Rob Mercer participated in the Main Event while fighting terminal cancer
In the realm of poker, a man who once dabbled in the semi-professional circuit and embarked on his journey into the game 18 years ago has now reached a moment of extraordinary recognition. This week, the limelight was cast on Rob Mercer, battling terminal cancer, as he daringly lived out his fantasy of participating in the prestigious Main Event of the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Mercer, of Vallejo, California, faced a grave diagnosis of end-stage colon cancer approximately four years ago, at 33, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He has become a warrior in the battle, stubbornly refusing to let it win.
A month ago, he kickstarted a GoFundMe campaign with the aim of accumulating sufficient funds to participate in the Main Event. Among those who learned of it was Alexander Zisiades, a musician and poker player, who shared his excitement with the online world, and his involvement helped Mercer achieve his goal.
In addition to securing the $12,000 he needed to make the trip to Vegas, Mercer also received additional support that made the journal significantly easier. On his way to the Main Event, he also won $9,000 at the tables and another $2,300 in a poker tournament.
Mercer now holds a position in the history books for participating in the record-setting $10,000 buy-in No-limit Hold ’em Main Event. Unfortunately, his run came to an end Thursday night when he was eliminated. Despite this setback, Mercer remains remarkably content and describes the entire journey as an extraordinary stroke of luck.
