Bryan Huang’s WSOP Assault

Bryan Huang

Now that we are well into the WSOP we thought it was time to check in with one of the best known players in Asia ­– Team PokerStars Pro Bryan Huang – to see how his WSOP campaign was going. Taking up poker at age 20, Huang is a regular at tournaments in Macau and around Asia-Pacific and was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ by Bluff Australasia in 2008. He won the Asia Player of the Year award in 2010 and at the time called it the greatest accomplishment of his poker career.

This begs the question of will we see the moment beaten in Las Vegas in the coming days? He’s had a little success there already and, despite his dislike for the appearance of a WSOP bracelet, we can only wish the Singaporean all the best in his pursuit of one.

Poker Portal Asia: You’ve recently played the Macau Poker Cup… How did that go?

Bryan Huang: It was pretty bad. I played every single event and crashed out in them. Some of them I went deep in and some not. I really wanted to score some APOY points to put myself into contention but it was a bad month and these months happen regularly so I just try not to let them get to me.

PPA: Are you still hoping for a big Asia Player of the Year push?

BH: Yes there are still a couple Macau Poker Cups, some monthly specials and the APPTs to go and those big events will carry plenty of points and money. So I definitely hope to run well and do well in those.

PPA: So you’re in Vegas right now… What’s the vibe like there, considering they’ve had record numbers of players show up for many events?

BH: It’s really interesting compared to the past. There are a lot more online players now because of Black Friday and I think as a result of this you have both the online kids and the seasoned live pros and tourists/fans showing up to produce record numbers. However, a lot of these talented online players I spoke to are in a dilemma now – they feel lost and most of them will only come to making a decision after the WSOP. In fact, the WSOP has become a make or break turning point for them. It is pretty sad to see all this talent wasted if they do choose to give up online poker.

PPA: Any signs that the online poker situation in the US has put a dampener on live poker there?

BH: No, in fact I think it has boosted live poker, although the same might not be said for the Main Event which used to rely a lot on online satellite qualifiers.

PPA: What do you think about Phil Ivey’s stance on boycotting the WSOP?

BH: No comment.

PPA: What events are you entering?

BH: Any event I feel like entering. I also hope to get some mixed events in. I have a packed schedule but if I feel too tired or lazy I just skip them. It’s about going in feeling comfortable and right although lazy and tired is a fine line. I'm still recovering from jetlag so that’s the excuse for skipping two NLH events so far.

PPA: Any success on the tables yet?

BH: Yeah the first event I played after landing was the USD $2,100 Venetian Deepstack Extravaganza. It had 241 players and I was fortunate to come in 7th for around USD $17k.

PPA: Are you planning on any Hangover-type nights while you’re there or is it just all business?

BH: It’s business and showing my wife Vegas. So far it has been premium outlet frenzy for her and visiting the various casinos and just taking in the sights while avoiding the heat.

PPA: How much would a WSOP bracelet mean to you? Would you wear it around?

BH: It would mean a lot. This is the World Series of Poker and if the Macau Poker Cup is the stage for poker in Asia, then the WSOP is the stage for poker in the world. But I would not wear it all around and, in fact, I don’t think it is aesthetically pleasing. It’s the prestige of the title and not the bracelet that means a lot to me.