One player who is in incredible form leading up to the 2008 World Series of Poker Europe is the aggressive Vietnamese-American, John ‘The Razor' Phan.

Born in Vietnam 34 years ago, Phan and his family fled to Northern California in the early 1980s in search for better opportunities, a decision that would lead Phan on the road to riches.

Nicknamed ‘The Razor' due to the sharpness of his game when he is on-form, Phan learned to play poker with his father and uncle, first playing stud then progressing to limit Hold'em and then finally no-limit Hold'em.

Despite having never read any poker books, instead relying on natural abilities, Phan has amassed over $5,200,000 in tournament winnings and countless more thousands in high stakes cash games.

Phan used to have a reputation for being overly aggressive once he had reached a final table. At the 2005 WPT Main Event, which cost $25,000 to enter, Phan was second chip leader with only four players remaining but after making numerous mistakes he finished in fourth. He won $518,920 for his efforts but Phan went on record to say he felt he had really lost $2,300,000 as the victory was there for the taking.

Over the next couple of years, Phan made changes to his game and whilst his trademark aggression remains, it is much more controlled and not so reckless

At the 39th annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, Phan was in scintillating form, not only cashing in five events for winnings of $608,464, but also winning two Corum bracelets, a feat no other player did at the series.

Just 19 days after winning his second bracelet, Phan entered a $15,000 WPT tournament and came fifth securing over $193,000 but was again disappointed in reaching the final table but failing to win the title. He would make amends for this on August 23 when he claimed his first WPT title, and with it $1,091,428 in prize money.

In this form, Phan is almost unstoppable and will be a formidable opponent for anyone seated with him at the 2008 WSOPE. Could he do the unthinkable and win three bracelets in a single year? I for one would not bet against Phan claiming a magnificent hat trick in London.