Rainer Kempe

Childhood

Kempe spent his formative years in Berlin, attending the Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium in Pankow. He pursued higher education at the University of Potsdam in Germany and later at the University of Sussex in Falmer, England. During his university years, Kempe began playing poker recreationally, which laid the foundation for his future professional career.

Career

Kempe's professional poker journey began in 2011 and was initially marked by modest profits until 2014. His breakthrough came in 2015, when he finished fifth in the European Poker Tour (EPT) €5,000 No Limit Hold'em Main Event, earning €320,400. Later that year, he secured a significant victory at the EPT12 Prague €25,500 Single Day High Roller, winning €539,000.

In 2016, Kempe achieved a career-defining triumph by winning the $300,000 No Limit Hold'em event at the Super High Roller Bowl, pocketing $5 million. This victory established him as a formidable force in the high roller circuit.

Kempe continued his success with multiple high-profile wins, including the $50,000 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Single-Day High Roller in January 2019, where he earned $908,100, and the $10,200 No Limit Hold'em KO Turbo event during the same series, adding $117,280 to his earnings. He also won the AU$25,000 challenge at the Aussie Millions in 2019, securing AU$831,465.

Throughout his career, Kempe has amassed over 40 tournament cashes exceeding $100,000, underscoring his consistency and skill at the highest levels of poker competition. He ranks fourth most successful German poker player by live tournament earnings.

Personal life

Rainer Kempe currently resides in Brighton, England. His educational background in business administration and his international living experience have contributed to his strategic approach to poker and gaming.

Revenue

Kempe's live poker tournament winnings have surpassed $21 million, placing him among the elite in the poker world. His most lucrative single event was the 2016 Super High Roller Bowl, where he won $5 million. Other significant cashes include multiple six-figure wins at major events such as the EPT Prague, PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, and the Aussie Millions.

Interesting facts

• Kempe has achieved over 41 cashes of $100,000 or more in live tournaments.
• He is part of a renowned group of German high-stakes poker players who rose to prominence in the mid-2010s.
• His poker success is complemented by his involvement in esports through the No Limit Gaming group.
  

Legacy

Rainer Kempe's rapid ascent and sustained success in high-stakes poker have made him a prominent figure in the international poker community. His achievements have contributed to the growing recognition of German players on the global poker stage. Additionally, his engagement with esports represents a modern fusion of traditional card games and digital competitive gaming, potentially influencing future generations of players.