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Woo here to talk some poker with all of you. Well at least poker players. I thought I'd switch things up a bit and take my interviews to the down under. I had the chance to sit down with a few of the PokerStars.com Team Australia starting with Emad Tahtouh. Read my interview with this pro and see how he got to where he is today. You can play against this Australian on most days at PokerStars.com using the screen name "Emad Tahtouh".
JENNY: How and when did you interest in poker start?
EMAD: I've been playing poker, in one shape or form, for as long as I can remember. I started playing seriously (educating myself, and keeping track of results) in 2003/04.
JENNY: You left your career as a Project Manager with an IT company (which I would assume wasn't all that exciting) to traveling and living the busy life of a poker pro. Do you ever see yourself going back to that slower paced lifestyle?
EMAD: I got my first job when I was 13, and had never been unemployed until I quit for poker. So it was a bit of a shock going from working 40-50 hours a week to not working at all, traveling the world and playing poker every day. At this stage, I don't think I could handle going back into the workforce, but I do miss it. At some point I would like to open a restaurant, so that should be interesting.
JENNY: What's the most extravagant thing you've bought with your cash finish earnings - if any?
EMAD: It's not my most expensive purchase, but it's definitely the most extravagant. A $20,000 Chopard white gold watch. My most treasured possession.
JENNY: What's been your most memorable moment in your poker career thus far?
EMAD: Personally, it would be coming 2nd in the EPT London. However watching Joe win the WSOP will probably go down as the most vivid/memorable event I have ever been part of.
JENNY: Have there been any regrets?
EMAD: Lots, but I don't dwell on them.
JENNY: Did you play at WSOP this year? If so, what events did you play in?
EMAD: 2009 was the first year since 2005 where I hadn't attended the WSOP. I had prior commitments which prevented me from going, which was very disappointing as 2008 was the first year I cashed in the Main Event and I was really looking forward to going back and trying to beat my previous result.
JENNY: How often do you play online at PokerStars.com
EMAD: Pretty much every day. Even if there aren't many tournaments on for the day, I'll usually log on and play a couple of Turbo tournaments or some Sit and Go's.
JENNY: Are you a big cash game player or are you more of a tournament player?
EMAD: I used to play both. I started as a cash game player then began focusing on tournaments. I rarely play cash these days, occasionally I'll play at Crown Casino, however I mainly just play tournaments online and live.
JENNY: What would you say is your style of play both online and live?
EMAD: Aggressive in both.
JENNY: What's next for you?
EMAD: It's pretty quiet for me till the end of the year, which is great because I need a little rest. The APPT Sydney is my next live tournament in November/December, then the Aussie Millions in January, after which the mayhem begins and my live schedule is pretty packed. Until Sydney, I'll be taking it easy, just playing online.
JENNY: What key advice can you give someone who's just getting their start in poker?
EMAD: Learn as much as you can away from the table and make sure you stick within your limits at the table.
Jenny Woo, Gambling911.com Senior International Correspondent
