Road to the 2009 World Series of Poker with Paul Wasicka

May 11, 2:01 AMLA Poker Tournament ExaminerAlex Gonzales

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Ready for the 2009 World Series of Poker battle!

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It seems like yesterday since a relatively unknown player by the name of Paul Wasicka stared down Jamie Gold for the $12,000,000 first prize at the 2006 World Series of Poker. Now three years later that once unknown name has gotten the poker world's attention. After his big 2nd place finish at the 2006 WSOP, Paul went on to a strong LA Poker Classic by finishing 4th in the WPT televised final table and quickly increased his poker resume by taking down the always entertaining National Heads-Up Poker Championship three days later.

Not satisfied with his success, the always hard playing Paul Wasicka is back for another strong World Series of Poker where he hopes to bring his gutsy play to the Rio and fight his way to win his first bracelet. And he'll be going for that bracelet in style as Paul has just inked a deal with Shodown Couture Clothing. This stylish brand of apparel appeals to the poker stud in you, and it's no doubt that Paul Wasicka has been a stud at the tables so far as he looks to get ready for this year's World Series.

I had a chance to catch up with Paul Wasicka as he prepares for a busy summer at the felt...

Alex Gonzales: You had a huge year in 2006 and a pretty good 2007 to follow it up, but in 2008 your cashes were pretty seldom on the circuit. What have you attributed to the lack of success on the tournament trail and what has it taught you for the 2009 season that’s been working so far for you?

Paul Wasicka: That's a great question. In 2008 I spent very little time at the tables and wasn't really sure what my future in poker would be. I definitely go through phases where I'm excited to play and where I want to be as far away from poker as possible. Right now I'm playing well and setting myself up for success as much as possible. I'd say that's the big thing that's changed - I'm preparing myself as best I can.

Alex Gonzales: So you recently played in the WPT Championship at the Bellagio and I saw you were at a tough opening table with some big name pros like, Scott Montgomery, Brandon Cantu, Jennifer Harman, and others. How does a tough table draw like that affect your play, or do you think it sharpens your focus when you begin a big tournament?

Paul Wasicka: When you enter a tournament like the WPT Championship, you know ahead of time that it will be one of the toughest (if not the toughest) fields of the year. Knowing that, you can't allow yourself to get psyched out by the other successful players at the table. I just try to play my game and quickly figure out what the other players' intentions are as quickly as possible.

Alex Gonzales: I know you’re hard on yourself and the way you play, so how would you sum up your WPT championship compared to years past? Were there any hands you that you played that you wish you could have played better?

Paul Wasicka: You're right, I'm usually very critical of how I play, and this tournament was no exception. I felt like I may have called a few too many raises mid way through day 3, which ended up being a big siphon. However, I do feel that I ran pretty cold for the better part of the day.

Alex Gonzales: With the World Series of Poker a month away, what events are you most looking forward to?

Paul Wasicka: I always like playing the 6max events, as well as the Heads Up event (although I missed it last year). Obviously the Main Event is really exciting as well, but that goes without saying.

Alex Gonzales: Will you take a crack at that $40,000 buy-in extravaganza?

Paul Wasicka:  No, I'm not playing the $40,000 event because I don't like that much variance and the field is going to be extremely strong.

Alex Gonzales: With the low turnout expected for most events this year, do you think it gives an edge to the poker pros at the tables? Will a pro finally take down the Main Event?

Paul Wasicka: I think the fields will be a lot smaller and tougher, although I think that may end up helping the pros quite a bit. We may see a lot more "names" take down these things, but who knows. I think this year will be the most likely year for a pro to win the Main Event in the next few years.

Alex Gonzales: The World Series is known for being the cream of the crop tournament-wise. What are your goals you want to accomplish for the 2009 events? What will satisfy Wasicka-Nation out there? Your first bracelet? Another Main Event final table?

Paul Wasicka: If I were to make the Main Event Final table this year I wouldn't complain, lol. Before that happens though, I'll be looking for my first bracelet for sure.

Alex Gonzales: Lastly, my roommate Stephanie begged me to tell you that you’re hot. She probably wants to know what a lot of other poker groupies out there want to know. Are you single and ready to mingle?

Paul Wasicka: Tell your roommate I'm flattered, but I have a long term girlfriend and things are getting serious.<wink>

Thank you to Paul Wasicka for his participation in this article.

For more information on Paul, visit his official website at Kwickfish.com.

Also, check out Shodown Couture Clothing for some cool high-end poker apparel that Paul will be exclusively sporting at the tables from now on.