Top 20 Finalists: Niels van Gent (Nielis)

The Netherlands' Niels van Gent (Nielis) plays on Everest Poker alongside his brother, fellow Live the Dream qualifier Mysticus1. The 29-year-old Personal & Labor student from Groningen has won every big tournament he has played on Everest Poker — all except one.

"Every time I have played the $100,000 Guaranteed, I always get in the money. But then there is a big suckout and I’m gone. It gets frustrating." Niels' biggest live achievements include a fourth place finish at the SPT Valencia, qualifying for the WSOP Main Event twice, and winning several smaller tournaments in his native Holland.

"My passion for poker comes from the feelings to always want to be the best. Money comes second. My goal is still the same as when I began playing — to win a major live event and to be one of the best. And if you want to be the best, you have to play the best."

Since observing an increase in the popularity of Omaha throughout Europe, Niels has also been developing his skills with a steady schedule of online Omaha tournaments. "If you look at big television players, they play more online Omaha than Holdem right now."

"I like the action of Omaha, its an aggressive game, its a swing-related game. Harder to maintain steady bankroll when you play Omaha."

When he's not grinding away online at Everest Poker, Niels can be found spending quality time with his girlfriend, whom he lovingly points out is his biggest fan. He also is a prolific reader and makes sure he squeezes one book into his busy schedule every week.