The life of a tournament player is filled with optimism and resilience. Despite the fact that 80-85% of the time, they leave tournaments empty-handed, they continue to show up, fueled by the hope of a big win that could change everything. This cycle of disappointment and hope is a constant in the world of live tournament grinding.
For players who also dabble in online tournaments, this cycle is even faster-paced. Each day begins with the hope of a big win, only to be met with early busts and bad beats that continue throughout the session. Yet, despite the disappointments, players continue to persevere, going to bed sad and disappointed only to wake up fresh and optimistic the next day.
In 2008, the author went to Vegas as a young professional, full of hope and expectations. Over the years, they have experienced both losses and wins in Vegas, with one big winning trip making up for all the losses. The belief that if they keep showing up, the big win will eventually come, keeps them going.
The author recounts an encounter with Rob, a fellow grinder whom they have crossed paths with throughout their career. Their shared experiences of satellite tournaments and live cashes have created a bond between them. Despite not winning a satellite tournament, Rob’s success serves as a reminder of the potential for big wins in the world of poker.
The WPT World Championship at the Wynn was a familiar event for the author, having attended the previous two editions. While the exact financial outcomes of those trips are hazy, the memories of well-run events and friendly people stand out. This time around, the convenience of a direct flight from Dublin to Vegas made the journey smoother and less stressful, highlighting the benefits of flying via Dublin for European travelers.
The author’s campaign at the 1k Prime tournament started on a challenging note, with setbacks and a dwindling stack. However, a resilient performance saw them survive with just over seven big blinds going into Day 2. A series of key wins and losses kept them in the game, but ultimately, they bust out just before dinner, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tournament poker.
The constant cycle of hope, disappointment, and resilience is a familiar theme for tournament players. Despite the odds being stacked against them, they continue to show up, fueled by the belief that the big win is just around the corner. The author’s experiences in Vegas and at the WPT World Championship serve as a reminder of the highs and lows of tournament poker, where one big win can make all the difference. Despite facing a challenging trip with a lack of cashes following an initial success, I remained content with my performance and discipline. The variance in poker struck back as I struggled to secure any more cashes throughout the trip, despite several near misses. Reflecting on the experience, I noted that a higher payout percentage could have significantly impacted my results.
My Main Event performance was uneventful, with minimal success in terms of winning pots. Despite a standard bust out, I felt that my exit was inevitable given the cards I had been dealt. However, despite the setbacks at the table, I maintained high morale and enjoyed interacting with fellow players and friends throughout the event.
Interactions with American players provided a refreshing change from the reserved demeanor of European cities where I typically play. Positive feedback from fans of my training materials and content was encouraging, particularly in relation to a video tutorial that proved beneficial to many players during the event. While the WPT event was limited to Americans and Canadians, the overall success of the event hinted at the possibility of similar future events open to a wider audience.
Among the Irish contingent at the event, several players achieved success in the Main Event, with notable performances from familiar faces such as Gareth McMahon and Turlough McHugh. Despite some near misses, the Irish players showcased their skills on the international stage. Special mention is given to Glenn Keogh for his impressive performance leading up to the final tables.
Notably, the presence of Matt Savage, a highly respected figure in the poker industry, added to the overall positive experience of the event. His enthusiastic interactions with players and organizers highlighted his dedication to the game. Despite some light-hearted banter, his professionalism and commitment were evident throughout the event. The event also saw the participation of other poker personalities, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Overall, despite facing challenges and setbacks during the trip, I appreciated the opportunity to compete and engage with fellow players in a friendly and competitive environment. The experience highlighted the resilience and determination required to succeed in the poker world, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and enjoying the journey. Matt Savage made quite the impression on me during my recent trip to Las Vegas. He seemed to pop up unexpectedly in the most random places, from lifts to potted plants, always ready to greet me with a warm welcome. It was surprising to my American tablemates, who couldn’t understand why the renowned tournament director was singling me out for such special treatment.
But that’s just the kind of person Matt is – not only is he a top-notch tournament director, but he’s also a fantastic host who genuinely cares about everyone he meets. He goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome, even taking the time to introduce himself to my friends who he didn’t know. When he met Annette and heard about her “Chip Race” interview, he immediately went back to listen to it and offer feedback. In an industry where ego often reigns supreme, Matt stands out for his humility and ability to make everyone feel important.
I also want to give a shoutout to my friend David Lappin, who was a great companion on this trip. Despite his advancing age and expanding waistline, David’s sharp wit and keen mind remain as sharp as ever. It was a pleasure to see him in the commentary booth, where he excelled in his role. David truly enjoys commentary, puts in the effort to excel at it, and it’s rewarding to see him succeed in that field.
Another player who impressed me was Jonty Willis, who always brings a fun energy to the table. His playful antics, including changing costumes throughout the game, added a lighthearted touch to the tournament. Even after busting out, Jonty remained philosophical and jovial, a testament to his positive attitude.
I must also mention Lemon Poker, whose infectious energy and passion for his work make him a joy to be around. His social media skills and creativity would be an asset to any festival organizer looking for a dedicated and talented individual to add flair to their event.
Although I didn’t personally know Scott Stewart, the winner of the Main Event, his fellow players spoke highly of him and rooted for his success. His positive presence at the table is sure to benefit the poker community in the US, and I offer my congratulations to him on his victory.
Finally, I want to acknowledge my friend Pargo and the delightful Donna Morton, both of whom added to the enjoyment of the event with their presence.
Despite a near miss on the second-to-last day of the trip, where a reckless encounter with a car almost ended in disaster, I was grateful to emerge unscathed, along with my beloved ice cream. The absurdity of the situation made me reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of savoring every moment, even if it involves indulging in late-night poker tournaments and sweet treats.
Overall, my time in Vegas was filled with memorable encounters, thrilling moments, and the camaraderie of friends old and new. Thanks to individuals like Matt Savage, David Lappin, and Lemon Poker, the poker community continues to thrive, united by a shared love of the game and a spirit of camaraderie. Less than a minute later, I found myself crossing the next road, this time being more cautious and waiting for the go signal that seemed to take longer to come in the US than anywhere else I had been. To my surprise, Lemon appeared out of nowhere and filmed the moment for posterity.
Following a recent near-death experience and a series of disappointing tournaments since the Prime, I decided to take a mini break on the last full day of my trip. Instead of entering the 3k 6-max tournament from the start, I took the morning and afternoon off and entered late. A lucky hand where my K-Q beat Jesse Lonis’ A-K set the tone for the day. Despite losing a few pots, I managed to cash out in 30th place, ending the trip with a modest win.
As we prepared to leave, listening to Bob Seger’s “The Famous Final Scene,” Lappin and I contemplated whether this would be our last Vegas trip for a while. The polarized atmosphere in the US was unsettling, with political tensions causing rifts even among long-time friends. Despite my deep affection for the country and its people, I couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about returning in the future.
Entering my seventh decade, I have to consider where I want to spend my time and who I want to spend it with. Tournament players are inherently optimistic, and I hold onto hope that things will improve and I’ll continue to visit the US in the future.
I have known Rob Sherwood for most of my career, having crossed paths with him at various events around the world. He has always impressed me with his work ethic and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the game. Seeing him make a deep run and score his biggest win was a highlight of the trip for me. We both started the trip with high hopes, and it was rewarding to see at least one of us achieve success.