Every tournament poker player knows the feeling. Dropping down to 15 big blinds, they will need to power their way back into contention in order to shoot for the top prize. One man who knows all about doing this is the 2021 World Series of Poker Player of the Year, Josh Arieh.
Having banked over $1.2 million in the 2022 WSOP already, Arieh took time out from the World Series felt to answer our devilish questions, the ’15 Bigs’ in an attempt to spin up his stack.
Does ‘Golfer Josh’ double or bust? Is he hitting the traps or finding the fairway? He’s all-in and at-risk…
You’re on a long-haul flight and can only choose one TV Show or Movie to watch on repeat, which is your pick?
The Office – the American version. It was what I saw first, so naturally, I like it better.
If you were stranded on a desert island with one book for company, what would it be?
I don’t read.
What’s the song you could listen to on repeat forever?
The Smiths – How Soon is Now?
What’s your favourite place to play poker and why?
The World Series of Poker. I want to compete against the world’s best – this is where that happens.
If you were to be shot at dawn, what would be your last meal and drink?
Nobu and an ice-cold bottle of Diet Coke.
Where’s your favourite non-poker holiday destination?
The Bahamas. I love the crystal-clear water.
You can play poker every day for a year or play no poker for a whole 12 months – which do you choose?
No poker for a year.
Who is the person you don’t have around anymore that you miss the most?
[My] Gramma.
Which person would you most like to meet but never have?
Tiger Woods.
When’s the last time life put you on tilt?
Two mornings ago when trying to get my car from ARIA valet and it took so long I just decided to walk to the World Series instead.
If you couldn’t play the WSOP Main Event next year, which family member would you put into the action in your place?
Oh my gosh. Can I buy out for $9,800? Every family member is drawing dead!
What’s your best poker skill?
I’m honest with myself. I know when I’m at my best and know when I’m completely dusting money off.
And your biggest leak?
I get into a funk that I just don’t give a **** sometimes.
If you could make one rule change to poker, what would it be?
I don’t want a rule change. I just want the rules to be evenly and fairly enforced! Phil Hellmuth (below) continues to be a little bitch and treats people the way he wants and continues to get away with it.
Ironically, Phil Hellmuth has met Tiger Woods pretty often. Do we sense a change of heart if Big Phil can hook up ‘Golfer Josh’ with his golf hero?
You have just ten seconds with the person of your dreams… what do you say?
If I only have 10 seconds with person of my dreams – my girlfriend – there won’t be much talking!
A man of few words he may be, but Arieh has proved he is the man of action at the World Series of Poker. By winning last year’s WSOP Player of the Year award and cashing for over $1.2 million in the 2022 WSOP, all eyes will be on him in the remaining events as he battles to retain his POY crown.
