Ron Rose is a multi-talented man who, once he turned his attention to poker, not only enjoyed tremendous success at the game, but also did a great deal to promote its new, gussied-up image. He is the author of "Poker Aces; The Stars of Tournament Poker," a lively compendium of information and a must-read for anybody interested in the sport.

Though he had a significant career in business and coupled it with world-class mastery of bridge, he had dreamed of playing poker with the greats since he was a child. In 2000, he took one step towards fulfilling that dream by entering the World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe. He did reasonably well, but was determined to do better.

He decided that playing in Europe was essential to his poker education and, apparently, he was right. In 2000, he made three final tables during the December tournament at the Aviation Club de Paris, and, in 2001, he returned to win three tournaments in one week. "The most remarkable thing," he says, "was that I was named best all-around player for the 2001 Summer Tournament." In 2002, Ron won two additional tournaments at the Aviation Club.

When the World Poker Tour was initiated in 2002, Ron wanted to be a part of it. "Poker was going in new and exciting directions, and now I had another goal: to be one of the six people at a WPT final table." Ron made it to a WPT final table but was the first player to be eliminated. However, that only fueled his desire to achieve.

Ron made his second WPT final table at the 2003 World Poker Challenge in Reno. He says: "I had to redeem myself after that defeat at Foxwoods. I put my heart and soul into playing with these formidable opponents. I played with a patient and determined attitude; I stayed focused, read my opponents well, and in the end I won the tournament!"

Ron also played in a WPT Invitational televised on NBC prior to Super Bowl Sunday's game. "It was the kind of game I liked to play. Eleven top WPT champions, no dead money, and a prestigious title along with 'bragging rights.'" The event, which included all the winners from the WPT's first season, was called Battle of Champions. Ron came out on top, and the win cemented his reputation as a poker force to be reckoned with.