World Poker Tour

Thomas Keller “"Thunder"“

Birthplace
Scottsdale, AZ

Hometown
Scottsdale, AZ

Total Winnings
$24,201

His nickname might be "Thunder," but Thomas Keller isn't a professional wrestler. He's a concert pianist with an economics degree from Stanford University. His father, a professor, and his mother, a publishing house executive, had high expectations for their son. Keller grew up playing chess and Magic: The Gathering. He figured he'd have a good head for poker, but he had a hard time convincing his parents it was a good idea to pursue it. "When I decided to go into poker they, at first they weren't that thrilled with it," he said. "Now, they've seen it on TV, and they've seen me do pretty well and I think they're pretty happy with my choices."

Keller scored his first big tournament win in 2003 at the Bellagio's Five-Diamond World Poker Classic. He won the $2,500 No-Limit Hold 'em event and took home more than $281,000. About five months later, he won his first World Series of Poker bracelet. He took down the $5,000 No-Limit Hold 'em event, winning more than $382,000. Keller has cashed in two World Poker Tour events. He made the final table of the WPT Young Guns of Poker event during Season III. When he's not playing poker, Keller likes to spend time with his wife and dogs. He is a contributor for Card Player magazine.