The world of high-stakes poker has historically been populated by a wide array of eccentric and colorful characters. Nowhere is this more true than the most coveted of all tournaments: the World Series of Poker. In recent decades, few competitors have created such a memorable offbeat persona, or added as many unique anecdotes, as the inimitable Huck Seed.

The first thing that sets Huck Seed apart from many of his competitors is the sheer length of the man. Clocking in at a healthy 6'7", he looms over virtually all his opponents, even when seated. Yet he does not come equipped with a mouth to match his freakish size. In point of fact, he never bothers to utter a single word during game play.

This oddball champion took a rather circuitous route to poker greatness. Originally an electrical engineering student at Cal Tech, Huck decided to take a leave of absence from his studies - intended to be temporary - and during his free time he picked up the game of poker. Rapidly advancing from novice to master, he turned his tree-sized back on academic pursuits and devoted himself to poker on a full time basis.

It was in 1996 that Huck Seed won the main event at the WSOP, taking home $1,000,000 for his silent efforts. Three years later, he again found himself at the final table, only to be eliminated by the crafty Irishman Noel Furlong.

Huck's antics away from the poker table have generated a fair amount of attention, as well. He once famously bet Phil Hellmuth $10,000 then he could float in any body of water for an entire day. He did not even come close satisfying this wager, sinking like a stone well before the 24-hour mark. However, Huck got the $10K back in short order (and then some) by winning $24,000 from Hellmuth in a 9-ball billiard match.

All and all, this strange behemoth has racked up four WSOP bracelets and has garnered lifetime winnings north of $2,500,000. He is still known to stir whispers of anticipation and raised eyebrows any time he enters a major poker tournament. Even an individual who is not inclined to make bets would probably feel safe laying down some money on the probability that Huck Seed will wind up back at the final table of the WSOP before long.