Ryan Nelson Blog

Hello Joe! Joe we all know you by your infamous online name Hoodini10. First off, tell us how the WSOP went for you.

I kept the WSOP more low-key this year than last year. Last year, I rented a house for the summer with a few friends, and sort of over-exposed my roll to a lot of events at the WSOP. This year I knew I had to be home mid-June for my brother’s graduation from Penn State, so I made two separate trips. I went out and played a 2k and 1500 6max at the WSOP, then flew back out for the Main Event. In between I played the Borgata Summer Open which featured a 5k Main Event. It attracted a great field and it is also close to where I live in Philly. I played well all summer, but nothing major to talk about happened. WSOP was really exciting because my close friend Chris “SLOPPYKLOD” Klodnicki made a deep run in the Main Event. He solidified himself as a force to be reckoned with. It was great to see him have success, because we sort of play a similar style. We’ve talked through countless situations together. Hopefully I’ll get my big break soon as well!

Yes, Chris Klodnicki did have an incredible WSOP. How do you guys know each other so well?

We grew up together in Voorhees, NJ and both went to Eastern High School. We also played baseball together for a few years during childhood. We had played smaller home games recreationally throughout high school. We both started taking the game more seriously in college. He had already read some books and taught me how to think about the game in different ways. It just took off from there. After graduating college, he had qualified for the WSOP. I had just returned from Europe, where I was doing some backpacking. Chris staked me in a 1k Bellagio Cup Event, which I chopped for 70k. That was the start of my poker career. Afterwards things picked up online and I took down the FTOPS 1 Event 1. It solidified my roll to make poker a living.

You said you guys play similar styles, what is your style exactly?

CAPABLE! After having ample experience in this game, you need to have all styles available to you at anytime. I don’t like classifying my play as loose-aggressive, nitty or anything like that. Basically I like to gather as much info as I can in each situation, and just adapt to it. I have it reflect in my play at that particular table. There are so many ways to approach the game and each situation is different. As a tourney player you need to take into account your position in the tourney and its structure, as well as the surrounding players. That is why I love playing tournaments and the deep-thinking involved in certain spots.

When making the transition from online to live poker, what are the biggest differences you have found so far and what do you do to adjust?

Essentially there are no differences in the actual game, its still poker. Live poker brings along more variables to deal with obviously. Some are easier to account for than others. My approach is to just imagine myself playing an online tourney. Most of my experience is dealing with betting patterns, and the many different inflection points that are present throughout a tournament. Live poker can add so much more to your game as you feed off of what the other players give you at the table. I’m not big on live tells yet. This is mostly due to my lack of experience in the live arena. I do believe there is value in them if you are good at it. You can see your opponent and hear him talk about the game, his life, and where he’s coming from. This can add a lot of value to your game plan at each particular table. Many people give so much away and you need to stay focused and pay attention. This is a big positive about live poker. The variables that are more difficult to deal with are handling your surroundings well, and creating an atmosphere where you can remain on your game. Also, you have to stay focused for multiple days, while grinding at a live event. It takes more discipline and patience to be successful in the live arena. At the same time I believe online poker is just training for the live arena. There is greater success both financially and professionally by playing live.

Yes indeed, but you have to love just being able to play poker from your house.

Of course! Online poker gives people a chance to succeed in this great game. Many wouldn’t be exposed to the tournament arena unless they had access to a casino where a big live circuit was taking place. For this, I hope the US government regulates online poker to keep tournament poker strong, and moving into the future.

YES!  The government can make 40 billion in its first 10 yrs, if online gambling is legalized. We need it regulated and taxed, with NETELLER back!

I was just going to say, I see poker having a strong presence for years to come, and YES PLEASE BRING NETELLER BACK!!! Haha.

Do you have any advice for newbie’s on bankroll management?

Sure. I have enough experience with it as I previously mentioned because of my over-exposure to bigger live events last year. It’s hard to give general advice on how to manage someone’s finances. It all depends on that person’s goals and abilities in poker. The most important thing if someone has decided to pursue poker as a profession, is to separate their living expenses from their poker bankroll as they get going. Once the bankroll surpasses a certain point to where they are comfortable with managing things, you can then adjust your risk to what you feel is appropriate to achieve your goals. If you want just a conservative approach for MTT players, I’d say have 100 buy-ins for the level you are planning to play regularly. This should be enough to handle the variance and build thereafter. Also, many newbie’s may not be accustomed with staking deals, or swapping percentages in tournaments. My only advice on this is to make sure you conduct this type of business with people you know you can trust. You should make sure everything is mapped out so both parties are on the same page and in a position to have a successful relationship.

Here is an example, say you are an average player who won the Poker Stars Sunday Million for 200k. Should you cash out a decent amount to show for your earnings, or do you keep it all in there and play with it.

Again, this will all depend on the individuals goals for himself or herself in poker, or at the moment of their win. If you plan on pursuing tournament poker after a win like this, make sure you account for outside expenses (travel, rent, mortgage, etc). Part of being successful in this game is knowing what you are prepared for. You need to work hard to keep getting better and learn more. If you are in the right mindset, anything is possible.

Can’t you write it off your traveling expenses if you file to become a professional?

Yes, but it won’t get written off until you actually file for taxes. Meaning, you still need to have that money on the side to use. There’s a lot of overhead involved with traveling to live events. If you don’t manage your money right, it could cut seriously into profits. Well, hopefully you’re winning a lot more than that, but still.

Alright, we all know you have made a lot of money playing poker, what is the best toy you have bought for yourself?

Ha-Ha. If I had a best toy, it would be a sick car. I live in the city now, so I got rid of my previous one. I really don’t know. I just like to surround myself with nice things. I love to live and eat well too. My girlfriend, Alexis, could probably answer this question better than me (Ha-Ha)– too many trips to Gucci for me - lol.

What is the best and worst aspect of being a poker player?

I’ve been playing poker for two yrs professionally since graduating from UPenn. I can only answer from my experience. Everyone in the poker world isn’t going to have the same answer to this of course, depending on who they are. I was very serious about sports throughout my childhood, high school, and college (where I went to play baseball). Poker is an arena that allows you to be as competitive as you want, depending on how much work you put into it. When people say it’s “a hard way to make an easy living”, it’s pretty true. There is no easy way to become a successful poker player (unless you work for Absolute or Ultimate Bet, HA-HA). You will inevitably run into bumps along the way, but only the strong minded will persevere in this game. That is why I love it so much. I studied game theory as part of my Economics degree at UPenn. I get to utilize this along with other deep-seeded thoughts and strategies that I have learned along the way through playing, reading, and adapting. It allows me to never become bored with poker. Also, poker affords me to travel the world and maintain a way of life to which I chose. I answer to nobody about my finances, etc. but myself. The downside to all this is that in order to be successful in pursuing this type of “entrepreneurial” lifestyle, you need to train yourself to be very disciplined, patient and balanced. Nobody can teach you those kinds of things in a book, or on a training website. It is through hard-earned experience, dedication, and learning that the success will come. Also, you need to put in a good effort to maintain a social interaction with your family and friends away from poker.

When you are not playing poker, what are you doing in your spare time?

I really enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, playing golf, playing sports, and working out. I basically love being active. I also want to make more of an effort to read lots of books in my spare time. Learn more about investing and trading, which is what I’d probably be doing if I wasn’t pursuing poker.

If you could bust anyone or take their whole bankroll, whose would it be?

If I could take anybody’s bankroll it would have to be Bill Gates because he just has way too much money. If it had to be a poker player, I’d probably say Phil Hellmuth. It’s not because he has the most money necessarily, but because it would probably be most entertaining. Ha-Ha.

You have the radio blasting, singing in the shower to one song, what are you singing to when you think to yourself, “I’m really glad nobody is here to catch me singing this song?”

LOL. Chris Brown’s song “Forever,” I wish I could move like that. Let the ball busting begin!

You just won the WSOP and you become infamous over night. You’re in the VIP section with your entourage. Tell us who’s the hottie on your lap at Tao?

Alexis (girlfriend) won’t like this answer, but it would have to be Scarlet Johansson. She is simply amazing!

Well Joe, it’s been a very insightful interview with you and it was fun. We wish you the best of luck!

Thanks a lot Ryan, enjoyed it!

Comment

Hey Jamie!  First off, let me say thank you for taking the time to stop by and talk with us.  How has the WSOP been treating you so far?

Thank you for having me, I appreciate it.  I am having a great time at the WSOP this year.  I am not running particularly well so far, but I feel like I am very happy with the way I am playing.  I am getting a lot of business done, and I have a ton of friends out here who really make things enjoyable.

We all know you love to play No Limit Hold’em, but are there any other games you are focusing on more these days?

My favorite game for fun is PLO.  Whenever I play cash games now I play half-NLH and half-PLO.  It seems a lot of other people are excited about that game.  I hope that it is the game of the future.

I know, it seems like everyone is addicted to PLO right now.

When I have the time to play it, you can say that I am one of them. 

What do you feel is the biggest difference between PLO and NLH?

NLH was explained to me when I first started playing as hours of boredom, with moments of terror.  I actually think it is much more interesting and there is so much to learn about the game, that I love it, but I understand why someone might say that.  PLO is explained to me as the most action packed, frustrating and least boring game that you could play and I agree.

Since you have been at the WSOP, have you done any crazy prop bets?

Not this year, but I do love them.  If I do any good ones, I’ll let you know.

Can you give us an example of your best prop bet yet to date?

It was between Phil Hellmuth and I at the Bellagio Five Diamond.  After I had bluffed Tuan Le off of his Kings, on a random dead board with 5 high, Phil told me I could never bluff Tuan Le again.  Phil bet me $1,000, and then kept moving the stakes up.  I believe I did it four more times in the next couple of hours and walked away with $6k.  I am not even in Phil’s league though.  He is a truly amazing poker player.

Being a World Champ, what are the positive and negative aspects of it?

Well, I never have to wait in line…..No, in all seriousness, I am fortunate enough to be invited to some of the most exciting events in the world.  The people you meet along the way are so amazingly interesting, that life is never dull.  On the opposite side, I can be misunderstood in the press.  It doesn’t bother me as much as it does for my family, who has to read about things.  It bothers me when it bothers them.  But overall, my life has been amazing and I am thankful. 

What is the biggest misconception about you?

The biggest misconception is that I am not a kind or generous human being.  The people that really know me, they would tell you I am just the opposite.  However, I know that when you don’t know someone, it is easier to be misled.  It takes a little effort to get to actually know someone, and find out the truth about them. 

You are involved in many charities and giving back is important to you. You are becoming a big “poker philanthropist.”  Who have you been working with lately, and who do you plan on working with in the future?

