As 2025 turns into 2026, we’re talking to some of the biggest names in the poker world, and reflecting on the year’s most interesting stories and events.
Justin Saliba, a professional player with over $10 million in live tournament earnings, is a two-time WSOP bracelet winner and sought-after coach for players of all levels.
Justin Saliba had one of the best years of his career in 2025, with deep runs in numerous events, culminating in an emotional win a the PokerGO Tour’s Poker Masters Event #9 in September.
Following the PGT trophy presentation, Saliba shared what this year’s poker journey has meant to him. “The game can be lonely at times, so having people that are by your side through the wins and the losses, it keeps you motivated, it keeps you hungry."
What’s the best thing that happened to you in poker in 2025?
I would have to say it was winning the Poker Masters $15K for $300,000.
And the worst?
I ran bad four-handed in a big Triton $25K event in Jeju. I think I got two or three outed all-in on the turn for probably $500,000+.
Did you fulfill your New Year’s resolutions?
I don’t create any resolutions. Every day I view as a day to improve, so no need to restart things around the New Year.
What’s your wish for poker in 2026?
My only wish is for live poker tournaments to stay healthy with big fields.
And if it’s not too greedy, that taxes on gambling winnings will go away and we see a second poker boom!
What is the #1 thing your students want to learn to improve their game?
The #1 thing that people come to me for is that they cash tournaments often, but they rarely run deep, final table, etc.
It’s easy to build a stack and get in the money, but there are some clear strategic changes needed that I think many students miss early on. The simple fact that the chips you stand to gain aren’t worth as much as the chips you stand to lose should change your ITM strategy to pass on small edges, and implement a tighter, more aggressive, perhaps even defensive, strategy.
The time for splashing around and accumulating the most chips is over. Once my students begin to do that, I think they find themselves running deep in tournaments more often.
Justin has created two strategy features for our Pro Tips segments. Check out Thriving in high-pressure spots and Dialing up your preflop aggression — you'll find both listed below.
For more information regarding coaching from Justin, check out PokerCoaching.com and PeakGTO. Follow Justin on X
