We have the pleasure of interviewing an outstanding young talent – David Arfi (Instagram), a 19 year old from a picturesque region in the south of France.
How did you first get interested in playing live poker?
I saw many videos online from big live poker tournaments like the WSOP or the EPT. I was also watching the Yoh videos viral and in the head of a pro. Following that, I made the next step and discovered the tournaments at the casino in the region with a small buy-in (100€).
How do your parents feel about you playing poker?
At first, my parents didn’t agree with me playing poker because I bet a lot of money. But then I started to win a lot of money, and they were more understandable because everything I won I put in an envelope, and when I wanted to play I took it from the envelope.
Have you ever participated in any major poker tournaments or series?
I’ve only been playing poker for one year, and I’m only 19, but I try to travel whenever possible. I have already participated in the WSOP in Marrakech in January 2023, the FPS in Aix en Provence, and the Summer Festival Malta. I hope to participate in the WSOP and other major tournaments like the EPT Barcelona, where I will surely participate.
5. Have you ever experienced a memorable bluff or read at the poker table?
I have a bluff that marked me during the summer festival Malta with 20 players remaining. I am on the big blind with 8To, and the button raises me 2.5 blind (stack 230k blind 4k-8k ). He had AJ, I defended and came the flop JJ9, I checked, he bet, and I called, turn 5, he kept betting I raised him 3.5x his bet, he paid me and come to the river a 2, me first to speak, I go all-in as a bluff on fourth clubs because I miss my straight draw and the pot is huge, think about it for a long time and end up he folds.
Which players do you try to play more spots with, and which ones less? How do you evaluate the players at the table?
At the beginning of the tournament, when I arrive at the table, I take time to analyze each player and know what type of players are there. If there are aggressive or players who have a rather tight range, I analyze them a lot. Showdown is very important. When players show their cards, such as when they are in big pots, and then I analyze which players I can bluff easily or take value more easily. I try to change the way I play by showing some games that I would like them to see.
Have you made any long-lasting friendships or connections through live poker?
At the poker table, I’m a chatty person and I’ve met a lot of people that I get on well with but never make friends at the table.
Have you ever played in a home game or a private poker club? How does it compare to playing in a casino?
I often organize poker tournaments at home (1 table of 8-10 players). Besides, that’s where I started playing poker, and I also play in private parties with unlimited rebuys for a while, followed by an add-on. And the difference with the casino is the atmosphere. In the private game, the tournaments are quieter, we laugh, and we play seriously, but the stakes are not the same.
Do you have any favorite poker players or idols who inspire you?
I watched a lot of video poker with many poker players, and some inspired me, like Daniel Negreanu, Yoh Viral, Davidi Kitai, and Adrian Mateos.
Do you have any favorite poker books, podcasts, or resources that have helped you in your poker journey?
I bought and read Daniel Negreanu’s book “Poker power,” where he talks about different strategies to apply in tournaments according to his level, with many examples, and it allowed me to improve my technical count by applying certain rules that I was able to learn.
Can you share any advice or tips for other young players interested in getting into live poker?
TThe advice I can give to young poker players who want to get into live tournaments is to build up a bankroll before playing big tournaments, always play tournaments you can afford to lose, and never regret your choices. You have to play with the best. And be careful with your bank account because of poker. It is a sport, and competition is huge.
What are your goals or aspirations for live poker in the future?
My goals are simple. As I said before, I plan to play all the small tournaments of the live events, those that I can afford because I don’t have the bankroll to play the main event or high roller, and when I have the solid bankroll, I will go up. I am also looking for staking to play big tournaments because I have the potential to become a great poker player. I dream of playing in the Main Event of the WSOP in Las Vegas, and I know I will someday get there.
Through this interview, we have come to know David Arfi not only as a poker player but also as an inspiring individual whose enthusiasm and dedication serve as an inspiration to others. As he continues to evolve and make his mark on the poker world, there is no doubt that David’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds exciting prospects for this young poker player.