Not all sports are physical, at least that’s what professional poker players believe. And while many are still on the fence about this particular idea, those who play poker professionally view it as a sport because of what it demands from players. A combination of strategy, skill, and practice is required to not just win, but also to excel, and of course, rake in the big winnings.
Just recently, a Filipino dominated the U Series Of Poker: Poker2u Taiwan Series, besting 1,048 players in the Main Event last 19 February. Edwin “Hit D Heat” de la Cruz brought home the prize money worth NTD2,725,000 or roughly P5 million.
De la Cruz, who has been playing poker professionally for only two years attributes his victory to constant training, and the masterful mentoring of Dave “Dave Spade” Erquiaga who runs Action PH under Masters Poker Club.
Late bloomer
“He (De la Cruz) was a late bloomer to the world of Poker. He only learned it through free online games during the pandemic. Eventually, through his own perseverance — even when he lost his Internet connection at one point — he found a way to just continue playing and practicing, and eventually, that led him to us and to the world of professional poker,” Erquiaga recalls.
For his part, De la Cruz is grateful for the guidance of his mentors.
De la Cruz ascribes his determination to his growing desire to help his family and improve their quality of life. He believes that professional poker is his ticket to a better future.
“I feel overwhelmingly happy. It feels great to know that all my training and studying poker paid off as I competed in Taiwan,” he said.
De la Cruz ascribes his determination to his growing desire to help his family and improve their quality of life. He believes that professional poker is his ticket to a better future.
The same is true for many professional players who have turned to poker as a source of income, which is also one aspect that Erquiaga wants more people to understand about poker. “It’s not gambling; poker can be a source of livelihood for those who want to compete professionally,” he states.
Those who are playing poker professionally agree: Poker is more complex than a mere mathematical understanding of the probabilities. It also requires a certain level of social psychology in order to discern or “read” other players’ decisions before they make them.
The game has evolved so far that it has been broken down into a science and plenty of free learning materials are available online to study and master the craft. Although optimal strategies are available, visual and mental cues still come into play — this part can only be learned through experience.
These are some of the reasons why clubs such as Masters Poker are strong advocate for the sport and is spearheading its growth by offering free tournaments in their club every Saturday.
“We have to provide the community access to the sport by giving them a chance to try it and sharpen their skills for free and breaking down the barriers to entry. That’s the only way the sport will grow.
We want to pave the way for the future champions who will eventually compete internationally and become professional players like Edwin and Dave” says Gio Palacios, head of marketing for Masters Poker.
Mentally challenging
In many ways, playing poker is as mentally challenging as other intellectual sports like chess.
De la Cruz thinks there is great potential in professional poker for those who are seeking an alternative way to combine their mental agility with money making.
Palacios believes that Filipinos are more than capable of dominating the world stage of poker: “Edwin’s win is a victory for us, too, at Masters Poker. He has certainly made the game aspirational for other players. We are very proud of his victory and for proving that Filipinos are ready to conquer the world of poker internationally.”
Those who wish to learn more about professional poker training may reach out to Erquiaga and his group through the Action PH Poker Academy on Facebook.
For more updates and information follow @masterspokerclub on Instagram and like Masters Poker Club on Facebook.