Winter is coming. And that means big decisions for poker players around the world. Bracelets in The Bahamas? WPT’s World Championship in Vegas? Or snow with the EPT in Prague? In this daily series, we’ll find out what the players are up to and, more importantly, why.
Andrew 'Lucky Chewy' Lichtenberger is often called the Zen monk of poker, and for good reason. Andrew’s magical approach to life and poker has always been with a hyper-focused degree of introspection and self-awareness. A humble and calm presence at the table balances the intense fire with which he plays the game.
Where are you playing this December?
I'll stay in Vegas and play the WPT Wynn events.
What? No trip to the Bahamas for the WSOP Paradise events?
Nope. It’s just not of interest to me. I went through a lot recently. The idea of traveling is just not that exciting. I'll just stay home and be able to play from the comfort of my own home.
What events will you be playing at the Wynn?
I'm honestly not sure; it just really hasn't been a focus of mine. I think it’s a big shift I’ve experienced in the past couple of years. I got a taste of what running a business is like as a co-founder of Octopi Poker.
It opened my eyes to see where I can grow beyond poker. I look forward to having more fulfilling, enlightening, and enriching business experiences.
But I've felt less drawn to poker, or at least less drawn from a super high-level competitive standpoint. I will continue to compete. I still love the game. I’m just broadening my horizons. So, I’ll be less focused on poker competitively.
What do you think about the WPT’s $5 million freeroll?
It seems great. I don't think anyone's complaining about freerolls [laughs].
How do you balance the inner and personal transformation work you’ve dedicated time to with the ultra-competitiveness that poker requires to be one of the best?
I think that’s a fair question. I've been very competitive in the past. I still think I have that drive. But I do think it's become less and less over time.
I just don't have that desire any longer to be 'one of the best.' I had a large ascent in the game during the early days of my career playing online. I eventually found a way to materialize that success in live tournaments. Then I had a bit of a rut, and then I kind of came back.
I already know what that's like, and it just no longer interests me. I mean, the money's great. Winning high-stakes tournaments is wonderful and lucrative. But I want to do other things. I want to have different experiences and see what else is in the world for me.
It doesn’t seem you are as driven by the money as other players.
Everyone is motivated by money early in their careers because they want to establish themselves in the world and attain success and freedom.
I'm not unmotivated by lucrative financial opportunities but also unwilling to sacrifice my daily enjoyment for them.
Last thing. What does a typical day in the life of Andrew Lichtenberger look like?
I think it varies from day to day. I'm not super routine-oriented. I do have things that I will do with some regularity. But the last couple of months have turned things on its head.
I have been rock climbing with extreme regularity recently – almost every other day. I’m getting stronger, which is cool. I’m breaking through some barriers that have existed for a long time for me in that sport.
I have not been meditating particularly regularly. I've done it at times when it was important. But meditation hasn't been an immediate focus of mine over this recent stretch. I would like to get back to that.
I still do many yogic-related things, whether asana or deep breathing; daily, it's all more ad hoc.
You can follow Andrew Lichtenberger on X.