I am very excited to be a new celebrity spokesperson for the MDA, ALS Division (http://www.als-mda.org/).  It is Lou Gherig’s disease that my father suffered from ,and I want to spend the rest of my life helping the MDA find a cure.  One of my dearest friends, Montel Williams, has MS, so I will continue to support his foundation.  Also, my new hero, Michael J. Fox, is doing some amazing work to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.  I believe it will lead to so many other cures, through the legalization of stem cell research.  I am excited to take part in the Ante Up for Africa event tomorrow at the Rio, here in Las Vegas.  It has become one of the premier charity events of the year. 

We need more people like you who go out of their way to give back to charity.  Speaking of Ante Up for Africa, give us some details about that.

Annie Duke and Don Cheadle have put together an amazing event that brings poker players, celebrities, and media together for an outstanding cause.  Proceeds from the event will go to charities that provide aid and assistance, to the survivors of the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.  It will support activism dedicated to resolving this crisis.

Outside of poker what takes up most of your time?

The charity work I love, and I am still very involved in television production.  Personally, I am on an extremely healthy diet, where I have cut out processed sugar, caffeine, meat, wheat, gluten, diary, anything artificial, and very little alcohol.  I am on a quest to find the purest water, and a truly natural energy drink.  I am trying to find the kinds of foods and supplements that can reverse the toxic chemicals and pesticides, that I feel are the causes of most of the diseases that we have.

Give us an example of your daily diet.

In the morning, I have wheatgrass, along with fresh vegetable juices.  I add in omega fatty acids such as aloe vera juice and vitamin complex.  I then have my own protein combination, which usually starts with quinoa.  Midday, I will have coconut water and fresh fruit juice.  Sometimes, I will eat sushi or a piece of salmon.  Late day, I have fresh vegetable juice again, a big salad, and avocado or another piece of fish.  That is my basic diet, but of course I add in other things.   You know I add in a bowl of blueberries everyday as well.  I am doing as much research as I can to figure out what the best diet is for me, which hopefully will help a lot of other people!

You mentioned you’re still heavily involved in TV production, why have you not produced a High Stakes Show for us?

I think Mori does a great job.  I hope to come up with a show that is different, from any show that we have seen before, poker wise.  For now, I am just excited to be a part of the current slate of shows. 

What TV productions are you working on at the moment?

They are all in development.  It is a long process.  I hope by the next time we talk, I will have more to report. 

Very impressive sir!  How do you balance poker, charity, family, and business?

Things are easy to balance when you love them all. These four areas are the four loves of my life, and I can’t get enough of any area.  I am able to balance them all, because I love them all so much. Things don’t get too hard when you love them, so it’s easy to balance.

Jamie, lets say you are arriving at the red carpet premiere of a movie you produced, and you are pulling up in a stretch limo, who is in the entourage?

You never know, but I hope that my closest friends, family, and the people that I work with, would all be there to enjoy and support it with me. 

Jamie, it was a pleasure talking with you and best of luck in the future.

Ryan, thank you so much, lets try and do this again soon.

Comment

Hello Per!  Per we all know you as a big time agent for poker players, tell us about Poker Icons for people who don’t know about you.

Hi Ryan! I don’t know about being a “big time agent,” but our agency PokerIcons started up approximately two years ago.  The purpose of PokerIcons is to sign up & coming online players that we believe will make it on the live scene as well. Our first signing was Annette Obrestad with Betfair, and I think it’s safe to say that she has certainly earned it. We also have some strictly live players, but our focus is online.

So basically you sign up players and help them get sponsorships through poker sites.

Yes, we sign the talents and together we set goals and put together a branding package for the player. We are very careful about who we sign, since we know it’s not easy to get a sponsor for them. There are so many things that must match.  We also do a lot of post-contract work for the talents, making sure everything runs smoothly with their sponsor and vice versa.

Give us some details on the post contract work please.

Blogging is an example. For some players this is new, but every sponsor wants their players to blog, so sometimes we have to give the player a little gentle push to get started.  We also get offers for sponsored players from non-poker related sponsors, and then we have to negotiate with the poker site to see if we can make that happen.  We also monitor that nobody else can use the sponsor or the player in their marketing.

How many clients do you have right now?

At the moment we have 24 players.  Like I said, we are very careful about whom we sign, and we do turn down players that want us to represent them on a weekly basis.  It’s not because we want to, but there is no point in us taking on a player if we know he will not get a sponsor.  PokerIcons most recent signings were William Thorson who joined team PokerStars, and John Tabatabai joined team Betfair.

Basically you look for quality and not quantity.  Do you play a lot of poker?

Yes, you are correct. 

Do you play a lot of poker?

Not really, there is never time.  I play maybe 20 SNG’s a week.

When you are not working, what do you do in your free time?

I’m sorry, I don’t understand the question. What is this “free time” you talk about? LOL.  To be serious, I am married and have an 8 year old daughter.  There is not much free time around here. We are based in Oslo, Norway, so we work over many time zones, which kills all possibility of ever taking a day off.

I have two off the topic questions for you, first, what is your favorite sport?

Soccer is my favorite; I’m a huge Man Utd fan!

I’m assuming you liked the outcome of the Man Utd and Chelsea game

Phew! That game (and the one against Barcelona) was brutal!

If you were stranded on a desert island, but were allowed to have one hottie with you, who would it be?

Well, at some point I would want to get back to the wifey, so I’m going to pick Dolly Parton strictly for her floating devices.

You’re the first person to mention the wife, well played sir.  Per it was good speaking with you, and we wish you the best of luck in the future with Poker Icons.

Cheers Ryan, and keep up the great work! Really enjoy reading your stuff.

Comment

Hello Mr. Carson!  We all know you’re a huge online name in the poker world, and have had a great deal of success in online poker, tell us what you have been up to these days.

Well, I did just take a month off; I was in Africa for 3 weeks, before hitting up the Party Poker Million tournament.  Right now I’m just relaxing/working online, before I hit up Vegas on the 9th of June.

What were you doing in Africa?

I went with a group of people from Toronto to Malawi, to help out with a small building project, and to experience Africa.  It is something Sarah (girlfriend) and I have wanted to do for awhile, the opportunity arose and we jumped on it.

Glad to see you giving back to the community.  How did you do in the Party Poker Million tournament?

I was doing fairly well, with 45 people left; I got it all in with KK to QQ.   I pretty much had the chip lead at the time, another guy folded KQ face up after he tried to squeeze us, and the dude rivered his Q.  That was a little nasty, that’s how the live tourneys have gone lately for me.  I get deep in tourneys, but theirs not much love late.

Very unlucky.  Do you feel you are prepared for the WSOP?

Yes, I’m definitely ready for it, last year I only played in one $1500 event.  Between now and then, I think I’m in a much better position to play a bunch of tournaments, and not have any worries.  I’m looking forward to a big grind session in Vegas this summer.  There are eight of us right now that have a house for five weeks, so it’ll be a fun time.

Any events you are looking forward to in particular?

I haven’t played in a main event yet, so I think that’ll be an awesome experience.  For the most part, I’m unimpressed with the structure at the WSOP.  I think the starting chips should be better, but I guess with the large fields, the time frame would be difficult to accommodate.

What would you do if you won eight million?

I would probably invest most of it.

Smart man!

I would get one or two toys along the way though.

If you are taking a break from poker, or just relaxing around the house, what would we find rdcrsn doing?

Now that the summer is coming along, it’s nice to hit up some patios, but I’m a sports lover.  I love golfing, soccer, and mountain biking.  I just try to get outside and be active, it’s important for online players to get outside, and be away from the computer.

Wait, you’re from Canada, no hockey!?!

Heh, my father is English, so it was soccer, soccer, soccer, or I should say futbol, futbol, futbol!

Haha, who’s your favorite futbol team?

Liverpool probably, but I like to watch any of the top teams play, preferably from the Spanish or English league.  Series A is kind of boring.

What’s rocking in the iPod while you’re playing?

Good question, a lot of different stuff, I usually just download my buddies music as I’m never up to date, but I like the slower stuff.  I will listen to Bob Marley and Jack Johnson a lot.

How much luck is involved in poker?

ALOT, or maybe NONE!  Long term there is no luck.  I think luck is involved in any ONE tournament, and to make a big run, you’ll have to have some luck in a few spots.  Short term luck is more of a factor.

If you are going to bust anyone with your mad skills, who is it?

For fun, therookieqq9, just because he’s such a HUGE NIT with his roll, and I’d take his action if that ever happened. Just for the record, it won’t happen.

Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, or Megan Fox?

I’d take Alba, but I’m pretty much a married man. Heh.

Russell was a pleasure talking to you, GL at the WSOP!

Yeah, cheers dude, thank you again.

Comment

Hello Brent!  How has poker been going for you these days, or lets say after your big 278k win in the $535 on Poker Stars?

Well first off, to get it straight, I agreed to a 4 way chop, so I really won 150K outright.  I do my best to let people know I’m $130K poorer in the bank.  Since the win, I have really been thrilled with my play and results. 

Have you been strictly playing online?

90% of my play is online at the moment; however I did play in the Caesars 5k event.  Again, I played very solid; in fact I had Dario Minieri all-in within the first level.

Tell us about the hand.

I had AK, on an A-A-Q flop.  Dario was playing very active from the get go, which is to be expected.  The table was really unsure of how to adjust to his style of play.  Early on I would flat call him pre flop with a variety of hands, from AK to 10-9 off basically, not allowing him to exploit me entirely.  The rest of the table always mucked away.  He opened utg+1 to 175, with about 7K starting.  I had AK off on the hijack, I flat call, and both blinds completed.  The flop was A-A-Q.  Dario was consistently C-betting his range, on nearly any flop, however in this instance, he checked the flop, and both blinds checked as well.  I led for somewhere in the range of 515 and both blinds fold.  Dario re-raises to 2500, leaving roughly 4000 behind.  Needless to say, he snap called my shove, and showed A-10s.  The river paired another Q.

SIGH!

Literally after that, the wheels just fell off, and I ran like a crippled, mutated, version of Carl Lewis on acid!

LOL!

My bust hand was AA getting cracked by KK.  All-in pre-flop, standard stuff really, all of which nobody needs to hear about, or cares to hear about. =)

A lot of people think bad beat beats only happen to them, do you get pissed when people tell you their bad beat stories?

Haha, that’s funny you ask!  I don’t get mad, I just often wonder why?  I mean, they happen to everyone, both good and bad, from 12 year olds to 70 year olds.  I just don’t get it, bad beats make 12 year olds act well, yet 70 year olds act like they’re 12.  Glad I opted for this career choice when I did.

What are your plans for the WSOP?

