11 March 2006

The only Englishman to finish in the top two of the World Series main event when he earned $1.1 million for second place in 2002. He was also the only player to finish in the money in that and the next two years.

Name: Julian Gardner

Age: 27

Profession (before turning pro): None. All I ever wanted to do was play poker. I won a tournament in Amsterdam when I’d just turned 18 and have carried on from there.

Earliest poker experience: Poker was always in the background when I was growing up. My earliest real experience was probably watching my father playing cash games in the casino when I was a teenager.

One tip for a beginner: Try to concentrate on the hand you’re playing, regardless of what’s happened before.

How do you cope with the financial swings? You need to be disciplined, especially during a bad run, and have absolute confidence in your own abilities.

Live or online? I love the speed and convenience of online poker, but nothing can top the buzz from winning a live tournament.

Is poker now a young man’s game? It always has been. It is only because of the internet and television that this has been realised.

What’s been your secret at the WSOP? Determination to win the ultimate prize. The first time I played, I got off to a great start, only to throw it away due to excitement. The next time, I knew only my best would be good enough and found the focus to play my A game throughout.

How does the European game compare with the American? Pound for pound, European players are better than Americans.

(Source : www.timesonline.co.uk)

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