Our team was lucky to get an interview from one of the best live poker dealers, Daniele. He shared his story of how he got into live poker and how it affected his life.
Please introduce yourself to our audience.
My name is Daniele, and I am from Italy. I have been a poker dealer since 2008, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the industry’s most prestigious live poker events, including the European Poker Tour (EPT) since 2015.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a professional poker dealer and what motivated you to pursue this career?
I started dealing poker in Italy in 2008 in a club created by some friends. I never thought I would do this job for 15 years and that it would be the source of most of my beautiful and essential experiences. Today, I must thank the poker world, which has enriched me personally in every way, allowing me to learn new languages and discover new cultures.
How often are you invited to live poker tournaments?
I only participate in EPT (European Poker Tour) circuit events, about six invitations per year. Live poker currently offers many more poker events than in previous years, allowing a dealer to travel all year round. It is an excellent opportunity for those who want to have many experiences and discover new places.
What exciting places have you visited due to your profession?
Most of my travels in Europe have been for live poker events. Thanks to this job, they allow me to return to cities like Prague and Barcelona and visit other new towns such as the Bahamas and Paris this year.
Are there any awards for the best dealers? How is the winner determined?
We at Pokerstars have a competition that takes place during the EPT. We appreciate this initiative because it motivates us to do our best and improve during live poker events.
The best dealer is not determined only by technical and manual skills but, above all, by communication and table management skills. I have a unique memory regarding this competition because I had the pleasure of winning the best dealer in the EPT London 2022 edition. It was an unforgettable moment for me. With this, I want to address all the dealers who aspire to work in the most important poker events in the world, such as the EPT, and say that with passion and consistency, you can achieve any goal!
What famous poker players have you met at the table?
During my career with EPT, i have had the fortune often having professional players at my table, and it is always pleasant to be in a table where there is a lot of competition. For a dealer, it is definitely the most stimulating condition.
Do you participate in tournaments as a player?
When i started doing this job more seriously, i also started playing poker to learn the game. I really enjoyed participating in live poker tournaments as a player. It was also a way to socialize and meet new people. Now, after 15 years, it is still a pleasure when i find the opportunity to do it. But i devote less time to it having other passions.
What are some common mistakes that beginner players make?
The common mistakes made by beginner players are the ones we all made the first time we sat at the table. Not knowing the dynamics of live poker play, actions are often not announced or made out of turn. This is what mostly happens. In these cases, it’s also a bit our job to recognize the beginner and try to anticipate the problem in most cases.
What is the most important skill for a good poker player to win a live tournament in your opinion?
I have often thought about what the most important skills for a live poker player are who wants to achieve significant results. If i had to choose one among all, i would definitely say adaptability because every table changes the dynamics of the game and it’s important to interpret the table to change strategy.
How do you see the future of poker live?
Regarding the future of the world of poker, i believe that live poker is not just a game. It is also an opportunity to have a social experience spending many days together with people from all over the world. I believe that this game will continue to be passionate in the future and give us many emotions to share.
How do you see yourself in the future into the poker’s world?
After many years as a live poker dealer, i have created my personal vision of this job. I have a lot of passion for any work that is done with manual skills. As I continue to pursue my passion for this job, I hope to one day have the opportunity to teach and mentor future generations of poker dealers. I will help others improve their skills and advance to more important tables.
