Talking to Pokersharkpool we have none other than the 2002 World Series of Poker winner Robert Varkonyi from Canada. The top names in the world of professional poker talk to us. Robert Varkonyi can be found www.interpoker.com/rob these days and we got to find out a little bit more about him and just what makes him tick.
Could you tell us Robert how you first discovered poker and how old you were?
I watched my dad play with his friends when I was a kid. I started playing in college when I was 17.
Who if anyone was your inspiration in poker?
Nobody really. I always enjoyed playing games and got hooked on poker at MIT.
Your wife is a very good poker player is she not, is there any rivalry between you?
Not until we get heads up at a final table.
How did winning the world series in 2002 change your life?
I was about to go back to work after taking a sabbatical for a couple of years. I called them up and told them it wasn’t a good time for me to go back to work.
Had you ever played in the World Series before 2002?
In 2001 I played in the $3,000 no limit hold’em event.
How long did it take to sink in after it was all over….that you were a world champion?
40 days.
Can you remember much about the heads up confrontation with Julian Gardener?
Yes, I remember it was about 20 hands in about a half an hour. I had about $5.3 million and he had about $1.3 million at the start of heads up play. I remember thinking that I wanted to keep the pressure on him. The last hand was particularly memorable because the 10 of clubs gave him a flush but simultaneously gave me the winning full house.
What types of things make you angry or upset in poker?
Bad beats. Nobody should ever lose to a bad beat!
Who do you admire the most in poker as a player?
My wife, Olga.
Online poker is booming now, do you play much online?
My wife and I play mostly on InterPoker. Recently I won the InterPoker extreme poker championship known as the “Arctic Freezeout” which took place on the frozen sea near the Arctic Circle in Finland. On Interpoker, people get a bonus of $21 after only playing one hand and an additional $100 after playing the usual number of hands. They must deposit at least $21 to get the $21 bonus or $121 to qualify for $21 + $100.
What games do you play online?
Mostly no limit hold’em.
What is it about your personality that made you a good poker player?
I think what makes me a good poker player is the same thing that makes anyone a good player. It’s the ability to be disciplined at playing your cards and getting a good read on your opponents and the particular situation.
What are your weaknesses as a player?
I’m too friendly at the poker table.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of poker?
My main hobby outside poker now is teaching sports and games to my daughter, Victoria.
What does the future hold for Robert Varkonyi?
More Extreme Poker.
