WSOP2017: @scottybuckets Interviews A Professional Poker Player

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SteemSports Presenter: Scott Frank, @scottybuckets

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SteemSports General Manager: Nolan Jacobson, @theprophet0, STEEM Witness & PeerPlays Witness.

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The 2017 World Series of Poker is in full swing in Las Vegas. The 48th annual event started on May 30th and continues on until the champion wins their coveted WSOP Bracelet and Millions of Dollars on July 17th.

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The WSOP was created back in 1970 by Benny Binion. The event was held in what is now considered “downtown” Vegas at the Horseshoe Casino. What started as only 7 players, has exploded into tens of thousands of players. Poker rock star, Phil Hellmuth has the mealtime record of most bracelets won, at 14.

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I met up with professional poker player, Steve P, who is currently playing in Vegas, and asked him about his experience in the WSOP. Here is the interview....

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How long have you been playing in the WSOP?

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I have been playing since 2002 and I haven't missed a year yet.

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When did you first learn how to play cards?

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When I was a kid, my grandmother got me started. I learned how to play 7 card stud, Omaha 8 and all the games back then. I guess she is partly to blame for my addiction.

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Online Poker is illegal in the United States, but for a long time, it was allowed. Did you play much online?

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When Online Poker was legal in the U.S. that's how I made my living. After Online got shut down, I had to go back to the corporate world. It was awful.

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How many days on average each summer do you come to Vegas to play in the WSOP?

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Back during the poker boom years in the early 2000’s, I would be out here for 6 weeks. I would make a killing, it was fantastic. But now, I play in the WSOP for 2 weeks each year. 50 weeks of the year, I am your average Joe now, but for 2 weeks a year, my wife allows me to live my old life. It is a perfect balance for me.

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So your wife supports your poker play?

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My wife absolutely supports me and my Poker. I am so lucky to have the full support of my wife and my entire family.

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You don't have any kids yet, why don't you move from Chicago to Las Vegas?

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I have tried for YEARS, unsuccessfully, to get my wife to move to Vegas. She works in healthcare and could get a job anywhere, but Vegas isn't the best place to raise a family and that is something we plan on starting in the near future.

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Do you stay at the same resort every trip?

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I've stayed at a ton of places out here. But the Aria has become my favorite so this is where I spend most of my time.

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Do you do anything weird or annoying while you play that tries to distract your competition?

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I honestly just listen to music, podcasts or watch TV and movies. The first day of these huge events is a real grind and you can end up playing 12-18 hours a day.

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Your most recent win was at the Aria Poker Classic, but what was the biggest amount you have won?

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Lol, my biggest score was….not enough to retire!

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Do you remember your worst beat ever?

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Of course, I will never forget this. I once had 4 Queens beaten by 4 Aces. It was at the Hustler Casino in Gardena, California.

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That had to hurt! Well, good luck the rest of your trip Steve. We look forward to hearing how the 2017 WSOP treats you.

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Great to talk, as always. I will take a screen shot of the Bracelet once I win it and send you the pick!

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Steve P snapped a few pictures this week while he was playing. These are his actual shots from his seat.

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Do you play poker? Have you ever played in the WSOP? I look forward to your feed back and let me know if you are in Vegas for the 2017 World Series of Poker! Cheers!

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