I’m really excited.  Plans are quite simple really.

Brief us on them.

I have a friend, an investor if you will, who is planning on putting me in all the NLHE events.  I am clearly very excited about it, although the 1K re-buy will take some persuasion. =)  I’ve never had a “backer” before if you will, so I’m anxious to see how it all unfolds.  I am very excited to play the main. 

Hopefully it will go well for you!  What would you do with 8 million?

Jesus….I don’t know.  Buy a big house on the beach, Townsend style I guess—Got to have that ambiance around it.  Help out my family, my entiiiire family, extended included.  I don’t know, and I guess every other cliché response that most people say.

Do you spend money on toys or are you an investor?

I mix it up quite well, and keep my head on straight. I’m not your standard online poker playing degenerate, taking shots in bigger games, and prop betting for 20K on who can lose 50lbs.  I’ve kept my same car and continue investing.  I also like to spoil people a little bit—-like this girl I got from back home—whom is amazing (shout-out’s OK?)

What’s your best toy?

Definitely my golf clubs!  I love to golf, but I bought a siiick pool table for our house out here in Vegas.  It’s custom-made, 4 types of wood, and is gorgeous.  For the record, my roommates all suck—and I hope they get to read this too.  They are easy $$$!

What’s your handicap in golf?

Golf—oh man, I used to really be passionate about it.  I had probably a 5 handicap at my peak, but that’s the one damn thing that puts me on tilt!  I get so freaking pissed when I golf.  If I don’t hit the perfect draw or fade, or if I can’t check the ball up right, I lose my mind.  My poor dad had to endure me storming off the course numerous times.  It’s pathetic really, when you think about it.  All the starvation in the world, AIDS stricken victims, and I get mad about my golf game? 

I know you live in Vegas, but what’s the living situation out there?  I thought you were married, but you have roomies?!?

No man, I haven’t walked that dreadful plank into the abyss quite yet! (no offense to all you lovers out there)

Do you have a girlfriend you live with?  Only reason I ask, is when I asked you for a picture, you said you needed “your girl” to find one of you.

No, I’m just a single dude, living with 4 other pros, near Summerlin.  It’s about 3-4 miles off the strip.  That girl from home, the one I plugged above, yeah she’s trying to find a picture of my ugly ass that is appropriate.  Most people just think I am Corky from Life Goes On.  Yeah, I’m just a goofy guy, with a dream.  Oh man, seriously though that’s one thing I can’t take.

What’s that?

Back to that whole bad-beat and coolers shit.  My gosh, laugh a little bit in your life people, and just move on through it. 

Obviously you do.  Do we know any of your roomies?

Hmmm….Christ I hope not!  You should feel fortunate, they are all assholes who don’t clean shit, and piss off others.  I’m just joking with you.  I’ll plug them too; I love them all like brothers.  They are bgitty (2nd in a Sunday major), Like7 (currently crushing, and won the 500K on FTP), Luckbox11, has a sick sick mind with this game, and kobeallst who is a big Omaha player.  Also staying with us for the WSOP are USCPhildo and FU_15, and needless to say how talented those 2 players are as well.

Do you guys do a lot of prop bets? 

Oh man, we have done our fair share of betting, but seriously, I run so god damn good at everything.  It’s not even fair anymore!

Tell us some prop bets or stories.

Last summer we rented a full size RV, and we drove it all throughout the Midwest, I believe we saw somewhere around 12-15 pro events football/baseball games.  Anyways, on our 2 week excursion, I never lost CCR (credit card roulette).

You do run like god. 

Ha, yes sir!  Also, I burned $100 dollars once in a fire, but that’s because I was so out of my mind, I thought it was a scorpion.

WTF were u drunk?

Long Story, during the Nam days.  Those were the times man, the 60’s and 70’s.  I’m part of the wrong god damn generation, I’ll tell you that right now.

What do you like to do to relax? 

Long walks on the beach, listening to John Mayer, wearing brown-thong sandals, and wading in shallow creeks.  You talking about that kind of stuff?  Well toss all that shit out of the window.  I’m 100% an elitist, only listening to artists.  Well I used to golf a lot, until I realized Prozac was the only solution to my course antics.   I did in fact join a gym back in April, but I think I’ve been there only twice.  My father would be so proud. 

Basically going to the gym, listening to music, and playing golf are your hobbies.

Yes, I love watching, playing, and competing in all sports too.  I especially love basketball!  I’m 6-5 and can shoot lights out; the problem is I’m slow as molasses.

We will have a 3 pt contest for as much money as you want!

Sheiiiit, just send me your bank account while you’re at it.

Do you listen to music while you are waffle crushing?

Lol at Shaun Deeb reference, I read the Phildo interview, and I was speechless.  I listen to music constantly, and do not watch TV.  I listen from hip-hop to classic rock, to grunge, to UK stuff, and I’m a biiiig Radiohead guy.  I hate today’s rap, all the Lil Weezies, Lil Johnnies, Lil Rickies, Lil Bobbies, but I do love LILHOLDEM!  Mfkka is soooooo gooooood.  Also, I do <3 Outkast.  If I could do it all over again, I’d be in Atlanta with Big Boi and Andre, mixing fat beats.

Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

Well, I don’t know about that, but I don’t think using a certain shampoo brings you more luck in poker.  Do I feel that it can be helpful?  For sure, when you race off your stack at the appropriate times, I guess luck is cool to have.  A flips a flip, a snakes a snake, and cotton candy will always be cotton candy. Pretty much do your best to avoid those, “luck” spots, and the game is much easier.

Alright, if you could make anyone go broke or bust who is your number one target?

Well, I love everyone; from Deeb to Pearljammer (bitter rivalry there in case you didn’t know, the latest gossip printed in GQ).  I’d love to bust millionaires, such as Guy Laliberte.  Dustin Dirksen, I think that’s his online name.  I hear he’s just a filthy sick loaded kid, who doesn’t need money, but loves to gamble.  Fuck, I mean take Ivey for example, he’s amazing, but get him drunk, I preferred passed out drunk, and let me play for like 500K against him while he sleeps, drinks, and pukes.  I’m fine with that; I have no ethical dilemma with that. =)

Lol, you’re one crazy guy.  Say you’re a celebrity and you’re just ballin out of control. Who’s in the entourage?

Yes I am crazy! That’s a tough question.  Shooter Jennings, you know him? 

Negative.

Look him up, you’ll understand why.  I want him by my side wherever I am and same with Rick Ross.  Get that mffkka by my side.  

Not even one hottie is in the entourage?

Come on now man, you didn’t address it like that for f*** sake.  I’ll have bitches fanning me down and feeding me grapes.  Jessica Biel, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba, all the god damn Jessica’s will be in there.  I want Turtle as my driver from the show Entourage.

Let’s say you’re partying at Tao, you got the Dom Perignon and all your friends in the VIP, who is the lucky lady that is on your arm?

Oh man, well Melissa will be upset, sorry babe, but I got to go with Penelope Cruz.  Something about that Latina thing that makes me all ruffled like a bird.  Seriously, you see her in Blow? God damn.

Yes, she is very hot.

I got one more chick from NYC, that Eliot Sptizer was banging.  The big governor scandal jeeeeesus, where do people find hookers that nice?  Out here, they are like, gimme $15 bucks and a smoke, and ill go for 4 hours. That girl charging Eliot like $5k an hour, I think I’d pay $10k!

You mean Ashley Alexandra Dupre, I just googled it.

Brent: Lol, I was about to say…

You love hookers, huh?

Please, <—-classy guy.  I have never had a hooker, lol. 

 Well Brent, it’s been one crazy interview.  GL at the WSOP!

Thanks for having me, and look forward to kicking your ass in prop bets, take care Ryan.

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Hey Matt!  Congrats on your 2nd place in the 750k on Full Tilt.  80k is definitely a nice pay day.

Thanks Ryan! 

That must be a good confidence booster before the WSOP.  You feel ready?

I do, I’ve done a lot to prepare for it, and that score is a nice boost.  It will cover probably all the buy-ins.

What tourneys are you excited about the most?

I am excited about the PLO/8, shorthanded, the mixed PLO/NLH, the PLO-Rebuy, Horse, and mostly the M.E.

What’s the living situation for you at the WSOP?

Well I’ve been living out here for three months, and renting a house with two of my friends.  I moved into a house with other friends, who are here for the duration of the Series.  Last night they all got in…it’s going to be a fun summer.

Do we know any of the other players?

Yeah, I actually have become pretty good friends with them, Jason Grey who final tabled the Aruba Classic, along with Jordan Rich who was also at the final table.  Jordan is here with his girlfriend, and Jason is here with his wife.

Are there any prop bets occurring at the moment?

Not yet, I’m sure there will be a few here and there.

You will have to keep us up to date.  When you are not playing poker, what can we find “mattyv” doing?

Well I’m usually just playing online, only on the weekends though.  During the week, I’ll be at the gym swimming or lifting, donking 1/2 NL cash games with my friends at the South Point, or watching some TV series which has already hit DVD.  I don’t like to wait a week to see the new show.

What’s the new TV series you’re hooked on now?

Well I just finished up trailer park boys, which is a mockumentary about trailer park life.  It’s insanely funny. Some other ones which I enjoyed, or I am enjoying currently are Jericho and Lost.

I like Lost too, but I want to see Entourage and The Wire (everyone’s raving about it)

Oh yeah, Entourage is by far my favorite show actually, and the Wire I just finished recently.  I enjoyed it; you should definitely check them out.

I definitely will!  So…back to poker.  In your estimation, how much luck is involved in poker, percentage-wise?

Oh, well I guess I have to share my secret with y’all, its 19% luck.

Please explain why it’s 19% luck.

Poker is a lot of short term luck. You have to get lucky in tournament poker to win tournaments, but it usually takes a lot of skill to close when you do get chips.  Luck also has a lot of factors such as getting lucky by winning your flips, and not getting unlucky (KK vs AA).  I think short-term, there is probably around 35% luck, and long-term there is about 1% luck.  The 19% was meant to bluff you, good read!

You’re too smooth sir.  If you could bust anyone or take their whole bankroll, whose would it be?

Bill Gates for sure, mmmmm that’s a lot of money.

No kidding, it would be nice to have billions. Any online players that you would like to bust specifically?

I wouldn’t really enjoy taking someone’s whole bankroll, I am competitive, but I think that would make me feel pretty bad. Plus, I play mostly MTTS so that’s hard to do. Heh.

Who do you admire these days poker wise?

The team and players I admire the most right now is Betfair’s team with Annette, Sorel, and now John Tabatabi. I think they are really the best proof of online stars becoming live stars as well.

Lets say you’re a huge celebrity and you are going to party at the Palms, who’s in the entourage?

