The Mechanics of Poker Podcast

In episode 52 of the podcast, Casimir Seire shares his incredible journey from aspiring footballer to professional poker player. He opens up about the mental resilience gained from his time in the military, the thrill of tournament play, and how he balances ambition, preparation, and emotional control in poker. We dive into the challenges of variance, the importance of structure in poker and life, and how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of high-stakes games. Casimir also discusses risk management, avoiding burnout, and the key traits necessary for long-term success in poker. If you're looking for practical strategies, mindset shifts, and inspiration to improve your poker game (and life), this episode is for you!

Armin "AbsoluteTopUp" Amini, a renowned American high-stakes cash-game player, shares his inspiring journey from gaming to the poker table. He discusses the intense mental challenges faced in high-stakes tournaments and the importance of resilience. Armin dives into evolving strategies, balancing exploitative play with solver-based tactics, and the critical need for emotional stability in poker. Listeners will learn about effective bankroll management, mastering nerves, and the vital role of self-reflection in enhancing gameplay.

In episode 50 of the MOPP we are chatting with one of the biggest winners in online poker, high-stakes PLO cash-game player Grazvydas Kontautas. Grazvydas shares his journey from starting poker young to becoming a pro, discussing mindset, game selection, and self-criticism in his growth. He explores the balance between poker and personal life, risk management, and insights from game theory. The conversation covers transitioning from No Limit Hold'em to PLO, common mistakes, strategy creation, and the role of coaching. Grazvydas highlights the importance of feedback, community, and unorthodox strategies for maximizing EV. He reflects on poker’s future, lifestyle factors, and the lessons learned, offering advice for aspiring players on finding balance and success in the game.

In episode 49 of the MOPP, we invited recently crowned cash-game champion Owen "PR0DIGY" on to make his second appearance on the channel. Owen shares what he has been up to since we last spoke reflects on his recent cash-game world championship win over at coinpoker. We will chat about the thrill of competition, mental challenges, and the balance between technical skill and psychological resilience. He shares insights on adapting to opponents, game plans, and balancing instinct with strategy. The conversation delves into player dynamics, overcoming personal weaknesses, thriving under pressure, and navigating perfectionism. Owen also offers advice for aspiring players, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making, learning, and maintaining top-level performance.

In episode 48 of the MOPP, we dive deep into the poker journey of Belgium high-stakes MTT player, Pieter Aerts, a seasoned pro with 16+ years of experience. From starting out on his dad's account as a teenager to mastering the transition between different poker formats, Pieter shares how he overcame early struggles, dealt with tough competition, and climbed the ranks to success. We explore critical topics like bankroll management, overcoming downswings, leveraging GTO tools, and balancing poker with life, relationships, and long-term goals. Pieter also reveals mental frameworks, lessons from rock-bottom moments, and strategies that helped him stay ahead in a rapidly evolving game. This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice to help you navigate your own journey. Enjoy, like & subscribe!

Felix 'GWValuetown' Maierhofer is a 26-year-old Austrian poker prodigy celebrated for his unique mindset and study techniques. In this engaging discussion, he reveals the power of reflection and discipline in overcoming challenges. Felix emphasizes the significance of balancing academic commitments with poker aspirations, while sharing personal stories of resilience. He stresses the importance of intentional choices in both life and poker, focusing on a healthy lifestyle and community support as keys to success. Listeners will gain valuable insights into mastering both strategy and mindset.

Marc Goone, a high-stakes live poker player and coach, shares his journey from being a musician to conquering the poker world. He discusses key mindset shifts necessary for success, emphasizing adaptability and overcoming fear in gameplay. Goone dives into the biggest mistakes live players make and how to navigate the differences between live and online formats. He also reflects on his coaching experiences, highlighting the psychological aspects of poker and the importance of perseverance in both the game and personal growth.

Yolan Cohen, a world record holder in memory and high-stakes poker player, shares his unique journey from mastering memory techniques to excelling in poker. He discusses effective learning strategies and the psychological aspects of decision-making in high-stakes situations. Yolan emphasizes the importance of resilience, balancing passion with well-being, and learning from mistakes. He also explores his experiences in Asian poker scenes and the significance of self-reflection in personal growth and strategy development.

In episode 44 of the Mechanics of Poker podcast we have a chat with high-stakes cash-game player Samu Alto, a veteran who has thrived at the tables for over 15 years. Samu shares insights into the evolution of poker strategies, the impact of solvers, and the skills and habits that have fueled his longevity in a highly competitive field. We discuss his early career, the challenges of adapting to new metas, and the delicate balance between theory and exploitative play. Samu also opens up about his journey through highs and lows, the lessons learned from setbacks, and the routines that keep him sharp and motivated.

In episode 43 of the Mechanics of Poker podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Mario, who started playing poker at the young age of 13. Mario shares his unique strategies for bankroll management, how he handled the pressures of high-stakes poker, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his first big win and the shocking realizations about his game. We also discuss the personal side of Mario’s life—why he decided to leave professional football, the challenges of separating his identity from his former career, and his views on long-term success in poker and beyond. We cover the role of networking in poker, the darker side of being a high-performer, and his approach to creating a more sustainable and enjoyable poker journey. Finally, Mario reveals his thoughts on transitioning into the business world, the lessons learned from working with solvers, and how his poker skills have translated into new ventures.