World Poker Tour added Amsterdam outing to its roster of tournaments this year for the first time as part of a 4-years partnership with the Holland Casino. The European tournaments don’t see a prominent Indian attendance except a few pros playing some of the events. This year, Adda52 Team Spades pro Muskan Sethi is playing at the WPT Amsterdam starting May 9. Muskan, the only female poker pro from India has fetched some good figures in International tournaments in past one year including her 55th place finish in WSOP event and 10th place finish in WPT Aria Ladies Championship event. OnlinePokerNews (OPN) had a chat with Muskan about her preparations and plans to play the WPT events before she left for Amsterdam. Here are the excerpts of the chat:
Q1. Hi Muskan, You have already played in Vegas and other international locations. This will be the first time an Indian player and that too a female will be playing at WPT Amsterdam. Tell us about your preparation for this big tournament.
Muskan – Yes! This is the first time I’m playing WPT in Europe. Also, this is the first ever WPT being hosted in Amsterdam! Holland casino is one of my favourites; it’s got a different unique vibe to it. Absolutely love it! I’m super excited.
I’ve been training myself regularly ever since I turned Pro this Jan, 2015. I’ve watched a few sets of training videos n worked out a new game. Now, let’s play some poker this week!
Q2. You have played earlier too in WPT finishing 10th in the WPT 500 Ladies event. How has been your experience of playing in Europe?
Muskan – Yes, 2014 Las Vegas, WPT Aria. I was chip leading that tournament throughout until I had my aces cracked by the second biggest stack on the table and that costed me the title. I played my first ever LIVE tourney at the Victoria casino, London and came second. I played Pokerstars SharkCage Heat at Barcelona while EPT was happening so I tried my luck there too it was fun! A great start to a super busy season ahead. I have a good feeling for this one, fingers crossed 🙂
Q3. Now that you are a sponsored pro and the only female pro from India, how do you think association with the brand – adda52 changes things around you in India and internationally.
Muskan – Thanks to my association with adda52, I am getting to experience so much professionally. I live a life of an athlete. I only played poker internationally before but I got to play within India this year. I have an amazing team that supports me. The biggest changes are coming in me. My passion for the game is now being channelized in the best possible ways with a lot of guidance and discipline atlas! In short now, I do what I love and love what I do!
Q4. What all events will you be playing at WPT Amsterdam?
Muskan – I’m playing the main event €3300 buy in, Flight B (12thMay, Tuesday). I was registered for the Warm-up side event but was in the waiting list for too long so decided to rail the WPT high roller event for a bit. I’m playing the 550 Bounty on Sunday. Hopefully, I make the final table in the main event otherwise will obviously play rest of the side events (fingers crossed).
Q5. Tell us the secret of your energy and focus during such international tournaments which call for long travelling hours?
Muskan – Haha! No secrets! It’s really easy. Just seems difficult from an outsiders point of view.. Time is flying and life is too short to not follow your dreams and make excuses. Now, Good luck to me! Byeeee!
OPN India wishes best of luck to Muskan for the WPT tournament. Wish we get to see a title coming home.