I’d definitely bring the people who were close to me before I made it big. Here is who I’d take: my friend Ben from my home town, he would be Turtle.  He’s kind of dumb, but real fun to hang around with.  My friend Brian would be my E, because he’s got a great business mind, and he’s a pretty loyal close friend.  I would take my brother as Drama, because, well, he’s my brother.  You can come visit too of course, Ryan.

Thank you very much, I appreciate that.  You are on vacation in Fiji, and you are renting out a private bungalow, who’s the lady in your bed?

Without a doubt Scarlett Johansson, she is a hottie! 

Good call, I would probably choose her too.

Haha, nice!

It was great talking to you Matt, we wish you the best of luck at the WSOP!

Thank you for having me Ryan.

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What up playboy! Congrats on the Bodog deal.  The poker life must be treating you well these days.  Tell us what’s been going on in your life.

Thank you, thank you. Life is amazing right now. I’m extremely happy to be Bodog’s newest team member; it’s something I’ve wanted for years now. It’s basically a dream come true. On top of that, I made the Caesar’s final table recently, and next week I will be moving to Vegas. I picked out a really nice condo at Panorama towers, where Bodog pros Dave Williams and Evelyn Ng also live. So yeah, life is great.

Sounds like you’re living the dream! Why are you leaving LA, I thought you loved it there?

Yeah, I do love LA, but I’m never here. I spend so much time travelling the tournament circuit that I only spend 2 months a year at home. I figure since I already spend 4 months a year in Vegas, that if I live there I get to spend an entire 6 months at home. I plan on moving back in a few years, but for the time being, I need a place to call home with my busy travel schedule.

Will you have any roommates in your new condo?

Ozzy87 will be living with me for two months during the World Series. After that I’m going to have to decide whether or not I’d prefer to live by myself. I’m only 22, and have never lived by myself before, so it would be a huge change without a roommate.

It’s nice to have space sometimes, especially if you have ever lived with loud and messy roommates.

Haha. Yeah, I’m always the anal one telling the guys here to clean up. I need to have a clean place.

Have you been playing much poker online these days, or just live?

I’ve barely played online at all so far this year, but there are no tournaments I plan on playing in May, so I’m going to be playing on Bodog a lot this month. They gave me a $3/$6 NL table named Justin Bonomo, so if anyone wants to play against me, find that table at BodogLife.com. Having a table named after me will be a great opportunity to play against and chat with all of the Bodog players. It should be a lot of fun. I’m down $20 so far this month on Bodog. I’m going to have to step up my game.

Don’t worry I will help you step up your game after this interview by giving you some key pointers.;) What events are you looking forward to playing at the WSOP?

Haha, thank you! The TV events will take first priority, but other than that, I’ll play as many tournaments as possible to increase my chances of winning a bracelet. I really really really want a bracelet, and eventually multiple.

What game would you want one in the most?

Well if I got to choose my bracelet, I would pick either the main event or the 50k HORSE. But over time, I would definitely love to have bracelets in different events, to show that I’m not a one trick pony. I think a lot of players still think of me as a NL tournament player, so a HORSE bracelet would be really cool.

Besides playing poker what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love music and have been to almost 200 concerts now!

What type of music do you listen to?

Mostly alternative rock, bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Muse, Our Lady Peace, Live, Pearl Jam, and Counting Crows. I’m also into some newer rock music, kind of the emo genre I guess, bands like Brand New and Manchester Orchestra.

Do you have a love life these days, or are you strictly business?

I’ve been single for a few months now. I travel so much that it’s hard to have a normal relationship, and I don’t go out and drink during tournaments. The last few girls I’ve dated I’ve met through poker, which is kind of odd.

Will we see 3 hot Bodog girls around your arm at the WSOP?

Haha, I hope so!

Do you have any prop bets lined up for the WSOP?

I bet “Rainkhan” a grand that the WSOP ME will have over 5,000 players. I’ve been talking to players about betting on Negreanu to win a bracelet at 5-1 odds. I’ll probably put some good action on that bet (last year Steve Sung gave me 10-1 that Hellmuth wouldn’t win a bracelet, and that paid off nicely). I’m also working on a WSOP ME bet with “Thorladen”, where I can purchase action from any player I want, for 8x the percent I buy. For example, if I want Ivey, I can pay $800 for 1% of him, and Thorladen will have to give me 1% of whatever he cashes for in the ME.

Now on to the Bluff Final Five.  What is pumping in your headphones while your pwning donkeys?

Completely depends on how I want to feel. After a bad beat, I put on something heavy and angry, like Brand New’s latest album. If I just want something relaxing, I might play something like Citizen Cope. I find music to be the perfect way to control my emotions and attention span at the table.

Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

Luck is certainly a huge factor, especially for a tournament player like myself, but I’m not superstitious at all. I just try to maximize my expectation, and when necessary, reduce variance. If you want good results, you should focus on playing well rather than luck. Sometimes it’s important to try and forget about how unlucky you have been recently (if that’s the case).

If you could bust anyone or take their whole bankroll, whose would it be?

Can I pick Bill Gates? I wouldn’t mind picking up a cool $50 billion.

Wouldn’t we all! How about poker wise?

There’s no one that I consider to be my nemesis or wish to go bust, so I’d just pick someone with a lot of money like Howard Lederer or Chris Ferguson. I suppose taking Phil Ivey’s bankroll heads up would give me a nice sense of accomplishment though.

Phil seems to be public enemy #1. What celebrities would you like to have in your entourage?

Calvin Ayre would certainly be cool. He’s one of the reasons I’m so happy to be on Bodog. He epitomizes the playboy lifestyle. I’m not one to get starstruck, so I’d prefer musicians that I respect, like Eddie Vedder, over the standard super famous picks most people might give you.

The final question that we always like to ask: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen?

I’ve always had a thing for Scarlett ever since I saw Lost in Translation in the theatre. I’d have to go with her. She has the perfect sexiest face IMO. The rest isn’t too shabby either.

You know she just got engaged to Ryan Reynolds.

That scumbag… you know that question above when you asked who I wanted to bust? I change my answer to Ryan Reynolds (ok actually I’ve never even heard of him, but still).

He’s in Blade and Smokin’ Aces. Ok he’s Van Wilder!

My brother was going through my DVD collection last night, and asked me if “this movie was any good?” (while holding up Van Wilder). I told him there was no way he would like that movie. ;p

Too funny. Justin, it was a fun interview, and ship us some bracelets at the WSOP. GLGLGLGL!

You’re welcome! I had a good time.

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Nick, let me just say congratulations on your recent $215 rebuy win on Poker Stars. How are you feeling?

Thank you very much. I feel terrific! I’m glad to finally put up some consistent big wins in tough fields.

You’re welcome! Are you playing mostly online these days?

Yes, I just turned 21 and have only played one live tournament, the PCA. I’m about to graduate school and am playing in the 2008 WSOP. Online is where it’s at, in my opinion.

How did your first live experience go?

It went alright; I doubled up making some semi bluffs, and chipping up, but then ran into Elky on a couple of hands. I used my online knowledge of his play to make my decisions. He was playing much tighter than I had presumed, and I gave him most of my chips. He then went on to win. Haha!

Those gamers (Elky- top Star Craft player in the world) will get ya. LOL!

Ha, yes they will! I knew who he was, but he obviously didn’t know who I was. I thought my information would help me crack him. I was wrong!

So you definitely prefer online more than live?

Yes, I prefer online, because I not only can see many more hands in the same time span, but I can play in my room and watch TV or listen to my music very loud. I can also eat, drink, and do whatever I want as opposed to a live tourney when I have to sit there for hours and see way fewer hands.

When you’re playing online do you think its bad to be surfing, watching TV, etc. (basically losing focus)?

Sometimes! I play my best when I’m playing 1 or 2 tables, and just listening to music. That is 4-8 times as many hands in the same time span as I would see in a live.

Online does have its benefits such as rakeback, multi-tabling, being at home, etc.

Yes it does! You also have the ability to travel, or to be with friends and family.

Very true! What are the plans for the WSOP?

I am planning on playing 12 to 13 events. I am very excited for the $1k re-buy, and the Main Event especially. I’m also excited for the beginning events. Basically the general feel of the WSOP for my first time.

All of the online players seem to love the re-buys and 6-max tourneys. Tell me what you are doing about the living situation out in Vegas.

Well, I actually just decided yesterday on my finalized schedule, so I am still working on the details of the living arrangements. I would prefer to stay in a house with other good players, and it’s possible I will stay with USCphildo and Bhanks, which would be awesome. I actually am planning on focusing on poker the whole time and making it strictly business. I am not a partier, haha.

That’s great that you’re dedicated. Will you be doing a lot of prop bets with USCphildo and Bhanks? How about some CCR (credit card roulette)?

First, I need to pay off my college loans and help my family with the money. I will do some small prop bets. I don’t really do anything huge, or unnecessary like many other players who I have encountered.

What do you consider “unnecessary”?

I have seen many online players do tons of prop betting on the most trivial things just to get a gambling rush LOL. When I was at the PCA, I saw many online players in the lobby drinking, and prop betting on everything they saw. I was amused!

Do you remember a specific bet that stands out?

I recall flipping coins for upwards of 10k at times, as well as drinking prop bets, and stuff. I have heard that two guys flipped for 50k a couple years ago at the PCA, which is just gross.

WOW! These people definitely know the value of a dollar, LOL!

Yeah, riiight! Some of these guys just have a lot of money to throw around. This industry can clearly be very lucrative to some people as young as 18 or 20. I am friends with several 18 year olds who have earned several hundred thousand dollars. Online poker is the only industry out there that offers that kind of potential.

Besides playing poker, what do you like to do to relax?

I am really into music; I write a music blog and collect as well. I love most sports, mainly basketball and soccer. Honestly, I love to relax by going to the beach, or to the mountains. I love nice places with great scenery.

Yep, I wish I was at the beach right now (Sigh)! What’s your favorite kind of music?

Definitely alternative rock and Christian music.

You have a favorite college basketball or NBA team?

I like the Knicks, who suck, and the Hornets for NBA. I like Wake Forest for college basketball. Chris Paul should have got MVP in my opinion.

Its so damn close with Kobe, Lebron, and him.

I think the difference is the attitude. Kobe last year was whining about not having other good players. He wanted to get traded and his team sucked. Chris Paul on the other hand, has built his team with a positive attitude and optimism. He is not nearly as much of a proud snob as Kobe. Chris Paul apparently plays poker as well, and considers himself very good. I think a positive attitude, as well as confidence, are the most important aspects to any competitive game. That’s including basketball, and especially poker!

I definitely agree that they are very important aspects to have for a successful career in poker.

