EPT Dortmund: an Everest Poker player finished SECOND and win 380 000 euros!!!

Cristiano Blanco, you played a big tournament fort he first time and drew a lot of attention with your second place. How do you feel?

I experienced an incredible joy. I started off with the idea that I would be living a pleasant experience and was prepared to accept any result and instead, it was like a dream come true that lasted 4 days. I have always been very aware of my abilities but I can’t deny that I feared the impact of the EPT, but instead, once I was seated at the table I felt very much at ease and this unexpected peace of mind stayed with me until the very end of the game.

Were you expecting to get so far?

I dreamt it. I knew I would find more experienced players than me but I was also aware of my abilities. More than the final rating, my main goal was to test the way I played with the PROs and with an event of such relevance. Well, I think I passed the test.

How did you qualified?

I qualified with an online satellite worth 109 $ on Everest Poker. It was an EPT choice, I had chosen Deauville which later was canceled so I switched to Dortmund.

Tell us something about your life and what is your job?

I am a sports reporter. I work for a TV channel called T9 on a program called “Goal di Notte [Night Goal/Score]” and for a radio called “TeleRadioStereo”. When I am not working, besides playing poker, I love practicing all sorts of sports, and going out with my friends. I really enjoy the company of other people.

Why and how did you start playing poker?

I was intrigued by a friend of mine, Raffaele , who often told me of his online wins amounting to a few hundred euros with this game, something I knew nothing about… So, about three years ago I called him, I registered on a site and, while he explained the rules of the game to me I started playing at a cash table at micro levels. From his house he observed while I played and on the phone told me how I should behave. The image of that moment is in my mind and I don’t think I will ever forget it. He has already received a portion of my winnings.

For how long have you being playing in EVP?

If I’m not mistaken for nearly a year, but I could be wrong… maybe more…

After your success, can you imagine to change jobs and become a professional poker player?

I would like to become a PRO. I know coming in second is not enough to go professional. I don’t know if I will make it, I only know I will try and I will do it seriously.

You won 380.000 euros, what do you want to do with the money?

I haven’t decided yet. I know I want to give my parents a 5 star vacation and, since they were thinking about getting a new car, I will make this part of the package. They don’t really need financial help from me to get a new car, but it is something I want to do that means a lot to me. They have taken care of me in the best possible way for many years and this is my way of saying thank you.

As a football journalist you are dealing with success and bad results every day, you know the ups and downs in sports, which meaning has the second place for you?

In the sports world I learned one thing especially. Whoever challenges me is an opponent not an enemy. What’s important is to do your best while respecting your opponent. There is no shame in making second position in general. Never. In particular, in my case, second place is a great success for me given that this is my first experience at these levels. For me it is important to always aim for victory but if it does not happen, It wouldn’t be a problem if I was sure I did my best.

Which hands in the tournament were the most important on the way to the final table?

There were 15 left in the game. I had a 500.000 stack with an average of 450.000. Two of us were playing and I closed with a flush at turn. I bet 150.000 and my opponent, who more or less had my same stack, goes for all-in. I think about it a lot because on the table there was a pair, therefore the possibility of a full [house o hand], but he had raised preflop and on the board there were only lower cards… I decide to call. He too has a flush. He has Js and I have Ks.
I beat him and become tournament chip leader.

Which of the opponents was the hardest to read?

Surely Johnny Loden was really unpredictable. He is the player that most impressed me.

Some comments about the organization of the event? How do you feel with the EVP Team?

I thought the organization was fantastic! And the Everest team was really nice to me; they made me feel at ease, before, during and after the tournament. Really great people.

Now we can say you are an expert, do you have advice to other EVP players and for new players in general?

I believe my greatest quality in playing is that I am very patient and I never freak out. So, all I can suggest, though I may not be fully qualified, is to always keep up your concentration even if you mess up a couple of hands. Keeping yourself calm is the best thing you can do in this game.

Always something about your private life, are you married, do you have kids?

I don’t know, I am not married and don’t have children. To be honest I don’t even have a girlfriend. I’m single.

How did your family and your friends react to the success?

Everybody raved. They organized a great party for me. I will always carry it in my heart.

Do we see yourself at the Grand Final in Monte Carlo?

I am very excited about taking part in the grand finale in Monte Carlo, but I don’t think I can. Strictly for technical reasons. When I deposited the check my bank manager told me it would take approximately 12 days to clear before I actually saw the money on my account. So the money will be there after Monte Carlo and without it I’m afraid I can’t afford the registration fee. I will try to qualify for the last satellite online… who knows, maybe I will make it.

Compliments! The Poker World and Everest Poker has find a new Poker Champion … and also Italian!!