EspañolLoco Activist
Xiomara Tellez Aguilar
Country: Colombia
Before the Game? Before playing a poker tournament she prepares herself in a psychological way, developing the winner inside of her before going to face her opponents.
After the Game? After playing a poker tournament she usually discusses with people and players about the game, different hands and in general how to improve their game tactics. She feels very happy and proud for what she has accomplished so far with each one of the events she has played.
About
Xiomara is a Texas Holdem player at national level in Colombia where she participates in tournaments at clubs. She plays poker online at PokerLoco while also being the manager for Hidra Poker Club, which she has had a lot of success with. She is expecting her club and status as a player to grow even more and possibly also starting up more poker projects.
Diego Escobedo
Country: Argentina
Before the Game? I basically sleep and rest all I can so next day at the event be giving 100% of me.
After the Game? Have a few drinks with my friends and if the poker event is paying for the drinks it’s even better for all of us.
About
Diego has since 2005 mainly been working with and promoting his online poker companies in Argentina and South America. Since the summer of 2008 he has been working with PokerLoco and thus giving PokerLoco good exposure. He is looking forward to having his own marketing company as well as being able to visit Las Vegas every year to play in the WSOP.
Freddy Torres Gomez
Country: Colombia
Before the Game? Before playing poker I try to get sleep and rest a lot, trying not to exceed myself with game schedules so I feel relaxed on big event days.
After the Game? After playing poker I try to rest, spend time with my family, go to the gym and watch some TV or read an interesting article about poker.
About
Freddy has always worked very hard for his goals and to achieve a great life without necessities. He wants to be able to help his family, friends and all those on the streets with big needs and poor families all over his country. He spends almost 100% of his time playing poker and thinks of it as a respectable profession which is why he spends all his time trying to improve his strategies.
Asimov
Country: Colombia
Before the Game? Normally before playing I try to answer myself some basic questions such as; how long I am going to play today? Am I totally concentrated or I am too tired now? I also review some ideas and changes on my game strategy that I am thinking of implementing according to articles I have read in the past days and try and fix errors that I have found in my previous analysis.
After the Game? While playing I am also taking note of all interesting good hands and those hands where I had my doubts in regards to what was the best decision. Once finished my session I review them again carefully and in most cases I do simulate all probabilities and get to a conclusion that helps me to act with similar situations in the future.
About
One of Asimov's main objectives is to change people’s mind in regards to poker and acceptation of the game as an ability game and not a gamble. His project is to spread the word about the real concept of poker on the Colombia’s biggest poker forum where he is a moderator, his personal blog and by writing articles for a very well known website.
Bibiana Durango
Country: Colombia
Before the Game? She used to take care of the normal tasks as a housewife but it’s not really something she enjoys. She likes to play poker and that is what she wants to spend her full time doing.
After the Game? Playing poker has given Bibiana more time to spend with her family, something she appreciates very much. Her family was at first a bit surprised with her choice to play poker but has so far been supporting. She also appreciates the support she has gotten from PokerLoco.
About
Bibiana was studying Industrial Engineering back in 2006 and went on to find a job that could meet both personal and economic demands. At the same time she was playing poker as a hobby. In the end of 2007 she ended her employment to start searching for another job with a better pay, something she instead found in poker. In March 2008 she began her life as a full time poker player and has since then been able to earn a lot more than she would have done in her previous career.
Pedro Pablo Miron Pozo
Country: Spain
Before the Game? Before playing a session, either online or live, I try to be relaxed and prepared to concentrate my mind. I try to think positive thoughts, telling myself to keep my calm.
After the Game? After the game I spend a few minutes to think about the hands that I have played, if I should have acted differently in any situation. Then I forget poker until it is time to play again.
About
Pedro started playing with $50 when he practically didn’t know the rules of poker. He started to study it and asking people who knew more about the game, little by little he started growing his bank roll. He is looking forward to in the future raising a happy family and to win the WSOP…at least twice!!
Nikos Palamaris
Country: Greece
Before the Game? Eating pizza, walking the dog, exercising.
After the Game? Drinking beers with friends, sleeping, reading poker books.