I see so many players who are negative and whine a lot, and they will lose most of the time, whether it be their fault or not. Poker is a tough game so I stress those two qualities the most personally.

Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

Well, luck definitely takes its toll, but what I try to do is to manage the luck. I try to get a lot of chips early on in the tournaments as possible by using skill. That way if I get unlucky or lose a flip, I still have chips and I am not out.

Are you superstitious at all?

Well, I used to not be. I am superstitious with one thing only, and that is IP addresses LOL. I think some seem to suck and others seem to be awesome. I’m sure its just a figment of my imagination, but since switching to a sprint wireless card from my school IP address, everything is going well.

Ha. Alright if you could bust anyone in the poker world who would it be?

Well, I have several and all of whom, I would slow roll if given the opportunity.

We’ll let you slow roll for this occasion. Tell us who and why.

Nick: 1. Hevad Khan 2. Humberto Brenes 3. Elky 4. Scotty Nguyen 5. Phil Hellmuth
Hevad Khan because I think he is a rude monkey at the poker table, and I’m sure he would tilt me! Humberto Brenes for the same reasons LOL . Elky because of the PCA, and he is one of my nemeses. Scotty Nguyen because he says baby every 3rd word, and I think it would be awesome to hear “I just got slow rolled baby!” Phil Hellmuth because he is so cocky, and it would make my day to tank it with the nuts on the river. I would call him, and look agitated and flip over the nuts. I think he would rip his own head off LOL.

Haha, that’s great.

You can obviously tell I have thought about this a lot.

Let’s say you are a celebrity, who’s in the entourage?

Well some of the famous people who I respect a lot and would like to meet are: Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, and a few music artists. Music artists include Jimmy Eat World, The Fray, Mat Kearney, Lifehouse, Coldplay, and a few others.

Alright time for the hottie question. Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen?

Jessica Alba is very hot, but so is Jessica Biel. I think Rachel McAdams and Odette Yustman (from Cloverfield) are the hottest though…. I will go with Alba though by a slim margin. She has the cute and hot factor. Especially in Good Luck Chuck.

Nick it was good talking with you. We wish you the best of luck at the WSOP. Ship One!

Thanks Ryan, I will do my best!

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Hey Annette, how’s  life treating you these days?  Tell us about what’s been going on in your poker life.

It’s actually been very quiet lately.  I’ve only really played in one big tournament the last two months, and that was EPT in Monte Carlo.  Awesome event as usual, but no results unfortunately.  Other than that, my mom and I bought a house back home, which was definitely overdue because we had been looking for one since I won WSOPE.  It just took us a while to find the “right” house.  I also recently signed a contract with PokerVT, which is Negreanu’s new training site that will be launching soon.  I’ll be making videos and stuff regularly.  I’m very excited to see how the site turns out.

CONGRATS on the house and contract!  That’s awesome.

Thank you very much!

Have you been playing online a lot?

Not as much as I’d like to.  It’s really hard when I’m on a European schedule because the tournaments start so late.  It’s hard to balance travelling and online poker.  I’m out travelling probably 2-3weeks/month.  I need some time with friends and family when I’m at home, and not just sit in front of my computer every day.  The only tourney I play every week is my own tournament on Betfair, which is every Friday.

Do you feel it is important to have a balance between poker and a social life (family, friends)?

Yes! You don’t have to, but it’s my choice to.  It’s also nice to just take a break from poker once in a while and do other stuff.

Unfortunately you cannot play in the WSOP since you are not 21.  Hypothetically, lets say you’re 21, what events would you play?

I guess if I could play, I’d be looking to play in all 6 handed NLH events, all PLO events, all NLH rebuys, and probably some LHE ones.  I would also play some small HORSE tourneys, but I suck at stud games.

I’m sure you could learn stud pretty quickly and be good at it.

Bleh, I’m trying to, but I keep losing my patience with all the minimum bet shit.  I need my all in button!

LOL.  I know taxes are steep over in Norway, would you ever consider moving to Vegas because there are definitely a lot of fish/donkeys for u to crush out there?

I’m not sure to be honest.  Vegas is very tempting, so I think I might try it for a year and see if I like it.

LA is nice too!

Yeah, I hear you!  I have been to LA before, and I loved it there.

Alright, besides playing poker what do you like to do in your spare time?

That’s a good question.  Spending money is always fun, so shopping is def on top of the list. Obviously my friends are important. Vacations, watching movies/TV, and all the stuff normal teenagers do.

Do you like to shop at like Gucci, Versace, Dior, etc. since you’re such a balla?

Haha!  Well, we don’t have the big expensive brands in Norway.  It’s very hard to get a hold of those types of clothes.  You can be sure I’ll be at the forum shops at the hotels in Vegas this summer.

What type of movies do you like?

I looove horror movies!  I am definitely weird like that.  Blood, screaming, murders, and riddles are all very fascinating to me.  The ‘Saw’ movies are one of my favorites.

Yes, they are terrific movies!  Now on to the Bluff Final Five:  What is pumping in your headphones while your pwning donkeys?

I mostly listen to quiet music when playing.  Keane, James Blunt, and Colby Caillat are probably the most played on my list at the moment.

Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

Luck is definitely a factor in any given hand, but the more hands u play, you’ll see that the best players are the ones who make the least mistakes.  They also know how to deal with bad runs better than everyone else.  There’s nothing u can do to avoid it. It’s part of the game and something u have to live with.  You can only do so much.  If it wasn’t for luck, there wouldn’t be any bad players playing the game because they wouldn’t have a chance.

You are implying the “Tilt Factor” is huge in the game? 

Most definitively, if you can’t take bad beats and move on very fast, you’ll have no chance against the best.

Basically we won’t be able to beat people like u then

Haha!  I’m pretty good at handling tilt, but even I whine from time to time. 

If you could bust anyone or take their whole bankroll, whose would it be?

I’d love to bust Humberto Brenes.  His shark and his behavior are just disgusting.  Sammy Farha’s bankroll would be nice too.  I’m sure he’s loaded from all the other businesses he has.

Basically you think Humberto is just obnoxious and rude.

Yes!  The way he sticks it in peoples faces when he wins a hand.  His screaming and celebration is just unnecessary.  I’d tell him to shut the f*** up and just play the game if he was at my table.  I’m sure he is a nice person off the tables.  It’s just annoying though.

LOL! That’s fn great.  I actually read an article this morning on the Durrr/Hellmuth battle(From the NBC Heads Up Championship).  Who do you think would win this?

Tom “durrrr” Dwan.  There is no question about that.  Phil has no chance!  I think Durrrr will win 20 of 30 matches, if they play them out obviously.

If you had to pick one player who you would least like to have position on you who would it be?

I’d have to say imper1um, djk123, lilholdem, or Mr. Menlo.  Djk123 always owns me!

What celebrities would you like to have in your entourage? 

Meh, I’m not interested in the Hollywood peeps.  I would probably just hang out with normal people that weren’t famous.  Just because I’m a ‘celeb’ in a way, doesn’t mean that I’m not with people that are in the ‘lower ranks’ if you want to call it that.  Those people are usually more down to earth.  They are more interesting to be with than the ones who have been in the spotlight for too long.

The final question is, David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey, or George Clooney?

NONE!  I don’t think any of them are hot.  I have weird taste.

Wow!  I have never heard that from any girl, but that’s cool.  Well then, who do you think is hot?

Johnny Depp is on top of the list.  I don’t want to go into poker players and have them see it.  Bleh, fuck it! 

Ha!  Come on Annette; tell us who the poker players are.

LOL, not commenting!

Ha, well it was worth a try.  Thanks for catching up with us Annette.  Best of luck to you in the future!

Thank you, I had a fun time! 

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Hello Mr. Monte Carlo champion! Congratulations on your big EPT win. What have you been doing these days since your victory?

Thanks Ryan, it means a lot to me! I’ve been in Vegas since the day after my win in Monte Carlo. I’ve played the $25k WPT championship, the $5k WSOPC championship at Caesar’s palace, and a whole lot of cash games over at the Bellagio. I only just decided to get away for a bit (reluctantly) because of how much I am growing accustomed to the Las Vegas lifestyle; that and I miss my girlfriend. I was very unlucky in the tournaments I played, and took some beats in big cash games. I still made a good haul in the games though. In the Bellagio $25k, I flopped a set of sixes on a k64 board, and the guy had KQ, and went runner runner KQ on day 1.

That’s pretty sick. What types of cash games and limits were you playing at the Bellagio?

Anywhere from $5-$10 up to $100-$200(mixed games HA). I tend to only really play PLO and NLH.

How’d you end up?

I made well over $100k in 11 days, but lost some really big pots in sick ways. I flopped a boat with 58ss with a flop of 558 and got it in for a 65kish pot (50-100 NL) river J (guy had JJ). He should have known by the action that his hand was no good.

You have to love the donkeys though, it’s just unfortunate. Hell, you really can’t complain, you made over $100k in a week! Most people don’t make that kind of money in a year. Speaking of girlfriend, tell us about the Chorny love life.

I just met her, so I really couldn’t say for sure. I’m quite addicted to her! Las Vegas girls = <3.

Ha. I like how you use the term addicted. Where did u meet this lovely and what does she do?

She works at the Venetian. Are you lonely? LOL. I’m just kidding. Ahh. Life is so much easier then, if you know what I mean ;).

LOL. Alright the WSOP is almost here. What events are you going to play, and which ones are you looking most forward too?

I am looking forward to the Series sooooooo much this year! Winning Monte Carlo has really launched my career, and I expect no less than to put in 1000% effort in 2008 to win player of the year. I honestly can’t wait for every single event this year.

What game would u like to most win a bracelet in then?

I intend to play the prestigious $50k horse. I am most looking forward to the $10k Heads-Up championship, $10k Pot-Limit Omaha championship, and the $10k No Limit Hold’em championships. I would take a bracelet in any game. When you ask me which event though, it’s pretty obvious. The one that comes with $8 mil please! Tax free!

Ugh! You Canadians are so lucky with the taxes.

I know, but we have to be careful about the taxes.

Do you ever see yourself moving to Vegas, now that your lady is out there too?

I’m really not sure yet. I’m intending to buy a place out there in August after the series is over. Since I’m not an American I do have to watch my days in the US. I think I’m going to show her the world after the WSOP, which should be amazing.

An exotic cruise around the world?

Haha. We will probably just do the boring Europe thing (Paris, Rome, etc). It will basically be relationship cities that I haven’t seen yet.

You love to wine and dine, huh? That will still be a good time though.

Yes I do!

Back to the WSOP, what is your living situation looking like?

