There are people who dreamed of living the poker player life. but those who are living it will tell you it’s not the easiest road.
It takes discipline and determination.
Even those who are successful will tell you that you need to continue studying and learning. poker is evolving.
As we look for more players to interview. We found ourselves in a great conversation with one of the Philippines top online grinder……..
John Costiniano
Many people who are more active ln live events probably do not even know about john Costiniano. his live record may not be impressive and is currently number 49 at the GPI Philippines 2021.
But his best record was never on the live poker scene, it was in the online poker scene.
A well-respected online grinder whose record and earning will rival the top 10 live players of the Philippines. he has played more than a thousand tournaments and earn from it for a living. He is by definition one of the top online grinders in the Philippines.
But who is he? How did he start? what is he doing now?
Let us ask the man himself!
Day 1’s Happening now
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
The basic
How did you start playing poker?.
Just like everyone else where few of my friends already knew the game , tambay with home games playing 1/2php cash games for fun
How did the pandemic affect you?.
Actually almost nothing changed for me since nag lockdown..realizing that I have been on lockdown for most of my life since I dedicated my days to grinding the game.
Why do you love poker?.
I love the stress that it gives me, the mental challenge, the numbers, the amount of discipline that the game demands for u to overcome, grind after grind, and not to mention the freedom and independence that the game offers.
Who is your poker idol and why?.
Poker Idol? Marc Rivera why? I dont even know if this need elaboration lol. Poker PH GOAT. a man of discipline.
Now the world opening what is your future plan?.
No plans, grind grind grind. excited for how things will turn for live poker
Deeper
Advice to new poker players?.
Advice to new players? If u are not invested in the game, Do not start. You have to love everything about the game if u want to pursue it as a profession, because if not, burn outs will destroy u. You have to be willing to go through tough days if u want to get the best experiences that the game offers. also read books, i read books to understand myself better, stay curious, dont be afraid to ask questions to people who know better.
Was it easy for you to have this life?.
I can say yes, it was easy for me to play alot online because I love playing games since I was young. It was natural for me to be competitive and be wanting to excel on what I do, and when i started reaping small rewards(money) from the game, it got me going
Do you recommend players start small first?.
Yes, I do recommend that players start small first. Whatever amount of money that is not detrimental to your life if youll lose everything is what you should first play with. Do not dedicate your life to poker at once. Do not put money you can not spare. I actually started from being staked and getting .50usd as my share then grinding my way up LOL
What was the lowest point of your life and how did you manage to stand up?.
My lowest point?I had the worst of the worst man, Im just lucky enough to have a team that trusts and believe in me and my capabilities. I experienced talking to myself in tears telling that I can do this and get back out of the slump that im in. I remember there was a stretch in my life when my EGO got the best of me where it basically brought me back to zero and had to grind myself back to reality. Its all on you, for me it was all or nothing. I chose to learn from all the mistakes, to understand where things went wrong, tracing back how things started. Basically when I was at the bottom I was lost, I had to put things into place one by one,
Motivation?.
My motivation is my family, my fiance, Nizelle Sy, the people that surrounds me, I treat almost all my friends like my family, i help everyone around me in everyway I can. Thats my motivation. I want to help ease every bit of suffering for them
As we cut the interview shorter, We would definitely return to talk to John as he is one deep person.
We are excited to hear more from him soon and share his thought on poker and life.
Stay safe poker playas!