About
Nikos is a patient and tight poker player who would like to travel the world as well as see Panathinaikos FC win the UEFA Champions League. He holds a university degree in Mechanical Engineering and considers his greatest achievement being to have quit his day time job to play poker full time. He has also watched the whole Season 2 of Lost (TV series) during 3 days.
William Riccio
Country: Spain
Before the Game? Exercise & eat
After the Game? Rest & hang out
About
William is currently spending all his time playing poker and intends to keep on playing poker for the time being. He is very happy about being able to become a winning high stakes player as well as have surrounded himself with great friends. He has previously studied law and Finance before pursuing a career as full time poker player. Below you will find a nice bad beat story from William AKA “HERO” For $22 000!!!
-I call pre with a shitty hand because a fish is in the pot, I hit top two on a drawy board vs someone who can have almost anything, so I re raise. And when he re raise me, I'm a little worried...but I have no choice but to shove and I am so good at poker I hit a 2 outer river for $22 000!!!
Texas Hold'em $50-$100 NL (real money),
Table Concord, 16 Sep 2008 6:02 PM ET
Seat 1: 7 off 9 ($10,832.00 in chips)
Seat 3: vlasto ($13,214.00 in chips)
Seat 6: HERO [ 10C,KC ] ($10,547.00 in chips)
Seat 8: Jetmir71 ($11,644.00 in chips)
Seat 9: Hoppas ($11,194.00 in chips)
ANTES/BLINDS
vlasto posts blind ($50), HERO posts blind ($100).
PRE-FLOP
Jetmir71 folds, Hoppas bets $300, 7 off 9 folds, vlasto calls $250, HERO calls $200.
FLOP [board cards KH,10H,6S ]
vlasto checks, HERO checks, Hoppas bets $600, vlasto folds HERO bets $1,750, Hoppas bets $2,900, HERO bets $8,497 and is all-in, Hoppas bets $7,394 and is all-in.
TURN [board cards KH,10H,6S,4C ]
RIVER [board cards KH,10H,6S,4C,KS ]
SHOWDOWN
Hoppas shows [ 10S,10D ]
HERO shows [ 10C,KC ]
HERO wins $21,391, Hoppas wins $647
Pot: $22,041
Fernando Hernandez Lluch
Country: Spain
Before the Game? Put on some music to create atmosphere, review all the poker communities and blogs, then I open the statistical programs, review all the data, and once I have 5 or 6 tables open I concentrate on the game.
After the Game? Read up on interesting news and review my latest poker sessions to find errors in my game. Spend time with my partner, friends, cook and read a good book.
About
Fernando’s biggest hobby is Theatre. He has previously studied Drama & Art and he loves everything related to that area. By playing Poker he has found a sport that he loves and that he can make money from, something that he currently is enjoying to the fullest. The future? Pending to be written...
Activist_Lasse
Country: Sweden
Before the Game? Eating breakfast and reading the news
After the Game? Spending time with my girlfriend
About
Activist_Lasse is a tight but yet aggressive poker player who is mainly playing Texas Holdem No Limit, middle stake cash games. His goal in life is to visit as many countries possible. His greatest achievement being to have quit his day time job to play poker full time.
Chris Kiefert A.K.A doofus1986
Country: England (UK)
Self image:
The ATM
Goals in life:
Never have to get up before 11am.
Win a major world title.
Make a living through my hobbies, I hate real work!
Before the game?
Watch a game of pro’s, read mathematics of poker, play a short cheap game . Now your brain will be in the poker frame of mind…phh yeah right , but maybe bring your buyin?
After the game?
Hopefully buying the drinks and think about mistakes later.
If the above doesn’t apply then review marginal hands, buy cheaper drinks and have a good moan about all the suckouts!
Greatest achievements:
Few small MTT wins, top 20 in WCOOP event.
Hit over 50 Straight flushes, they’re easy;).
Poker chip tricks.
Grade 8 piano. Can play all “The Pianist” tunes.
Read a couple of non-poker books, believe me this is an achievement.
Interesting facts:
Quit Aerospace Engineering at university because a lot of maths can get very very very boring!