I rented a house about 7 minutes from the Rio. It’s a 4k sq feet house with 3 bedrooms. Its so huge man! I have two roommates, one from California who is a regular $25-$50 player. The other roommate is one of my best friends in life. He is from Canada and I will be putting him in a bunch of smaller WSOP events and some satellites. He is also lock to play the Main Event.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to go the gym, play more poker, read, and watch movies. Hi I’m glen, and I like to Party! Honestly, party underlined.

Lol! Sounds like a good life to me. I’m starting to ask this question allot, but what is your favorite drink?

A good European import beer, or a pretty simple Double Screwdriver with Kettle One.

Do you like shots?

Meh, I hate shots, but I do them when forced by beautiful women (sigh). Story of my life!

Honestly, who can turn down a shot when a gorgeous woman asks u to take one with her?

NO ONE CAN!

Now on to the Bluff Final Five: What is pumping in your headphones while your pwning donkeys?

Nothing, I make a clear cut case of never playing with headphones on. I think it is very important to hear every single thing said and done, at a table. When I’m playing I’m focused on my enemies 100% of the time.

Ok fair enough! What if just jamming out in the car or a house party

What could be pumping through my headphones though: Paul Engemann’s “push it to the limit” from Scarface, is my favorite poker song. I also really love “montage” from the Team America movie. It keeps me motivated. I love ACDC too. I’m really not picky in music, anything that sounds good works for me, but I love retro stuff a lot (like the good music days 60’s and 70’s).

Good Stuff. Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

No, I don’t have any rituals. I’m so used to bad beats now that it is gross. I think luck is a huge factor in multi-table tournaments. If I had to put it into a percent I could easily say luck is 65% in a tournament! Luck is much less of a factor in poker games where mistakes are more likely to be made. Especially in cash games!

If you could bust anyone or take there whole bankroll, whose would it be?

BigEgypt, who is Joe Joe Elapayaa. He’s an ass! He is a complete douche bag and he knows that he is! He cheered against me in Monte Carlo. He turned the crowd against me, and was a jerk in the Bahamas too. (where he busted me in 13th)

Wow! I definitely can see you despise him LOL. What celebrities would you like to have in your entourage?

Ugh! My girlfriend wouldn’t be impressed, but Scarlett Johannsen sounds like a done deal. Frank the Tank, because he is the ultimate partier. Jessica Alba for a *friend*. Also let’s add Lindsay Lohan for a party girl.

Sounds like a pretty fun group if I may say. The final question that we always like to ask: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen?

Tom Brady has Giselle on lockdown I think, and I cant compete with Brady. I would go with Scarlett or Jessica, whoever is younger.

Scarlett is younger.

Then Scarlett is the one.

Congrats again Glen. Thanks for talking to us. We wish you the best of luck at the WSOP.

Thanks again Ryan. It was fun!

Comment

Hello Mr. Hastings! Where should we begin with you? Well, you’re a 20-year-old student who goes to Cornell, you’re a part owner of CardRunners, and you’re one of the top three online players in the world right now, if not the best. What’s been going on with you lately and poker?

That’s quite a compliment, thanks. I’ve just been finishing up the second semester of my sophomore year, enjoying the nice weather (rare in Ithaca), and playing a bit of poker as well. I’ve been playing a lot of Pot Limit Omaha, with some No Limit Hold’em and H.O.R.S.E. sprinkled in. I still need work on the latter.

Are you addicted to PLO like everyone else these days? Do you prefer to play it rather than NL?

I do enjoy it more than NL. PLO is a very fun game. Everyone plays looser PLO than NL, and people gamble it up more. Also, the overall quality of play is lower than NL right now. NL has greatly evolved in the last few years since the poker boom, while PLO is more of an unsolved game. I think there’s definitely more money to be made in PLO than in NL right now. I plan on playing plenty of it this summer.

You said you’re a sophomore in college; why are you still in school now that you’re a millionaire?

I certainly have had many people ask that and wonder. Basically I’ve received lots of advice from close friends, family, and colleagues preaching the importance of a degree. Obviously this is no surprise coming from my family, but I think it’s even more significant coming from someone like Taylor Caby, who is in a similar position as me but a few years older. Also, I’m not sure I want to just play poker for the rest of my life, so I’d like to keep my options open.

That’s terrific. What do your parents think about all your success at such a young age?

At first, they weren’t too excited with my poker playing. They’re not big on gambling and didn’t really grasp the fact that I was consistently winning by outplaying my opponents and managing my money well. I think they were expecting me to lose it all back or something. Once they realized that I was winning consistently over an extended period of time (and maybe paying for tuition had something to do with it − ha-ha) they started to come around. Now I’d say they’re proud of me.

That’s great that your parents are supportive now. Did they see poker more as a form of gambling rather than skill and strategy?

They realized that there’s strategy involved, but definitely did see it more as gambling. I think that’s true for most parents who aren’t familiar with the game.

If Mr. Hastings weren’t a professional poker player, what would he be?

Good question, one that I’d love to know myself. I’m an economics major and I’ve had thoughts about going into finance, but I’m not sure if I really want to do that. One thing I can see myself doing a few years down the road is starting a business. I’m not sure what exactly I’d want to do, but it seems like a challenge that can be very rewarding, both monetarily and emotionally.

Are you a big prop bettor?

I have done a few prop bets.

Tell us about your best one so far!

I made a prop bet with Brian Townsend last year toward the end of summer. I had been running bad in the 200/400 NL and PLO games online, and wanted a good reason to stay away from them for a while. I bet Brian that I wouldn’t play those games until January of 2008. We decided to put the terms of the bet to a vote on CardRunners. The members voted that the loser had to work twenty hours at McDonald’s, plus training. I won the bet, and I think Brian is going to do his working this summer in Las Vegas. Stay tuned!

That is too funny. Besides playing poker, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Aside from my poker playing, I’m basically a normal college kid. I’m in a fraternity and enjoy parties. I also like to play golf, play video games, and watch movies and TV (currently watching The Wire, great show).

Better than Entourage?

They’re completely different shows. I love Entourage too, but The Wire is more of a serious drama with a bit of humor added in. I’m not sure which I prefer, but it’s pretty hard to top Johnny Drama.

You said you are a gamer. Which of these systems do you prefer: Xbox360, Wii, or PS3?

I have all three systems. I didn’t open my 360 until Grand Theft Auto 4 came out though. Also I can’t find the sensor for my Wii.

We should have known you would have all three. I mean if you’re making a couple hundred thousand a day, why not have all of them?

Ha! I would say I play PS3 the most.

You are in a frat, and we know frat guys love to party. What is your favorite beverage?

I’m more of a mixed drink guy. Margaritas are always fun. One drink I really liked was the Bushwhacker. We made them for our Hawaiian party; they’re made with vanilla ice cream, dark rum, Kahlua, Malibu, and coconut water. They taste like a milkshake. As for beer, some of it is pretty solid. Blue Moon and Stella Artois are two of my favorites.

We like your style, sir! On another note, which online player do you like playing the least and why?

Cole South (cts), he’s just unbelievably good. He is hard to play against, hard to put on a hand, and good at reading yours. Cole being a friend also adds just another reason why I don’t like playing against him.

Now on to the BLUFF Final Five. What is pumping in your headphones while you’re pwning donkeys?

My favorites are newer rap and 90s rock. Currently I’m on a 90s rock kick. I like stuff like Weezer, Foo Fighters, Taking Back Sunday, and Incubus. As for rappers, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem are some of my favorites.

All three of those rappers are my favorite, too. Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

I believe in the short term that luck is a factor, in the long term it is not − at least for a cash game player. I joke around about it some, but I don’t actually have any rituals to speak of.

If you could bust anyone or take his whole bankroll, whose would it be?

Guy Laliberte, because then I’d be a billionaire. He’s a nice guy though, so maybe I should pick someone else. I guess Grimstarr would be a pretty funny one.

Why Grimstarr?

He backed out of a prearranged $5000 flip against someone a while back. He also used to sit at HU tables, play his button, and then sit out. Basically he has no ethics, so if I had to pick someone based on merit, it’s him.

That is definitely not cool. What celebrities would you like to have in your entourage?

Being a big Yankees fan, I have to go with Derek Jeter as one. LeBron James would be fun to hang out with. Definitely Floyd Mayweather, because then my entourage could have an entourage.

Ha! That would be some sick protection having Floyd Mayweather and his entourage. The final question that we always like to ask: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen?

It’s very close, but I’ll say Gisele. It’s close between her and Alba, but I think she’s the best looking all around. Best combo of face and body.

Yes. They are both smoking hot, that’s for sure. Brian, thanks for taking us into the mind of Luc Longley/Stinger885. It was a pleasure.

Thank you very much!

Comment

Phil, let me just start off by asking you, “Can you feel it in the air tonight?”

Haha.  Yes I can! “Oh Lorrrrrrrrrrrrdddddd!”  Apparently I have the same middle name too.  It is wonderful; he’s actually Philip David Michael Collins.

Whoa!  That is just sicko.

I am Philip David Collins.  Yes, my mom thought he was already old and wouldn’t stay famous that much longer.  I know what you are thinking, and he is not my real dad!

We can see you have been on an online tear these days.  You are ranked number 2 on POY rankings.  How are you feeling these days?

I think my confidence is at an all time high.  I’m sure a lot of that is results based, but I feel that I’m really taking my game to a new level lately, and I’m excited about my future in poker.

That’s great!  Have you been playing many live tournaments or strictly online?

I’ve mostly been playing online, but I’m planning on playing a big volume in the WSOP.  Hopefully it will be 20 or more tourneys.  I just recently played the 5k circuit event at Caesars and thought I played pretty well.  I lasted about 11 hours.

What place did you get?

I finished around 80th of 334.  The structure was amazing.  They didn’t even make the money till day 2.

It definitely sounds good.  What events are you looking most forward to playing in the WSOP?

I would probably say the Main Event, because it’s the biggest prize pool, and the players are awful.  LOL.

Is there any game in particular you would like to win a bracelet in?

To be honest, I’m pretty sure I suck at most other games, especially Pot Limit Omaha.  I’ll probably play some mixed hold’em events, razz, or Omaha hi/lo.

Yes, PLO seems to be the game these days.  I feel like I’d rather play the roulette wheel and put it on black or red instead lol.  Feels like the best hand is always 60/40.

Haha.  I think a lot of money is out there to be made in PLO, and the best players are cleaning up.  Unfortunately, I still suck at it.

What’s the living situation looking like at the WSOP?

I’ll be staying with bhanks11, (aka usourcek, FU_15) at his house with 4-5 other guys.  They have a five bedroom house about 10 minutes from the strip that I was invited to stay in.

Are you a party animal while you’re in Vegas, or do you keep it low key?

