Poker Pros React To WSOP Champ Ryan Riess' Claim To Be "Best Player In World"

Ryan Riess is the 2013 WSOP Main Event champion, after defeating a field of 6,352 players over nine days to capture the biggest title in the whole of tournament poker, as well as claiming the $8,531,853 first place prize. Following his remarkable victory in Las Vegas, the poker community has been reacting to their new WSOP Main Event champion, and in particular his claim to be the “best player in the world.” Here are a selection of comments made by the pros via twitter, not all complimentary, starting with the winner himself:
Ryan Riess
“I’m extremely excited. I’m excited for what the future holds..I just think I’m the best player in the world..I don’t know about playing in any $100K’s unless I sell action..There’s going to be people like Scott Seiver who say I suck. I obviously don’t care.”
Eric Baldwin
“Gave the kid the benefit of the doubt until that interview during Sportscenter. Far more disappointing than the performance is the lack of class. So 23 years old is now below the cutoff of being able to expect some class?”
Jason Mercier
“It’s about time someone wins the main event and not only claims to be the best, but actually may think it. Confidence is everything guys! That being said, claiming to be the “best in the world” after winning one tournament- ya, obviously not true. Gl to the kid in the 100ks! 🙂 Don’t be so short sighted and offended by one kid “disrespecting” the game. I see positive in that his confidence will help grow poker!”
Christian Harder
“so Ryan called himself the best in the world. Maybe im the only one, but im laughing it off and not offended at all. Who cares? All I know is we need @stealthmunk at the final table next year.”
Kevin Saul
Played w @RyanRiess1 in sep, asked if he was nervous. His reply? “No, why would I be? I’m gonna win” his confidence shocked me, tonite didnt. Congrats @RyanRiess1 on the W!!! #ManOfHisWord.”
Gavin Smith
“Congrats to @RyanRiess1 played amazing and I am sure will be a great ambassador to poker!”
Doyle Brunson
“Riess has a hand every deal. Poor Farber hasn’t had a chance. Not so easy to play when u don’t have the best hand everytime.”
Allen Bari
“Painful watching two people who played well to get here play pretty ridiculously.”