight. Competing alongside stars like Ryan Riess and Niall Farrell, this episode was poker entertainment at its best. His gameplay was razor sharp, and he knew when to strike like a cobra. Not only was the tournament environment fierce, but the broadcast drew poker fans worldwide. While the win eluded him, his deep run was an exhibit of poker prowess that resonated through screens everywhere. His involvement here solidified him as a force to be reckoned with.

High Stakes Poker 2019

Steve returned to TV glory in 2019 on “High Stakes Poker.” Sharing the limelight with icons like Doyle Brunson and Gus Hansen, Steve’s contributions were memorable. His aggressive yet calculated approach turned a few heads and some chips too. The banter among players was electric, and Steve held his own, both in repartee and at the poker table. The stakes were sky-high, and though fortunes shifted as fast as the dealer’s hands, Steve emerged with a respectable win, adding another entertaining episode to his reel.

PartyPoker LIVE MILLIONS 2020

The PartyPoker LIVE MILLIONS event in 2020 featured a star-studded cast including Steve O’Dwyer. Alongside names like Kristen Bicknell and Jason Koon, this show was a masterclass in high-stakes poker. Steve’s measured aggression and impeccable timing stole scenes and blinds. Viewers tuned in for the top-notch poker and stayed for the suspense, every hand a cliffhanger. Steve’s participation not only spiced up the event but also added a nice sum to his already bulging bankroll.

PokerStars Caribbean Adventure 2021

In 2021, the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure had Steve O’Dwyer battling it out with the likes of Erik Seidel and Chris Hunichen. This televised extravaganza was poker paradise brought to the people. The tropical vibes might have been chill, but the action on the felt was sizzling. Steve’s blend of cautious folds and bold raises made for a captivating watch. Millions were on the line, and while Steve didn’t walk away the champion, he certainly made a lasting impression and a tidy profit.

GGPoker Super Million$ 2022

Steve’s appearance in GGPoker’s Super Million$ in 2022 was an instant hit. Playing against heavy hitters like Michael Addamo and Niklas Astedt, O’Dwyer showed why he’s always a player to watch. Broadcasted live, this event highlighted Steve’s fearless poker style. Massive pots and mind-blowing bluffs kept the audience on edge. Though he didn’t clinch the title, his deep run ensured his place in the spotlight and another boost to his bank balance.

FAQ about Steve O’Dwyer