Dive into the mesmerizing world of Andrijana Gligoric (Instagram, Twitch), who fans and fellow players alike know as Callmelija. Hailing from the serene town of Loznica, Serbia, Callmelija has carved out a niche for herself in the fiercely competitive realm of poker. At just 25, she’s not only a force to reckon with on the tables but is also a sought-after streamer. As she embarks on her thrilling journey from the grassroots of Twitch, through her pivotal association with the world’s premier poker site, GGpoker, and onward to the glittering lights of Las Vegas, we get an exclusive opportunity to hear her story, in her own words. Join us as we shuffle through the chapters of her life and the hands she’s played, both on and off the table.
How were you introduced to the world of live poker?
I was first introduced to live poker through friends who organized cash games while I was studying electrical engineering at university. This sparked my interest and led me to dive deeper into the game.
What inspired you to take up poker professionally?
After immersing myself in the poker community and falling in love with the game, I realized that the dedication and discipline required to excel resonated with me. It became clear that poker was not just a hobby, but a path I wanted to pursue professionally.
What’s the most memorable hand or moment you’ve experienced at the poker table?
One of the most memorable moments for me was when I played on a streamed high-stakes game. We were playing stand up game and i lost 15,000$ in an all-in with AK. It was really painful, but an amazing experience!
Are there any specific tournaments or wins that have had a significant impact on your life or career?
I am mostly playing cash games, last year i finished really deep in GGMasters High Roller for 8,758$.
Which country, in your opinion, was the most exciting to play poker in and why?
Definitely United States, this year was my first time ever in Las Vegas, I had an amazing time, cash games are super soft and super fun. I played my first WSOP tournament, it was $400 Collosus.
How do cultural differences in various countries affect the poker playing experience for you?
Embracing cultural differences enhances the poker experience for me. It’s fascinating to see how different regions bring their own style and strategies to the game. Thats what I love about poker, I get to meet so many people with different cultures. I am always amazed.
Do you have any sponsorships or contracts with major brands? If so, how did they come about?
Yes, i am sponsored by the #1 poker site in the world GGpoker. I was streaming on Twitch for a year and creating poker content on my social media, they were interested in my growth and we started working together.
How do you prepare for a major tournament?
Good sleep, healthy food, meditation and gym.
Are there any fellow poker players you particularly admire or see as mentors?
I greatly admire players who demonstrate a strong work ethic, discipline, and a genuine love for the game. I will be forever grateful to my coach and friend Jared Alderman for believing in me and helping me become better poker player and person.
How has poker impacted your personal life and relationships?
Poker has taught me valuable lessons about discipline, resilience, and decision-making. It has also allowed me to forge meaningful connections within the poker community. Balancing my poker career with personal life has been a rewarding challenge.
Can you share some tips or strategies that have been particularly effective for you over the years?
Staying disciplined, continuously studying the game, and being adaptable to different playing styles have been crucial for my growth as a player. Additionally, maintaining a positive and focused mindset, even in challenging moments, has been crucial. Also taking care of your well being, gym and boxing helped me be more aggresive and self confident while playing, good sleep and meditation helped me being present and taking the best decision.
How do you handle the pressure and high stakes of live poker?
Maintaining composure is key. I remind myself to trust in my preparation and decision-making process. It’s important not to let the stakes affect the quality of my play. Taking calculated risks and staying focused on the game plan help alleviate pressure.
Which upcoming tournaments are you most looking forward to, and why?
I’m particularly excited about my upcoming trip to Las Vegas. The atmosphere and competition in Vegas are unparalleled, and it’s a chance to challenge myself on a grand stage. I’m also eager to meet fellow poker enthusiasts and create memorable experiences.
Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently in your poker career?
In hindsight, there’s always room for growth and learning. However, every experience, win or loss, has contributed to my development as a player. I believe in embracing the journey and using each moment as a stepping stone towards improvement. Trust the process.
Concluding our insightful session with Andrijana Gligoric (Instagram, Twitch), fondly known as Callmelija, has been truly enlightening. Her journey from the heart of Loznica to the global poker scene serves as an inspiration to many. As she continues to elevate both the poker and streaming realms, we keenly look forward to her future exploits. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Callmelija for taking the time to share her experiences and wisdom with us.