Plays piano, drums, guitar and football (the one with correctly shaped ball!).
Hate reading non-poker books, films have been invented for a reason.
Moans a lot when badbeats occur.
Bad Beats:
Quads over quads a few times, the most memorable was when one of the opponents seriously indicated that I should have folded my hand lol.
A few one outers, runner runner straights/flushes on many occasions.
Michel Rojo Jimenez
Country: Spain
Before the Game? Before starting to play, I spend some time relaxing and planning the session. I think about how many hours I am going to play, how many tables, get information about my opponents, etc. I also revise my game strategy, so that the session is as profitable as possible.
After the Game? I spend some time checking up best hands of the day and drawing up a balance. Afterwards, I hang out with my friends, watch movies, listen to music… any fun activity that can make me disconnect.
About
Michael began playing poker in 2005 when he won $20 at a freeroll. With patience and hard work he was able to grow his bankroll while advancing towards his current level at NL400-NL1000. He is currently finishing his University degree while working hard on keeping good results at the tables. Hopefully he will soon be able to become a professional poker player and win an important poker tournament.
Mauricio Iacozzilli
Country: Brazil
Before the Game? I try to relax and forget about other concerns so that I can focus 100% on the game.
After the Game?I review my sessions to look for occasional mistakes and try to discuss “close” situations with my brother and my friends.
About
Started playing poker just for fun with my college friends, then I realized that it was possible to make some money, which motivated me to study and go deeper in the subject. Nowadays, you can find me at the Sit & Go tables of Poker Loco, which are my specialty. I will continue to upgrade my game, to achieve more and better results at poker.
Steve Prichard
Country: UK
Before the Game? Reading, watching DVDs
After the Game?I review my sessions to look for occasional mistakes and try to discuss “close” situations with my brother and my friends.
Self image: Call Station
Goals in life: Be as good as Jamie Gold
Activist_Phil
Last name : LATOUR
First name : PHIL
Nickname : FILOUZOF
Date of Birth : 1967
Nationality : French
Phil lives in the South West of France with his family, a place he likes for its sunshine , its cuisine and its wines .He signed with PokerLoco in September 2008 and of course his good results were quickly noticed, particularly in short handed tournaments, he thus has become a member of the Team since January 2009.
This year , Phil is taking a shot for the live circuit ..
His friend "Tanuki33" who's also been his first coach would like to share a comment:
"Whether which wine you should choose when having dinner with friends around a fine meal or whether who should determine the first hands in an MTT game for instance , Phil "a.k.a filousof" Latour is always at his best and at ease around a table to answer these.
I've been playing with him for three years now live and on the internet too and I am always amazed at how he can manage the highs and lows so well of this kind of poker games . I even happen to see him play online sometimes here and there at a final game or during a qualifier . He has that utmost skill that allows him to play and get in action at the right time when so many others would waste theirs fooling around uselessly , he will not mind being patient enough even if the odds are against him to collect his thoughts on one go and win over them.
He is also one of those fond of trash talking, I wouldn't go as far as comparing him to Tony G who unlike him doesn't know what fair play means ; still he can easily upset you and I am terribly satisfied when he uses his verbal skills at tables during games where I am not , if so I put my headphones on and try to think about something else ...
His game level and skill especially at Hold'em has increased alike his position in the Loco team; his solid theoretic skill have helped him strengthen his player ability and his status as a privileged instructor for the French players of the site . I thus wish to see him show his talents and skills at playing both nationally and internationally .
Durand Kévin
Country: France
Before the Game? Make a good meal don’t touch alcohol to be in better conditions to make a good tournament
After the Game? Depends of the weather chilling on the beach can be extra be with his friends or girlfriend is nice too
Self Image: Tight Aggressive player
Goals in Life: Continue to play online and live poker make all the EPT WPT WSOP tournaments then make big Final tables and obvious big cash
Interestings Facts: I have always be a Self-taught before playing poker have been 3 during 3 years day trader
Greatest achievements: Won 2 major online tournaments (Big deal and pstars 2nd chance). 1st online tournament French player in 2007 (Pocket 5)
Christophe Froppier
Country: France
Self Image: Tight, Aggressive player
Goals in Life: To win the WSOP bracelet.
