The world may have stood still, but there are poker players who have remained resilient no matter how hard life may have become.
Last year the whole world was turn upside down as governments of different countries tried to control the spread of the virus by having quarantine measures. Live poker was greatly affected.
What do you do when you can no longer play Live poker? One player shifted online and has been doing a great job.
He recently joined 6 events of the USOP and cashed in 4 of those events. Although the trophy has remained elusive. Juan Paolo Dela Pena is doing a great job. But who is he and how did he start playing poker? We asked the man himself on his incredible journey.
Juan Paolo Dela Pena
You have been doing great lately, do you have any people you look up to in poker?
I have a lot of names to mention with this question. Of course Marc Rivera, Lester Edoc, Mike Takayama was always the top 3 in live poker. In online, I have also few names to mention like Jon Costiniano, Kim Enriquez, Dave Spade, Jason Ambata, Alvir Inocentes, Emman Segismundo, Vamer Magsakay,
I see these players are consistent winners online. Well, but for me, my poker idol overall would be John Tech both live and online. Aside from asking him plays about hands he would answer it immediately, regardless if it’s online or live, I could still recall there was a time I shipped a big tournament online because I folded a hand he told me to do so.
The one that impresses me was the time he gave an explanation to the hand I asked him, to the point he breakdowns the hand from exhibit A to exhibit D. Hahaha.
Telling me that there are 4 options to play that hand against a specific player, at that specific hand and position. I remember watching him at his back while playing big tournaments back then and from time to time asks him why that hand should be played that way, a lot of instances! His words marked on me when he told me before that if you’re going to play a tournament,
it’s either you win it or you bust it and nothing in between! So yes, if you’d ask me who is my poker idol, it is no other than Jojo Tech. Even up to this date, I still ask for his coaching and help whenever I’m dazed and confused hahahaha
How was your life during the pandemic?
Even before the pandemic, well nothing much has changed because aside from playing poker, I handle our family business. But when the lockdown happened last year, and all card rooms have temporarily closed. I focused on playing online full time. Playing 7 days a week with no days off! I have no choice since I am still afraid to play live because of the virus and also there are no tournaments yet to be played live. I won’t be able to play live for a long period of time now because I will become a father to a baby girl this April! My biggest blessing in life.
How do you hear about Upoker and the U Series of Poker and how do you like it so far?
From Kuya Estong, every time he posts events from Upoker, I join as much as possible even I play at 3 different apps. I like Upoker because of its great structure, especially events like these happening this week. It is a true value for money structure. And I hope they still continue to do so!
U series of Poker
Organize by Upoker biggest union
Universal Grand
PH partner – Grand Union PH
Email info@useriespoker.com
WhatsApp
(+60) 17-763 3050
(+60) 11-2718 6062
How do you hear about Upoker and the U Series of Poker and how do you like it so far?
From Kuya Estong, every time he posts events from Upoker, I join as much as possible even I play at 3 different apps. I like Upoker because of its great structure, especially events like these happening this week. It is a true value for money structure. And I hope they still continue to do so!
Any message to aspiring poker players?
If you want to excel in poker, you have to dedicate your hours playing. No overnight success as they say. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or help other players. Sometimes we are afraid to ask others because we think we know it all or we think we are good enough. Avoid making the same mistakes twice because it becomes a habit. And last would be FOCUS, regardless if you’re playing micro stakes, mid-stakes, high stakes, always stay focused and your presence of mind. A lot of regular or recreational poker players tend to play online and not taking it seriously. Playing online is much more difficult than playing live. Always stay focused and avoid doing something else while playing.
U series of Poker
Organize by Upoker biggest union
Universal Grand
PH partner – Grand Union PH
Email info@useriespoker.com
WhatsApp
(+60) 17-763 3050
(+60) 11-2718 6062
Are you and agent or only a player?
NO. I’m just a player. I’m just lucky enough to have a good friend and agent like kuya Estong in Upoker.
Anything you want to add?
Shoutout to all my poker friends! Keep grinding and pushing! More power to PokerCast Asia and U Poker! I highly suggest you should play on these events guys! value for money and great structure! Good luck and Stay Safe Everyone!
Stay safe poker playas!
