"Fisherman's Challenge 2018, taking place from 1-10 March At the Olympic Casino Poker Club in Vilnius, we interviewed Dominykas "Mikensonas" Mikolaitis, who is currently the winner of the largest ever cash prize in a poker tournament in Lithuania and the record holder.
Let's start with the fact that you are one of the best and most successful MTT players in Lithuania and the winner of the record-breaking Fisherman's Challenge - you won €16,500 for first place. Are you going to take part in the upcoming Fisherman's Challenge, where your record will surely be improved?
Dominykas Mikolaitis: Thank you, no I won't. I'm in Mexico at the moment, so no matter how much I'd like to, it's not going to work out. Just before you wrote, I was talking to my friends and I said that there is a very solid series coming up in Lithuania, €30,000 for first place in the ME (main event) and €750 highroller. We thought it was a pity to miss the live series in Lithuania. That kind of money can be a game changer for a non-professional gambler
What did the record-breaking Fisherman's Challenge victory and €16,500 mean to you at the time?
Dominykas Mikolaitis: At that time, I don't know, maybe prestige, but that's probably too strong a word. I don't know really, it was a fun live phase, a lot of series that year ended happily.
Do you remember any key hands or other highlights from that tournament? Could you tell us?
Dominykas Mikolaitis: In fact, I don't remember the handi at all. Perhaps I should have asked this question earlier. But I remember that I had a lot of fun with Povilas (ed. addition: Jakutis) in Heads up, I was really impressed with his game, he put me in a lot of spots, I had to turn my head. I also remember one of my students betting with a friend on the double table or tri-table that I would win 1:3 on kof, where such a certain victory didn't smell so good. It's a good thing I wasn't disappointed 
How do you feel about this year's changes? (€100,000 main event with a possible €30,000 for the winner. Also that there will be starting days in Riga, Tallinn and online? What do you think about raising the highroller to as much as €750?)
Dominykas Mikolaitis: It's really good, as I said, it's a pity it won't be played. I hope someone I know will play. The changes themselves are only for the better. The high guarantee, I think, will definitely make all Lithuanian poker enthusiasts play at least one starting day. And starting days in Riga, Tallinn, online is a very good start to building a branded poker series in Lithuania. A lot of people in Lithuania are probably waiting for the level of live poker to be raised. With the Baltic States on board, next year it will be possible to invite the whole of Europe to play. As for highroller, that's great, I think, as ME is quite cheap, it's the only way to attract more foreigners.
What practical advice can you give to the readers of this interview, especially those who are mainly playing online or with friends who are going to participate in the Main Event?
Dominykas Mikolaitis: Take your time. It is very important to consider everything, your opponent's movements, sizings, ranks. Come to your decision after you have thoroughly analysed what your opponent is rehearsing, what he has in his range, what he thinks about you. Sometimes all the little things can add up to incredible hero calls or folds.
You travel extensively abroad for live mtt series. What ideas and suggestions do you have for future poker festivals in Lithuania.
Dominykas Mikolaitis: It's really cool that you're adding PKO (editor's note: knockout format) rounds, I think they're a good way to liven up a poker series. Also the Progressive ko would be great, although I haven't looked at the schedule yet (ed. note: the schedule is here: https://pokeriomokykla.com/zvejo-issukis-pagrindine-informacija). I think we should have hypers, turbos, and have slightly more expensive tournaments in the 200-1100 euro range. With the food you can come up with something for the ME and HR participants, it's always nice to not have to think where to eat during the break. Also, I think it's important in a series that the timing of the tournaments is coordinated. It's really disgusting when you start one tournament at 8-10pm and have to play the next at 8am.
Miroslav Siniavski interviewed Dominika. Part 2 of the interview with Dominykas - next week.
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