Swimming with Sharks

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I’m feeling a current of anxiety, interwoven with a premonitory dread. I try to tell myself this is just another of the few dozen live tournaments I’ve…
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I’m at the Wynn early for a $1100 single day tournament. I get solid hands and play strong poker, doubling my stack by the fourth level without ever…
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The WSOP is a big deal, but still dwarfed by the crowds in town for the Canelo/Plant fight, The Rolling Stones concert, and a smattering of conventions…
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With a few days off before day 2 of the Main Event, I head to the Wynn to play a $1100 tournament. This is the second starting flight of the event. The…
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Today is the first of six starting flights of the WSOP Main Event, the largest, most prestigious event in the poker world. For a $10k buy-in, anyone can…
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I sleep seven hours straight through the night — I can’t remember the last time that happened. I don’t need to be anywhere at a set time today, the rare…
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I'm exhausted, but wide awake. When I fall asleep, it’s not for long. I don't dare to look at the clock. At some point, I notice that the sun is shining…
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I already miss the company of my wife, the laughter of my children, the comfort of home. I watch myself step back into my old routine, but my mind is…
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Today is the $1500 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout, an event I’ve been looking forward to because of the unique format. In normal tournaments, as players get…
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I'm back for day 2 of the $1k Double Stack, one of the 1,068 players that remain from both starting flights. I have the second most chips at my starting…
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My eyelids are heavy, my shoulders low as I flop into my seat for the $1k Double Stack. I may have taken advantage of one too many free drinks at the…
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I’m standing outside the Rio Convention center, enjoying the crisp morning air. I have a half hour before the $2500 Freezout starts. I call my wife, and…
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© 2022 Ade Olonoh
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