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.
Jesse Lonis is poised to be the 2024 Global Poker Index POY as he cruises into December with a game plan to maintain his point lead for the coveted international title.
The 2x bracelet winner ran hot at the WSOP series, finishing fifth in the $50K Eight-Max for $496,000, second in the $50K NLH for $1,358,633, before cashing for $507,714 for fourth place at the $100K EPT Barcelona event in September.
He took over the POY point lead when he captured November’s Triton $50K Seven-Max event for $1,502,000 and went deep in three other Triton events for a hefty $2,354,000 total at the Monte Carlo series.
Where are you headed in December?
I'm going to do the WSOP Bahamas. But first, I'm going to Florida after Thanksgiving for WPT Seminole Hard Rock. I'll play the main event there, and then I'll go to The Bahamas after that.
What events are you playing?
I'm going to play the full schedule in The Bahamas. I don't plan on playing the Triton million-dollar invitational event; I’ll let you know if that changes. I plan on playing the $25K Super Main Event, the $100K, and then five or so side events.
What about the WPT World Championship?
It depends. It might clash with the WSOP Paradise main event. But I will fly to Vegas after that and play whatever events I can.
What do you make of the WPT's $5 million freeroll?
It's amazing. For a lot of first-timers, they will be getting into that event for free and have a shot to win a million dollars. For some people, this event could be their first live tournament. The fact that they can freeroll in this event is very cool. If I had that opportunity at the beginning of my career, I would have been all over it. I would not have blinked twice.
Sad end to 2023 WPT World Championship
Where did you play last December?
I did The Bahamas. Then, at the last minute, I made it to Vegas for the last flight to the WPT World Championship, which was kind of sad.
Why so?
Well, I wish I'd had more of an opportunity to play each flight available to other players. I didn't make it to Day 2 in the last flight.
What do you think about these huge events clashing?
I wish they did the scheduling better and completely avoided each other. But it's competition between brands, so I get it.
Poker is alive and doing well right now. Whatever they're doing, I guess, is good. It would be better if they were two weeks apart so people could play one, rest up, and play the other. I think the numbers would be better for both of them if they did it that way.
You’ve had a career-defining year. Is there any one thing that you could attribute to your fantastic year so far?
It's like any sport. I feel like the more reps you put in, the more comfortable you get playing every day, especially at higher levels. By approaching the game this way, you will perform better.
I think I've just come into my own when it comes to playing the higher buy-ins. I'm playing the same game I did when I played lower buy-ins. But the bottom line is I feel more comfortable now at the higher stakes. That definitely helps. I’ve learned to play my game and trust myself and my instincts. The results have been great. I’m pleased with my progress this year.
You seem very grounded in what you post on social media, away from the tables. You are having a blast with your two daughters and wife. It’s fun to see that.
I am very blessed with my family and how poker has been going this year. I do my best to be very grateful. Not everyone gets the opportunities that have come my way. It’s a very cool thing.
You can follow Jesse on X and Instagram.
