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.
Jeremy Ausmus continues to smash personal and industry expectations with impressive wins and deep runs year after year. This past year has been no exception.
He’s currently the points leader for the year for the Poker Go Tour and is already looking forward to the PGT Championship and $1M freeroll at the beginning of 2025. But what about before then?
What do you think of the December clashes between WPT, EPT, and WSOP?
I don't like it. I mean, it's a first-world problem, you know. But it's much better when organizers get on the same page. Most everyone would like to play both of these events, the WSOP and the WPT. But you have to choose.
Last year, you could fly back and play the last ones at the Wynn. But this year, the WSOP made it a better incentive to stay there and play. You have to miss the WPT events totally. I don't like it at all.
That’s especially true since you live in Vegas?
Yes. When the WPT Wynn event launched a couple of years ago, I was super excited to have something big in December in Vegas. Nothing had replaced the Bellagio Five Diamond series.
The WPT is an amazing brand. The Wynn is an amazing place to play. They do a great job. I was pretty stoked to be in Vegas for December, with all the family and Christmas stuff happening. So anyway, I'm not a big fan of it.
What is your schedule in December?
I’m going to the WSOP Bahamas. It just comes down to my bottom line. I had expected the WPT to roll out more high rollers as the years went on and more mixed games and build a series. Then WSOP kind of cut in quickly and stole the high-roller market.
Personally, I think it makes a lot more sense to go to the Bahamas and play the WSOP. I play PLO, too. There are $10K, $50K, and $100K PLO events.
What did you think of the WPT’s $5M freeroll passport promotion?
I think it's amazing. I'm not surprised. The WPT does a very good job. I've just always been a big fan of their brand.
Over the years, I’ve played a lot of WPT events. That's always something I wanted to win – a WPT. I just haven't done it yet.
You’ve had an amazing year, especially at the PGT events. The PokerGo studios seem to have been your home court with multiple wins and deep cashes.
I'm so fortunate that PokerGo started this up a few years back because I live in Vegas. Now, I play tournaments full-time, whereas I used to play more cash. I would have to travel a lot if that didn't pop up. They do an unreal job of everything over there. I'm a huge fan.
What do you love about PokerGo the most?
They give back to the players a lot. The rake is very reasonable. Then there is the million-dollar free roll you qualify for and much more.
I play all the games. They have a mixed series and a PLO series. Each one is a little leaderboard thing with extra money. It's a lot of fun.
We talked to Daniel Negreanu the other day. He wants to give you a run for your money for the PGT POY trophy.
[Laughs] He doesn't have much time. I mean, he's got a chance. But there are about ten more tournaments, and nothing in The Bahamas counts. Last year, it did.
But it’s possible he could win it. That's the thing. It's great to have these leaderboards. It’s a win-win for everyone.
What advice do you have for the younger players vying to build a bankroll to play in all these high-roller events?
There are a few parts to it. Bankroll management is huge. You think your downswings aren’t going to be that big, but actually they can be really brutal. That's something I've learned over the few years of playing tournaments full-time.
I think the best players in the game have a good, solid base. That's big. I know, being a gambler, there's a lot of leaks. As a professional poker player, you're in casinos all the time.
You used to see people come and go a lot. Now, people are a little wiser and sharper. If you have leaks and blow $20K or $50K at blackjack, start drinking and then go into the pit – you've gone from having a good year to blowing off $200K; that's a pretty big deal.
It’s a business. You’re the CEO.
Exactly. That’s the way I approach my career. You have to treat it like a business. Along with that, you have to take care of yourself and your health. All of those are keys to having longevity in the game.
From what I can gather over the years, you’ve had a slow and steady rise to get where you are now.
Thank you. I've been able to do this for 20 years now and have steadily moved up the ranks. I never went broke. I’ve never done anything too stupid. I made it work. It's not easy to do, especially long-term. There are not a lot of people who've done it. I still really enjoy it. The high roller scene has kind of exploded. We'll see how long it lasts.
Best of all, I love spending time with my daughters and family. I can't complain. Everything’s good.
