The countdown to the 2024 World Series of Poker is on. Each day until the start of the series on May 28, we'll bring you tips and insider info from some of the biggest names in the game.
Ryan Riess is the 2013 WSOP Main Event champ and, in his own words, 'Girl Dad • MSU Spartan'. You can follow Ryan on X.
How should players handle the WSOP summer grind?
It’s really important to have balance, in my opinion. It’s easy to get burnt out if you just play poker 24/7 for weeks on end. So try to do fun stuff in between poker tournaments to give your mind a little rest and have some fun.
How do you prepare your mindset for some of the huge fields?
I've always been pretty good at navigating huge fields. It takes a different skill set to navigate a tournament like the milli maker compared to a high roller with a big buy-in and small field consisting of mostly good pros. I like to go in with a survival mindset as the tournament gets deep and do everything I can to survive and advance.
How has the game changed since your Main Event win?
The game has grown enormously since I won the main event 11 years ago. Everybody is a lot better now thanks to solvers and all of the good resources at our disposal to improve our game. It’s a lot more challenging but at the end of the day it’s the same two-card game. May the best man or woman win!
What is your most memorable moment from the win?
The moment when I won. It’s the very moment that all poker players dream of. It’s still kind of surreal looking back on it. The poker gods were definitely looking down on me on that day.
What are your goals in poker at this point in your career?
To continue to improve and get better. The game is constantly evolving, and I pride myself on being able to adjust and change with the times. Because if I’m not getting better, I’m getting worse.
I would obviously also love to win another bracelet. I have had a few seconds and numerous third and fourths. I’m knocking on the door!
Check out the full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you're going to target this summer. If you're looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out The Rec's guide to the WSOP. If you're looking for action with a bigger budget, follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.
Feature image courtesy of WPT.