I’ve been to Vegas 3 or 4 times and have hardly done anything but play cards.  I would expect us to do something wild if one of us does well in the events.       

Spearmint Rhino?

Always a possibility!

Ha, that seems to be the celebration place.  Do you have any prop bets going on?

Not yet, but I’m sure I will. 

Do you have any good ones that you have done in the past?

I had a 5k, 3-man prop bet on the last FTOPS through Pocket Fives.  6 teams I think, winning team takes all.  I think me bhanks and ghettofabolous got last.

Ouch!  Besides playing poker what do you like to do in your spare time?

I watch a lot of sports.  I played basketball my freshman year in high school, so when I was at South Carolina, I really played a lot of ball through intramurals and whatnot.  I also go down to Charleston a few times a month to get away from poker and spend time with my girlfriend.

Bball is awesome.  Who’s your favorite NBA team?

My dad is from Boston, so I root for the Celtics.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  You can go hang out with Mr. Menlo(Isaac Baron).  He’s a Celtics fan too.  I am a Lakers fan.

Haha!  That’s so funny.  I’m not a BIG fan of many pro teams.  I’m more of a college sports guy. 

So USC(south Carolina) is your favorite college sports team huh?

Yes it is!

Ugh! I went to Kentucky

I have a lot of family in Knoxville, TN.  I also pull for the Vols as well.

OMG!  Alright Phil, I’m leaving now. Cya.

LOL!  You must hate me.  This is you to your boss: “sorry boss, I tried to get the interview with USCphildo, but we got in this big fight about sports!”

Haha.  El Jefe wouldn’t be too happy then.  We will definitely have some sports bets in the future.  The SEC is the best conference by far in all sports.  SEC pwns all.

I definitely agree.  I will bet with you on bball and fball!

Now on to the Bluff Final Five.  What is pumping in your headphones while your pwning donkeys?

Lupe, but I listen to a lot of different stuff.  I’m kind of on a classic 80s kick right now.  Rick Astley, and Hall and Oates are big for me at the moment.

 Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

I think luck is one of the biggest misunderstandings in the game, yet it’s actually very simple.  Luck is 100% necessary in the short run, but it’s completely irrelevant in the long run.  That’s what I play to make +EV decisions, so as long as I’m playing well, I know that the results will come.  I rarely do anything to “improve” my luck.  Very good question though.

Tyty.  If you could bust anyone or take their whole bankroll, whose would it be?

I would feel too bad taking an entire bankroll.  I would definitely enjoy busting Phil Hellmuth out of a tourney.  If it was an online player it would be shaundeeb, so I could type WAFFLECRUSHED in the chat box. 

Why Phil and Shaun?  Please let all your feelings out!

Haha. Ok.  I consider Phil Hellmuth to be the best NLHE tourney player, at least live (mostly because he knows how to exploit his image as Phil Hellmuth, I think he’d suck online, but anyways).  He has 11 bracelets, so results-wise, he’s the best.  Also busting the best is always nice.  Shaun is just overrated.

Arrogant?

VERY!

You guys have a little beef huh?

I’m not sure.  He might not know that I don’t like him too much.  I am not a big fan of Plattsburgh either.  It is basically for the same reasons as Shaun.

Haha. Good stuff.

I’m almost positive he knows that I think he’s a douche.

Please don’t hold back and tell us how you really feel lol. 

Ha.  It’s just those two really.  I have a respect for their games.  I think both are pretty damn good, but they get loved on SOOO much, it pisses me off.  I HATE EVERYONE!  Jkjk.  I’m done talking now.

Beautiful.  Ok onto the next one.  What celebrities would you like to have in your entourage? 

I think my poker dream is to win the Main Event.  Not for the money, but to be famous enough at poker that Justin Timberlake might call me up and ask me to teach him how to play.  I think we could be good friends.  LOL.

He is Mr. Infamous.

I would also have Jay Leno because everyone loves him and I watch his show almost every night.  Being a guest on his show is a dream.  Matt Damon because I respect what he has done through the movie Rounders.  He also seems like a nice guy, and he likes Boston.

Oh God, here we go about Boston again.

Haha! You love Boston, don’t lie.  I’d have Phil Ivey and Lebron James too.  That’s about it.

It would be cool to chill with King James. The final question that we always like to ask: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen?

I think I should have said Jessica Biel instead of Lebron.  Being on her friends list would be pretty nice, or maybe just her ass’s friends list. 

Ha!  You have to choose one buddy, I wish we could have them all.  That would be nice.

Ugh!  Fine I’ll go with Jessica Biel because of her ass.

That’s too funny.  You love that ass huh?

LOL!  Yes I do.

I don’t think your girlfriend would like reading this.

I was just thinking about that.  I’m changing my answer on that one.  My new answer is Katie Sauer.

Well Phil it was a pleasure talking to you.  Good luck at the WSOP and keep in touch!

Likewise.  Thanks for having me again.

Comment

Hey Garrett!  How has poker been going for you these days?  Give us an update on your poker life.

Poker has been going very well for me.  I’ve had a good year with some big wins on different sites.  Live poker is still going slow unfortunately, but I’m excited for the WSOP.  I’m ready to nip some cashes in the live arena!  Who doesn’t enjoy VEGAS?!?!

What events are you playing, and are there any you are looking forward to in particular?

I’ll be playing about 15 preliminary events.  They will be $1k rebuys, $1500NL’s, $5k 6-max NL, and the Main Event.  I’m really looking forward to the 6-max events though.  It’s looking to be about $50k in buyins.

Good deal.  What is your living situation going to be when you are out in Vegas?

I just rented a house recently for the entire month of June.   I’ll be staying with Tim “Tmay420″ West and Tom “SBRounder” West.  It’s a nice, four bedroom house with a pool and spa.  It has all the bells and whistles.

Definitely sounds like a good time!   Can you fellas resist the temptations out there, or will you be at the Spearmint Rhino a lot?

We’ll visit the Rhino once or twice. LOL.

HAHA.  I can’t blame you.

It depends on how much we win.

Do you ever play the roulette wheel, blackjack, craps, etc?

I don’t play those games that much.  Last year I did lose a bit on both though.  One night after my buddy Patrick Huse busted the Main Event in like 120th or so, he paid me my 5% , and that didn’t go to well in the pits at the Rio.   I ended up with 1k on black at the wheel.   lol…That didn’t go well, but lots of room comps are still coming in every week!!!

That must be nice!  The big thing these days in poker are the prop bets.  So, what do you have for me?

I have one coming up that I’m not too excited about. 

Details por favor?!

I made it a year and a half ago with my friend Mike Jensen.  It’s a golf bet where I have to finish a beer before I tee up on every hole for 18 holes.  I used to drink a lot more back then, ugh.  I have to shoot under 90 and no more than 10 minutes a hole.

Are you a lightweight?  What if you are too drunk to see the ball?

I used to drink a lot, but recently I haven’t been.  I only drink about twice a month. I will test my tolerance.  I don’t think I’m in beer shape for the bet, and the kicker is he picks the day.  I’m sure it’ll be a hot one in Vegas.  I need start practicing!  BEER ME!

Ha, too funny.  Besides playing poker what do you like to do in your spare time?

Last year I did a bowling league with some buddies.

Beer/cosmic bowling?

Yes, it was so much fun.  Golfing is my favorite thing outside of poker though.

Are you a big partier?

Yes!  I really enjoy the bars.  I’m not a big dancer though, so not into clubbing that much.

What’s the GBECKS choice of drink?

I’m a Coors light or Crown and Coke kind of guy.  In Vegas it tends to be Red Bull and Vodka. 

Those are all good choices.  Now on to the Bluff Final Five.  What is pumping in your headphones while your pwning donkeys?

Probably some sort of classic rock tunes.  I like to listen to Jimmy Hendrix or Grateful Dead.  I also like Snoop and Dre too.

What’s your favorite Jimmy Hendrix song?

Wind Cries Mary!

Nice!  I love that one too!  So, do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

No, not really.  I guess I have a hoodie that is somewhat lucky, but I try to avoid dumb thoughts like luck factors.  There are plenty of times where its due to my poor play rather than bad luck.  If you keep claiming its bad luck, you probably aren’t being critical enough about your own game.  Therefore you’re not continuing to improve your game.

I hear ya.  If you could bust anyone or take there whole bankroll, whose would it be?

That would be Phil Ivey.  That is because he is unbeatable.

Do you think he is the best ever?

Yes I do!

What about from an online perspective? There is sbrugby, trex313, durrrr, urindanger, and omgclayaiken.  Do you think he is better than all of them online?  They have been known to rough him up a little.

I’m sure he is beatable in a game like they spread online, but if you are sitting at the table with him he is just a beast when you have to look at him.  I’m sure he would beat all of them live.  I think especially in a mixed game.

What celebrities would you like to have in your entourage?

I think chillin’ with EDog would be fun. I would also like to have Owen Wilson, who would liven up the parties a bit.  Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell definitely have to be there too.  Jessica Biel will be mixing the drinks for us.

Haha! Nice call.  The final question that we always like to ask: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen?

Jessica Alba, cause her Google images looked the best just now.

Thank God for Google.  Well thanks for stopping by with us, Garrett.  We wish you the best of luck at the WSOP.

No problem, thank you sir.  I will see you in Vegas.

Comment

Hey Chris!  How have you been these days?  What’s been going on in the poker world for you?

I have been good, thanks.  I’ve just been putting a ton of volume in before this summer.  I want to be ready for the WSOP.

Have you been playing a lot of live events lately, or just more online?  How has online/live been treating you?

I have mainly been just playing online this year.  I’m in the process of saving up money so I can buy a house.  I have tried to stay away from the big live events so far, such as EPT Monte Carlo. I have been crushing everything online instead. Thing’s have been going great online, where I seem to be hitting a nice score every time I play. Hopefully later on in the year I can carry this over onto the live scene at both the WSOP and the WSOPE.

God, it must be nice to be able to buy a house at 22 yrs old!  I know you have been crushing online.  It’s absolutely disgusting how well you are doing.  You know you are ranked number 2 in the world, right?  At Bluff we have the most conclusive rankings derived from the most comprehensive tournament results repository on the ‘net.  There’s no subjective variables, such as voting, etc.  I see you listed on P5’s as number 5.  No Sir, cold-hard data ranks you as number 2 in the world!  What do you think? 

When I started the game, I never thought about actually playing for a living.  I just enjoyed playing and things went from there.  It’s still all a bit surreal to be honest.  To be able to buy a house at 22, and have a secure looking future ahead of you is a great achievement.  I know that I can’t rest on my laurels though. As far as the rankings are concerned, they are important to me.  They motivate me to put in the volume and keep winning tournaments. A lot of the tournaments that I am playing aren’t actually going to change anything for me if I win them, but with the aid of the rankings it helps me to keep focused in them and continue to put up good results.

