In the Lithuanian poker scene, the name “PokerFishas” is well-known. However, not everyone knows his story. That's why we interviewed this well-known social media personality not only about his own activities but also about Lithuanian poker itself.
– Where did “PokerFishas” come from? What is the origin story? Why this particular name?
– Pokerfishas is a poker enthusiast who, while learning to play this fantastic game, decided to share his experiences with other poker lovers. Since he wasn't very good at playing, and in poker terminology, “fish” refers to a not-so-great player, the name Pokerfishas suited him perfectly. Initially, Pokerfishas was a blog with many different thoughts, but as time passed and the internet changed, it became much more interesting for everyone to follow social networks rather than detailed blog posts.
– How did the development of “PokerFishas” go? What stages did you go through to reach the current state of poker in Lithuania?
– I think that the current state of poker in Lithuania is quite mature. All the true poker player audiences have formed: professionals who earn from poker, amateurs and leisure players whose priority is just to have a good time, wealthy spenders, beginners who find everything very interesting, and dreamers who saw a few interesting hands online and think they'll soon become millionaires. That's why tournaments like “Fisherman's Challenge” are particularly interesting because you can meet players from all these categories.
– What is the most interesting story “PokerFishas” would tell during his lifetime?“?
– There could be many, but probably the most memorable was a poker trip that lasted about a month, traveling through America and Europe, playing poker in every city visited. This included Milwaukee, Chicago, Atlantic City, Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona, and many other cities. Everything was interesting, starting from the different people at the table, their stories, and the opportunity to travel while playing your favorite game. By the way, the tradition of playing poker in a new city has remained until now.
– “PokerFishas” free tournaments are more for beginner players. Why focus only on them and not look more broadly?
– I have noticed that my tournament in the Betsafe poker room is played not only by beginners but also by many leisure players who just come to have a good time on a Monday evening, so I wouldn't agree that they are only for beginners. We have had several tournaments where the prize pool reached about 1000 euros or when we gave away tickets to other, bigger tournaments.
In fact, there are thoughts of organizing a Pokerfishas league in the fall, where we could play a certain number of tournaments and select a ranking leader who would receive some special prize. However, we are still thinking about how it could look. In any case, if we organize a league, there will definitely be not only free tournaments.
– According to “PokerFishas”, are there more or fewer “fish” in Lithuania? How would you rate the level of poker in Lithuania?
–Lithuanian poker players are extremely good in the global context. I think the main reason is that abroad, people come to play poker because they just want to have a good time, while in Lithuania and other neighboring countries, people come to win. Therefore, there are many more intense emotions, victory shouts, and disappointments when losing. This situation is good because once you learn to play well in Lithuania, you can look very decent in international tournaments.
– Are there any thoughts of “PokerFish” becoming “PokerShark”? Or maybe there should be a “PokerShark” and both poker characters should collaborate? What are the nearest plans? Just continue what has been started, or something more?
– Good suggestion regarding PokerShark, I will wait for it to appear and we can face off at the poker table. The nearest plans are to continue having a good time at the poker table both online and live, to organize a tournament in my name on Mondays at “Betsafe”, to offer the PokerFish league and to continue recording interesting hands and talking about them on my Facebook page. I hope it will be interesting
