The upcoming World Poker Tour World Online Championships gives every player a chance to compete with the best from as little as one cent. One player who will be taking an active part in proceedings is the popular partypoker pro Isaac Haxton.
Haxton, whose record in both tournaments and cash games is envied by virtually everyone in the poker industry, can’t wait for the series to begin, with a wide range of events at stakes that suit anyone’s pocket.
We caught up with ‘Ike’ to discuss which events he’ll be playing and find out some tips for the less-experienced players as they take on Haxton and many other big names at the felt.
The WPT World Online Championships are back. What makes this series so popular with players?
I think players like the big guarantees and slower structures. They are also once again using real names at the tables, which give the events more of a live event feel. partypoker are known for giving chances for players of all levels to compete, and this series is no different. The WPT Main Event is the perfect example of this, with low buy-in satellites running every day.
There are ways to qualify for as little as a single cent. Do you think this will attract more recreational players, or is the satellite schedule something that benefits players of all levels?
Lower buy-in satellites mainly attract recreational players. Having those players involved in the Main Event creates a competitive field and it’s good for everyone.
Our first #WPTWOC Champion has been crowned, and the 2nd is yet to come this weekend on @partypoker!?@AlexOGray fills you in on all you need to know so far on the WPT World Online Championships! pic.twitter.com/24zi62Ekxs
— World Poker Tour (@WPT) August 25, 2021
You’ve already cashed in an iconic WSOP online event this summer with a deep run in the Millionaire Maker. What should players remember when playing big field online MTTs?
I like to play a little more cautiously early on, anticipating there will be some relatively low risk opportunities to pick up chips if I play patiently. I particularly do this with soft events.
Which events of the WPT WOC will you be playing?
I expect to play most of the $1k+ events. I’m particularly looking forward to the Main Event starting this Sunday, which comes with an excellent $5,000,000 guarantee.
What’s your set-up like for online poker?
I prefer to play on a desktop with plenty of monitor space. I’ve recently switched from two monitors to a single ultrawide.
Do you prefer live or online poker after all these years as a professional?
Both have their advantages, but if I had to choose only one, it would probably be online, mainly due to the better quality of life I enjoy while staying at home. I think many more people have realised the benefits of this particularly since the start of last year.
Has poker’s robust nature as an industry surprised you during the pandemic?
I wouldn’t say it has surprised me much. It’s a pretty great activity when you’re stuck at home, and I think the industry did the best it could to make the most of the opportunities presented by people being at home more. This was evident with all the big online series we saw last year, and even if a small number of those new players that started playing last year have been retained, that’s great for the game.
Who are your favorite players to swap/sweat with on the tour as friends?
I get on well with Jason Koon, Dan Dvoress, Justin Bonomo, and to be honest, there are too many others to list!
If you were a new player just downloading partypoker for the first time, what single piece of advice would you give?
Manage your money carefully and don’t gamble more than you can afford to lose.
The $5m guaranteed Main Event is obviously the jewel in the WPT WOC crown. How much would it mean to you to get your name on the Mike Sexton Champions Cup?
I tend not to think too much about that sort of thing, as I just like to focus on my game and not be distracted by things like trophies, but this would certainly be a fun one to win.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Isaac Haxton will be one of the players to watch in the forthcoming World Poker Tour World Online Championships. If you want to win a title yourself, maybe you’ll face the man himself at the partypoker online felt!
