Erich Kollmann plays online at Full Tilt Poker.

Austrian native Erich “Coolmann” Kollmann is a man of action. While he’s been playing poker for more than 20 years, it wasn’t until 2005 that he left a career with BMW to pursue poker as a full-time profession. Erich cites “the character of the game, the action, and excitement” as his primary reasons for making this decision. Given his winning record, it looks like it was the right move.

Before becoming a full-time pro, Erich had already established quite a tournament record. He made it to the cash – including dozens of final table appearances – in tournaments throughout his native Austria and the rest of the world. He still prefers to play locally in Linz and Vienna, where his career started, but that hasn’t stopped Erich form achieving great success elsewhere.

He made his first big foray abroad in 2003 when he headed Down Under for the Aussie Millions. While there he made it to the final table of the Main Event, taking eight place and over $25K. Back on European soil, he followed this with a steady series of cash finishes prior to his next big overseas performances.

In 2006, Erich cashed in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold ‘em event at the World Series of Poker, finishing 17th out of over 1,000 entrants. He followed this with yet another successful showing on the European tournament circuit before heading back to Oz for the 2008 Aussie Millions. This time he cashed twice for better than $27K, including a deep run in the Main Event.

Poker isn’t the only action that Erich goes for. Away from the felt, he’s well into outdoor pursuits, including scuba diving, skiing, mountain biking, tennis and skydiving.

When he’s not chasing extreme action in the great outdoors, look for Erich in action at the table on Full Tilt Poker.