Annie RKH 7 Feb 2015

RankingHero Asked the Pros: Why Do You Play Poker?

Yes, as pros, they obviously play to make a living. But even to professional players, there's #MoreThanMoney involved. Here is how @Sofia Lovgren @Leonor Margets-Perez @Mickey Petersen and @Marc-Andre Ladouceur answered @Pedro Canali's question: Why do you play poker. Try and guess which star gave each answer before clicking to read the full interviews :)

The only reason I started to play poker was to make money. That was at first - I was working full-time, I had my own business at the time. I met someone who was playing full-time online and when I saw the potential money that could be made I wanted to see if I could do it. And there was the freedom that it gives you. So money and freedom was the first reason.
Afterwards, as I started to battle online and then live tournaments came the sense of competition, the battle against some of the top of the world, both online and live. I guess that feeling of competition and accomplishment has actually taken over the money aspect. [full interview]

Some years ago, when I started playing professionally, my hobby became my profession. And so, I play poker because I love it as a hobby but it’s also how I make my living. ..I play for money, but tournaments are what I enjoy playing most - because of the competition. I’ve tried cash games but I need the thrill of the competition. It's always great to have both :)[full interview]

I’ve always been very fond of playing games and I was playing a lot of Magic at the time. And then I saw poker on TV and I just had no idea what was going on. I didn’t even know the hand rankings or anything like that, but I was fascinated. So I watched more and sort of started picking up on it and from there I just got really interested in poker. At that point it was just a thing I enjoyed doing with friends, and then eventually I found out it was something that I could actually make a living doing. I still think it’s really fun to play and it has enabled me to have the kind of lifestyle that’s perfect for me. So, that’s why I still play poker,I guess. [full interview]