Interesting Facts: Just finished his fifth book of poker, and has read them all.
Greatest achievements: Won a package to EPT Deauville online at Poker Loco.
Pietro Iacozzilli
Country: Brazil
Goals in life? Travel the world and, if it is possible, play poker
Before the game? Establish goals to achieve, like how many hours and tables I will play.
After the game? Analyze the toughest hands and read poker forums.
Interesting facts: I’ve recently graduated in psychology. My favorite hobbies are: playing soccer, go out with friends and family, travel and watch good movies. I’ve started playing poker for fun with friends. After researching the web about the game, I found out that the hobby could be profitable. After hard study with my brother, what was only a nice hobby became into a serious (and still nice) profession.
Luis Fernandez
Country: Argentina
Goals in life? Bastante simples. Tranquilidad y felicidad, una buena familia, buenos amigos y por supuesto, siempre seguir progresando en todo los proyectos que enfrento.
Before the game? Establish Ningún ritual en particular. Aunque sin duda y de acuerdo a mi experiencia, para obtener buenos resultados en el poker, hay que estar tranquilo, sereno, concentrado y siempre seguir el juego que a uno le queda más cómodo.
After the game? Largos análisis, sobre todo de las manos perdidas Las preguntas de siempre, ¿donde estuvo el error, estuvieron bien manejadas las situaciones, fue mala suerte o no analice de manera correcta la mano?
Interesting facts: El poker es sin duda un juego de habilidad, superioridad estratégica y psicológica, la suerte puede ayudar, siempre es buena, pero a la larga los buenos jugadores obtienen mejores resultados que aquellos que se entregan a la fortuna. Al igual que cualquier deporte, requiere entrenamiento, estudio, consistencia y mucha practica. No comparto la vieja frase “si al poker quieres ganar, no te canses de pasar”, al menos en el Texas Holdem NL no te dará muy buenos resultados, aprende con que manos arriesgar y con cuales no. Después que hayas jugado un tiempo, analiza que quieres hacer con el poker, ¿quieres jugar solo por diversión o quieres hacer del poker un estilo de vida?, esa pregunta deberia definir tu juego. Saludos y disfruten de pokerloco, la sala mas familiar de la red.
Sébastien Béral
Country: France
About: I mainly play no limit Texas Holdem , mid stakes cash games, most of the time heads up.
Self image: I’m such a nit. I don’t understand why they never believe me.
Goals in life: Play some EPT tournaments and keep grinding heads up cash games.
Before the game? I try to relax by listening my favorite brutal/metal/hardcore bands (what? I said I try.)
After the game? I try to relax by filling my bathtub at most then by plunging my head as long as possible under the water.
Greatest achievements: I divided by zero and created a black hole. (In Alaska, but who cares?).
Matti Höglund
Country: Finland
Interesting facts: I had big gambling problem before I started play online poker.
Self image: Little bit lunatic and huge steamer
Goals in life: Biggest goal is to become so good player that I can retire before I’m 30yers old.
Before the game? Drinking coffee and reading some blogs. Also visiting highstakesdb to see how much superstars from Finland have won.
After the game? Talking about some hands with my friends, watching movies and reading book.
Greatest achievements: Every tournament I have won in online. Its not about the money. I just love to win
Abel
Country: ESPAÑA
Interesting facts: Lo cierto es que nunca hice demasiado caso de las “reglas” a seguir a la hora de construir un bank aceptable, por lo que lo he arruinado varias veces. En los últimos meses y con una estricta gestión parece que todo mejora.....
Goals in life: Poder lograr un nivel de ingresos suficiente para ofrecer a mi familia una vida mucho más cómoda. Un proyecto a corto plazo, es el jugar de forma regular poker en vivo.
Before the game? Dirijo un taller metalúrgico familiar, por lo que muchas veces me veo jugando online a la vez que trabajo en la oficina. Esto me impide jugar normalmente al 100%....aunque de momento no me quejo.... ;)
After the game? Procuro despejar mi mente y olvidar un poco el poker hasta la siguiente sesión.
