The Mechanics of Poker Podcast E61 - Justin Saliba, With This Trick You'll Eat Your Opponents Alive
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Dec 11, 2025 Justin Saliba, a high-stakes MTT poker player noted for his remarkable performances at Triton and WSOP, joins to share his mental strategies for success. He introduces his concept of 'war mode,' a mindset that sharpens focus during critical moments. Justin discusses the importance of recovery, structured routines, and balancing technical skill with mental performance. He reflects on his journey from soccer to poker, navigating challenges, and learning from failures, all while underscoring the value of belief and small wins in achieving long-term success.
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Use War Mode For Peak Focus
- Use a 'war mode' trick to make every big decision feel life-or-death so you play your absolute best in pressure spots.
- Train a 10-second visualization (deep breath, body 'glow', open eyes) to flip back into this focused state instantly.
Triton Jet-Lag Blunder
- Jet lag and poor prep at his first Triton left him exhausted and he blundered a streamed hand he wouldn't have misplayed at full focus.
- The mistake convinced him that mindset and preparation—not just technical skill—decide big live moments.
Performance Complements Technical Skill
- Technical study builds foundations but peak performance is a separate skill that wins or loses big live edges.
- Fatigue exposes natural tendencies, so training your C-game is crucial to sustain results during long events.