Blogus Pokeriomokykla.com website created by fellow countryman “euras79” triumphed in the WCOOP-31-M $109 buy-in tournament and won nearly a fifth of a million!
Tell us briefly about yourself.
I am Aurelijus, 26 years old, born and raised in Alytus. Since childhood, I had a penchant for strategic, computer, and board games. In the fourth grade, I started attending chess. I did quite well, but the influence of friends took its toll, and at 13, I swapped chess for cards. Later, online poker emerged, to which I dedicated my free time during studies, and it has become my main activity to this day. In my free time, I usually engage in sports (basketball, wakeboarding, running, football, tennis, gym).
How did you discover poker?
Poker came about typically, in a circle of friends when we organized a tournament. But probably the first encounter with poker was playing “Governor of Poker” on the computer.
Why do you like playing poker?
I like poker because you can outplay opponents with your decisions and be rewarded with a cash prize. In this field, I believe I can fully realize myself.
How long did it take for you to become a winning player?
Initially, I wasn't a consistently winning player on my own, but I also put in practically zero effort. During my studies, I got a life-changing opportunity from my childhood friend “bebaimis777”. He offered a “stake/coach” agreement. Lessons from one of the world's best players bore fruit from the very first days. Thank you, Matas 🙂
Where and how did you learn to play poker?
After accumulating my first “bankroll”, I decided to start playing on my own. It was tough, both financially and psychologically. At one point, I really wanted to quit everything. But I invested in private poker lessons, video packages. I have worked with such Lithuanian poker masters as “pelėdažmogis”, “merfinis”, “mikensonas”, “arbaarba”. Gradually, my game improved and results grew.
You won one of the WCOOP series tournaments, how did the game go?
The tournament went fantastically, I got AA about five times, four of which opponents paid off. Undoubtedly, I felt psychological pressure due to the money jumps. Because of that, I couldn't play my A game, but luckily everything turned out perfectly. At the final table, the most dangerous opponent lost a big coin flip against a recreational player. This allowed me to take the lead and pressure the remaining opponents.
How did you feel after winning?
I felt amazing, elated. I have never been in such euphoria in my life. All the hard work of almost five years was rewarded with a WCOOP victory!
You wrote a blog on Poker School, did it influence this victory or your improvement?
Writing the blog didn't directly influence the victory. However, it improved my ability to articulate my thoughts, which had been forgotten since school days, now it's even funny reading my own blog.
What do you plan to do with the winnings?
I haven't decided yet. I think it's a great opportunity to buy my own home.
Do you only play online?
I mostly play online, but in recent years I have gone on a few live poker trips. Unfortunately, poker didn't go well in either Las Vegas or Barcelona.
Was this your first major victory?
Yes, this is my first major victory, hopefully not the last.
What are your future goals related to poker?
The main goal is to establish myself in live poker. I want to learn all the nuances of this game and feel confident at the tables because until the victory in the “Sunday Million” tournament, it was one of the biggest downswings I had experienced.
Do you have any wishes for the members of the poker school?
I wish you don't lack the strength and desire to improve. In poker, it's very important not to overestimate your abilities, but at the same time to trust yourself. Work diligently and sincerely if you have chosen this path. Only then can you expect stable results.