Luis Curado
Country: Portugal
Before the Game? Be relaxed and in a good mood and eat something light.
After the Game? Usually the moment i stop playing i try to forget completely Poker. Best way to deal with the normal swings of the bankrool and maintain a healphy mental state.If i have something to review or analize i usually only do that the next day. After playing be it day or night if i can and weather allows i love to go fishing.
About: Started playing online in 2000 with play money and then i won a $50 freeroll. With those $50 i was very lucky at the beggining and by the time i took a downswing i already had the bankroll to stand threw it. Have been playing since then and still have a lot of fun playing poker.
Olov Forsling
Country: Sweden
Self image: Tricky tight maniac
Goals in life: Have fun and do something with my ideas
Before the game? Coffee is the best
After the game? Why not a beer?
Greatest achievements: Quit my 8-17 work
Interesting facts: I like: all kind of sports, the sun, training, beer and funny unpredictable strange people I don?t like: to lose, the cold swedish winter, hand1010, I have: a lot of crazy ideas, a twin brother (that never played poker online), curly hair, and?
Thomas Dalsgaard Jørgensen
Country: Denmark
Self image: Tight/Aggressive
Goals in life: Improve my poker skills, strategies, and hopefully with time become a pro. Besides poker, I’m studying economy and playing élite soccer.
Before the game? Before I start a session, I try to feel relaxed by reading some poker related news or debate forum. If I’m going to play a bigger tournament I will often warm up by playing some SNG’s.
After the game? I will always review my latest poker session, and see what I could have done differently. Meanwhile I’m playing I take notes of each player on the table, which have given me an edge against them, when I have played them later. After I have studied my play through the day I will most often do my other hobbies: soccer and go to the gym.
Greatest achievements: Hopefully I will make a big win in one of the bigger tournaments this year, even though I primarily play cash games. I can feel that I’m improving my cash game skills for every day, and hopefully this development will result in that I can play even higher limits and one day compete against the best cash game players. The greatest achievement must be that I have read all Doyle Brunson’s Super System.
Interesting facts: I’m studying economy and playing soccer, besides that I try to play as much poker as possible, and learn by the best players, by watching their play and read a lot of articles about poker. Besides playing at the internet I often spend some time at my local casino, where I primarily play the cash games.
Kimmo Siponen
Country: Finland
Self image: Tight and analytical
Goals in life: To provide for my family and keep my spirit uplifted.
Before the game: Coffee or Yerba Mate
After the game: Long run in the forest, sauna with my wife.
About:
Showing great interest to the games of chance at young age, Kimmo used to offer odds and casino games to his friends and cash out their coins and candies. After high school he studied economics for a while, but ended up to the Department of Mathematics, Oulu University studying probability and statistics.
Pursuing his dream of making a living out of the games he loves, Kimmo studied sports trading and poker with passion leaving the school books aside. Now eventually on the verge of graduation, he is thrilled to see what future has to offer him on the field of gaming.
Yuji_JP
Country: Japan
Interesting facts: I hope to challenge European poker tournaments in the near future. Of course I intend to travel with my wife.
Self image: Super tight
Goals in life: To spend a quiet retirement.
Before the game? Japanese green tea is the best for concentration.
After the game? I try to forget about poker games.
Greatest achievements:I got 5th place on Asian Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) in Seoul 2008.
Guillaume MARECHAL
Country: FRANCE
Interesting facts
I have a mathematic licence, i like sports and cats.
J’ai une licence de mathematique, j’aime le sport et les chats.
my blog : www.madeinlr.com
Self image:
Chameleon
Cameleon.
Goals in life:
Win an international event and meet an Alien .
Gagner un tournoi international et rencontrer un extra terrestre.
Before the game?
Cooking and focus on my poker day, talking strategy with my poker friends and Read the news.
Je cuisine et me concentre sur ma session a venir, je discute stratégie avec mes amis et lis les nouvelles.
After the game?
Spending time with my girlfriend, reading Stefen king s books or visiting my friends.
Je passe du temps avec ma copine, je lis des livres de Stefen king ou je vois mes amis.
Greatest achievements:
Earn my living with poker
Gagner ma vie avec le poker.
