When it comes to the world of poker, it is fair to say that New York’s Nick Schulman is no stranger to tasting a bit of success.
The player made his name as the new kid on the block with a string of major wins across the early part of the 21st century and, although he has continued to play since then, a notable recent success has put his name firmly back in the spotlight once more.
Major success
At the end of June, Schulman was named champion of the 2019 World Series of Poker event known as the $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha – Hi-Lo 8 or Better 8-Handed Championship. The victory marked his first bracelet in seven years and also meant he took home winnings of $463,670. The top three was completed by another US player, Brian Hastings, who secured $286,570 of prize money and Australia’s Joe Hachem, who won $201,041.
A particularly interesting aspect of Schulman’s win is that it has come at a time when he has built up a reputation as more of a poker analyst and commentator than an actual regular player. Could it be that the insights he has acquired from that role have gone on to influence his style of play?
It is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility. After all, it is likely that his experience of sitting in the commentator’s chair has given him a great opportunity to examine and consider a range of ways to play. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for people to use a perspective developed elsewhere to become a success in poker.
A different perspective
For example, online poker is now widely available across the globe and has in some ways become a great place for many players to start out. Some have even gone to become a major success, with Chris Moneymaker perhaps being an obvious example. Now a member of the Poker Hall of Fame, he won a seat at the WSOP Main Event in 2003 after qualifying online and went on to win the entire competition.
In addition, sportspeople including the likes of Boris Becker and Jose Canseco have brought their competitive edge to the poker table in the past, while names from the entertainment world like Jennifer Tilly and Victoria Coren Mitchell have also embraced the game with outstanding results.
It could also be argued that it works the other way too, with a major poker player like Vanessa Selbst taking her expertise developed from her success in the game into a role at an investment management firm.
Alternative routes to success
All of this perhaps highlights that while regularly playing poker can undoubtedly be helpful as you search for success, it may not actually be the only factor that could ultimately impact on your chances.
Whether it is taking a step back to observe the game from a different angle or bringing an approach learned in online poker or another field entirely, there may be an alternative route which could lead you to success.
