Robert Williamson III: Mr. Omaha

Known as Mr. Omaha, Robert Williamson III is one popular Omaha specialist and he has made remarkable finishes at the World Series of Poker tourneys. Williamson's accomplishments are his two money finishes at the World Poker Tour, and his winnings at the Mid-America Classic and the Costa Rica Classic tournaments. As of 2005 his total tournament earnings are over $ 1.5 million.

Williamson is one unconventional player and he is not the usual pro who just sticks to playing at tournaments. He enjoys playing several side games as well. He likes playing triple-draw lowball, and mixed games ranging from $ 100 to $ 200 and sometimes he goes all out for $ 400 to $ 800 games. He also tries his hands at $ 50 to $ 100 Pot-limit games.

Williamson was born on November 7, 1970 in Houston, Texas. All the Williamson siblings were born and raised in this side of Texas. Robert asserts that he has been gambling all his life because at age five, he started watching his father play poker with his pals at home. He was the runner and the errands-taker during that time making sandwiches and preparing drinks for the old guys. Williamson only played poker seriously when he was around ten or eleven years old. His father was the major influence in his poker-playing, but it was Russ Hamilton who taught him how to play the game more appropriately.

Williamson has the education to back him up. His academic attainments are noteworthy, starting from his B.B.A. degree in Finance that he took at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. He also took a second degree in Real Estate. He pursued several careers such as a real estate developer, a restaurateur and a consultant. He also had undergone a bariatric surgery and eventually lost 200 pounds. His physical transformation did not affect nor change his exuberance and passion for the game.

Williamson also wishes to earn more World Series of Poker bracelets in the future. Having played at the World Poker Tour made him realized that it was the best thing that ever happened to poker.

Williamson admires players with the best poker table manners such as Berry Johnston, Hamilton and Mark Gregorich. He believes that the one thing that could change the face and future of poker is respect. He has expressed that respect can earn the poker industry the support and reputation as a sport if everyone in the industry will exhibit this kind of attitude.