Earlier in the conversation you were talking about Vegas, and the WSOP.  What events do you plan on playing?  Is there anyone you are looking forward to in particular?

I played the WSOP the last couple of years, but only played the main event.  I also played 1 side event too. This year I have a healthier roll to take a shot at it.  I am planning on staying in Vegas for 2 months and playing around 15 events! Hopefully I can hit a final table in one (fingers crossed). The 1 event I’m looking forward to above all is the $5k shorthanded NL Hold’em event. 6 max events are so much fun.  The main event will be a great spectacle as always too.

Do you feel the 6 max No Limit Hold’em is your strength?

Yes! Full Tilt has a couple of big 6 max tournaments a week and my results in these tournaments have been very good. I feel that with my 6 max cash games background and my laggy MTT play, I can really take advantage of other player’s weaknesses and use them to my advantage. In 6 max, you have to play more marginal hands and this is where the skill edge comes in. I mean let’s face it; everyone can play kings or aces.  They also can reraise with ace king, but in 6 max that isn’t going to be enough to survive.

You said you are staying 2 months in Vegas.  I don’t think I could ever do that, I would probably end up dead or something.  Can you resist all the temptations?  Also where are you staying (hotel or house with friends)?

Me, Allinstevie, and two big cash players who I have been friendly with for a couple of years now are renting out a place together.  I can’t wait it!  It should be a great summer. With all the poker talent in the house, I expect something big from at least one of us.  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  Hopefully I don’t come back too busto.  LOL! 

Ha, I hope you don’t go busto either.  Do we know who these 2 big cash game players you are staying with?

You probably don’t know.  They both keep a low profile.  They mainly play on the Euro cash sites up to 25/50 nl. They do occasionally play mtt’s.  The are both very good players.  Their names are David Gent and Paul Folytn.  Paul actually final tabled the $5k 6max that Jeff Madsen won two years ago. They were pretty much my poker mentors as I was coming up.

Very cool.  Do you have any prop bets lined up for/during the WSOP?

LOL!  Funny you should say that actually. Paul and I set up a bet for whoever gets the most P5’s points in the month of June has to pay the winner $1k.  They also have to buy the whole house dinner one night, and wear a dodgy t-shirt saying how they got pwned for the WSOP main event. All the details haven’t really been ironed out yet, but it should be a bit of fun. It’s mainly for pride.

Good stuff. You will definitely have to tell me more details and how that ends up.  Besides playing poker, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a keen pool player, and captained my university side to the national championships a couple of years ago. Lately I haven’t found the time to play that much, but I’m definitely going to get back into it properly after Vegas. Apart from that I like to do normal things like everyone else; drinking, socializing, and just having a good time really.

So you are in school or attending a university?

Nope, I finished school a couple of years ago.  University is the equivalent of college over in America I think. I’m just playing professional poker as a living

Ok gotcha. You said u like to drink, what’s Mr. Moorman’s favorite beverage?

Double vodka and red bull.  I love Sambucca shots too!

LOL! Damn good choice sir on the drink, but I have never had Sambucca shots.

Haha.  They are pretty messy!

I’ll have to try one next time I’m at the club.  Now on to the Bluff Final Five:  What is pumping in your headphones while your pwning donkeys?

Normally I listen to some UK garage or ministry of sound dance classics.

I love ministry of sound too.  DJ Tiesto is my favorite.

Yeah, good stuff!

What’s your favorite house/trance song?

Something like Darude’s Sandstorm or Underworld Born Slippy.

Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

LOL.  It always feels like we are unluckier than the other players on our tables, but obviously we know this is silly in the long term. Often in all-in situations with one card to come and my opponent having a lot of outs, I will start shouting out loud what cards I don’t want to come.  If it’s like more than 6 I’ll end up shouting loads of random stuff like a mini psychotic 5 seconds. For some reason that seems to work for me so I kind of kept with it LOL.

Ha, good stuff.  I do exactly the same thing.  If you could bust anyone or take there whole bankroll, whose would it be?

That is an easy question.  It is Platsburgh or John Newcombe.  Actually, can I bust both please?

Ha! You can bustem all if you’d like.  Why them though?

Platsburgh always slow rolls me on purpose.  I have chat wars with John Newcombe every time I’m at his table in a tournament. I tend to berate people a lot in the chat box when they make a bad play, but I also chat to a lot of people online and are good friends with them. I’m one of those people you either like or hate.  Most of my chat anger isn’t serious though, and I just do it to let go of the hand and stop me from tilting off my other tournaments.

That’s f***in’ great.  I am exactly the same, but I have lost my chat multiple times LOL.  What celebrities would be in your entourage?

Hmmm… let me think on that one. 

Take all the time u need.

Ricky Hatton, (protection and for drinking sessions) Ricky Gervais, (too funny) and Hayden Panettiere. (too fit)

Sorry about the Mayweather fight.

Haha! I know, I know.

The final question that we always like to ask: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen?

Jessica Alba definitely.

Why Jessica?  I think that’s everyone’s favorite so far.

She is just awesome. She’s in a different class.  She has a perfect face and body, it just all works together.

I agree completely.  Alright bro thanks for stopping by with us.  GL at the WSOP and keep in touch!

No problem, thank you very much.  Let’s ship a bracelet!

True! Sambucca shots on u afterwards LOL.

Done deal!

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Hey Shaun!  How has poker been going for you these days?

It’s been rough, but I’ve been to some great places lately because of it.  Live has been way worse than online.

Sorry to hear.  Did you go to the EPT?

Yes, I went to Sanremo and Monte Carlo.  I had to withdrawal from Sanremo, because I was too sick on the day of.  I blame the airplanes.

What have you been doing since you have been back to the US?  Are you taking a break ‘til the WSOP? 

I have only been back home for 3 days, but I am just trying to get situated for now.  I don’t take breaks at all.  I’ll be heading to Atlantic City for the upcoming 2k, and then Turning Stone.  I’m still considering going to, two of the Latin American Poker Tour tourneys.

Damn you’re a busy man!

It’s definitely a crazy life I get to live.  I couldn’t ask for more. 

What are your plans for the WSOP?  Are there any events you are looking forward to in particular?

I’m looking forward to playing the 6 maxes.  I only played in 1 of them last year.  Also the $1k rebuy’s are made for online players. 

Do you think the online players are over taking the poker world?

Nah, but I think they are reforming it.

What’s your living situation looking like for the WSOP?  Do you have a sick house, or a solo hotel room?

I’m in the middle ground.  I am renting an apartment with one of my first poker buddies.

Do we know who he is?

Most likely not.  His name is Augie, he is just some random 2+2er. 

When you’re in Vegas during the WSOP, do you go out to the clubs, or what do you like to do out there?.

We will go to the clubs sometimes.  When someone final tables, we always go to the Spearmint Rhino strip club.  There’s so much grinding to do, I am there for poker first.

Good deal!  You are currently living in NYC, correct?

Yes.  I wouldn’t consider it living here, because I only have been home for 6 days this year. 

Holy Sh**!  I was going to ask you what you do in your spare time, but it seems like you have none.

Yes, I don’t have much time to do anything besides play poker.

Prop bets are the new thing of poker.  What crazy stories do you have for us?

One of the first prop bets for me is my all time favorite.  It is with the online player known as Randallin.  He was a young 18yr old going to his first live event.  Me, him, and ExitOnly, went to the Walmart near Turning Stone to get supplies for the week.  Randallin picked up a bunch of drinks specifically.  He bought Sunny D, Hawaiian Punch, and Capri Sun.  I made a comment saying we are only here for a week, and you don’t need that many drinks.  Randallin says, “I will easily drink all of this and need more.  Heck, I could even drink 4 times this in 1 day”.  Ray (ExitOnly) and I immediately think of a bet so we agree to $1k.  We weren’t such big ballers 2 years ago.  We had some people on 2+2 do the math, or figure out how much he had to drink.  It came to this; 48 12 oz cans of Hawaiian Punch, 40 pouches of 8 oz Caprisun, and 64 6 oz things of Sunny D.  He had to do this in 24 hrs with no puking.  Needless to say, we were quite +EV in the bet.  About 4-5 hours in, he’s far behind pace and slowing down.  There are about 15 people in the 2 hotel rooms sweating the prop bet.  Randallin wants to win so badly he decides to double the bet.  He has to drink half as much with the same rules.  ExitOnly and I obviously agree.  30 minutes later Randallin quits. 

I definitely don’t think I could have drank that much.

Ha!  I also had a bet with Thayer Rasmussen into the first few weeks of college football season.  I gave Thayer 100 to 1 odds, saying a team that has 2 losses wouldn’t make it to the BCS championship game.  That was a painful $10k to give up!

Ouch!

It looks like I’m behind him in our big bet this year too.  Maybe the WSOP will change that.

What’s the bet exactly?

There’s a scoring system for 5-figure, 6-figure, and 7-figure scores for the year.  If you are trying to satellite into a $10k live event, only the first satellite counts.  He’s up like 13-10 or something now. 

You need to step it up!

Yeah, I am trying hard.

Now on to the Bluff Final Five.  What is pumping in your headphones while your pwning donkeys?

I never listen to music when I am playing.  I don’t listen to music in general, but I am going to start too.  I just bought Siruis satellite radio, and had it installed into my car. 

What!?  Wow, I can’t believe you don’t listen to music. Who doesn’t listen to music!?  lol.  Do you believe luck is a factor in poker, and do you have any rituals to avoid bad luck?

I don’t think there’s such a thing as luck.  I’ve played too many hands to think luck is involved. 

Ok.  If you could bust anyone or take there whole bankroll, whose would it be?

If I could bust anyone it would have to be Thayer.  It is so much fun knocking him out.  If I had to take someone’s bankroll, it would definitely be Timex’s (Mike McDonald).  He’s too rich at such a young age. 

What celebrities would you like to have in your entourage?

Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Eric Murphy from Entourage.

Everyone loves Entourage and says it’s the best show.  I still haven’t seen it.

Wow! I can’t believe you haven’t seen it.  It’s not the best show.  Wire is way better.  Dexter is awesome too.

The final question that we always like to ask: Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, or Giselle Bundchen,?

Why Pick?  It would probably be Scarlett.  Why would you ever choose between them?  It’s not like we ever have a chance. 

There are things called dreams/fantasies.  Why would you choose Scarlett though?

I don’t know it’s like there’s no reason to really distinguish them.  On another day I’d probably pick a different one.

Ok.  Thanks for talking with Shaun.

Thanks, was fun.

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