Felipe Diaz is itching to get back on the felt, as it's been far too long. Thanks to taking down a satellite offered on ClubWPT, he won't have to wait too much longer.
The World Poker Tour's current stop is at the Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. From May 5-8, the $3,800 Main Event will send a six-person final table to Las Vegas at the end of the month.
Diaz hopes to be in Vegas, but for now, his sights are on Choctaw and the Grand Theater where the Main Event will take place. He took some time during his lunch break at one of his jobs as a butcher back home to talk about his upcoming poker adventure.
From just outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Diaz remembers fondly when live poker was close enough for frequent sessions. "There's a really nice casino here, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, but their poker room's been closed since the pandemic," said Diaz. "I want to get back to a live tournament setting. They used to host the MSPT and the WSOP Circuit, and have weekly tournaments; it was the best room in the area. I can't go 3-4 hours to find a card room every day."
Some of us take for granted having a card room, or several card rooms, close by to play whenever we want. That lack of access has kept Diaz off the live felt for a while. The package he won from ClubWPT was just what he needed to make his long-awaited return.
"This is the biggest live tournament I've ever played," said Diaz. "I haven't played that much lately, but I've been playing on ClubWPT to get some reps in. I am doing a lot of reading and studying, watching a lot of stuff to try and feel more comfortable this week."
"I'm really excited to see what it's going to be like...and get back on the felt again in person. I can't wait.
Felipe Diaz on playing the WPT Choctaw Main Event
Diaz is excited about the challenge ahead. Part of the fun of heading somewhere completely new to play poker is learning the nuances of the local players.
"I've never played in that part of the country, I'm interested to learn how people there play. Regionally, everyone plays a little differently. I'm really excited to see what it's gonna be like; how the field is, the atmosphere, and get back on the felt again in person. I can't wait." His excitement is palpable.
"I'm really thankful for this opportunity," expressed Diaz. There's been a gap in our ability to play live poker. People should really take advantage of these opportunities, you never know how it will turn out and what it can do for you." There's clear hope of a deep run in Diaz's eyes.
Diaz is a walking testament to the opportunities available to ClubWPT qualifiers. Unable to play live, missing big tournament action, and unable to travel consistently, ClubWPT brought poker to Diaz and others in his area. Now, thanks to his satellite win on the platform, they're bringing him back to the live felt.
If you want the opportunity to play WPT Main Events via satellite packages like Diaz, head over to ClubWPT.com to get in on the action. You may be next up in the quest for the Mike Sexton Cup.
We're rooting for you, Felipe. Best of luck back in the action. Enjoy every moment, and we hope to see you in Vegas.
Photos courtesy of WPT
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