Meet Sergio Garcia Leon (Instagram, Facebook), better known as “CONFIA” among poker aficionados. With a passion for the game and a formidable presence at the tables, Sergio is a force to be reckoned with in the poker world. Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of this talented poker player and explore the skills and strategies that have earned him a place among the best in the game.
How did you first get introduced to the game of poker?
I have been a professional poker player since 2013, mostly a live player since it is my passion, although lately, I have been playing online a lot. I also have an Events company called Golden Events, where we do poker events worldwide.
The truth is that I started playing cards at the early age of 16, and it caught my attention since I was a child. I had played a lot of cards with my grandfather. And little by little, I began to introduce myself to the great world of poker, seeing that when I played with friends, I always won. I decided to go one step further.
What made you decide to pursue poker as a career?
After many years of having companies and dedicating myself to both, I realized that if I wanted to be a professional, I should leave my company and dedicate myself 100×100 % to poker. In 2012, I was the Spanish online champion at PokerHeaven, where they sponsored me in 2013, and I decided to take the leap, leave my business, and focus on poker.
What were your biggest wins in live and online poker?
Well, live my biggest prize was €45,000 and online, my biggest prize was €74,000.
Could you share some of your most memorable moments from winning tournaments?
Well, there are two very happy moments, one was winning an MVP trophy in Prague Rozvadov in 2018, and another was winning a Pokerstars trophy in 2022 since the winning hand was 88, which is my favorite hand, and it made me very excited.
As a Twitch streamer, what motivated you to start streaming poker sessions? How many tables can you play at the same time?
Well, I started with my partner Joaquin Gago and his sisters Laura and Alicia, who asked me to make the record for the most hours playing on their Gainblers channel.
How many tables can you play at the same time?
Well, I’ve come to play 18 tables at the same time, but I’m very comfortable playing between 8/10 tables
What do you enjoy most about interacting with your viewers while streaming on Twitch?
What I like the most is being able to help people who are on the other side of the stream and being able to make people learn to play, thanks to watching me. It fills me with satisfaction to be able to help new players.
How did you set a Guinness World Record for streaming poker?
Well, it was all thanks to the Gainblers team, who always supported me in this feat. I was motivated to break the record for the most consecutive hours playing online in 48 hours. And I set myself the goal of making 50. It was a wonderful experience, which was possible thanks to the entire Spanish poker community who threw themselves into the project, especially my best friend Roberto Blanco Rey (Bebeto), who was also from his house (playing 50h and keeping a company on the stream).
Can you describe the preparation and planning that went into achieving the record?
Well, the truth is that the preparation was all hand in hand with the Gainblers team, in which we had a coach, Juan Rallo, who was the one who prepared us to face these 50 hours glued to the computer, how to bring food, fatigue, concentration, everything that includes this record. And the truth is that in just one month of preparation, everything turned out great!
What advice would you give to aspiring poker players who want to improve their skills?
I would tell them that, above all, train to the maximum, it is very important to be focused in the sessions, prepare mentally since the mind is everything in poker, and above all, do not play tournaments that could affect your bankroll, good management of the bankroll, a few hours of study, and above all review many hands with people who are better than you. A professional poker player does not depend on the money you win. A professional poker player is an attitude.
Have you ever experienced a major setback or losing streak? How did you overcome it?
Well, in 2018 I suffered the worst streak of my career and the best at the same time. In 6 months, I lost about $ 50,000, which was almost all my money, and then in just 2 months, I won more than $ 70,000 in tournaments, all of that is overcome by being very strong mentally and understanding variance, sometimes it can be very cruel, and more with the players we only play tournaments. But that, above all, be very strong mentally.
Are there any particular strategies or tactics you employ that have contributed to your success in poker?
At the tables, what has led me to success the most has been my attitude. I always try to make trouble for my rivals. It is crucial to be mentally strong and not affect your game, which has been my great virtue. I’ve always played a low, medium, or high buy-in tournament the same way. I never hesitate to put chips in the center, and in poker, the aggressive player always has more advantages over the calmer player.
Could you share a funny or interesting anecdote from one of your poker sessions?
Well, doing the Guinness record, I had a fun time, since in 3 minutes they eliminated me from 2 or 3 tables and at the 4th tournament that they eliminated me, I slapped the table, and one of the girls who were witness jumped out of the chair, at the same time that my glass of water fell on me, and there were many laughs.
What are your future goals and aspirations in the world of poker?
Well, my goals right now are two! One is to enter a final table of the EPT. Another is to make the final table of the WSOP in Las Vegas, at the player and company levels, to have the best national poker circuit for the players I have in my environment. I want more so they can enjoy the best structures that exist.
Lastly, what message would you like to convey to your fans and supporters?
From here, I want to thank each of my fans and followers for being so faithful, telling them never to give up, to trust them, that limits do not exist, the limits are placed in your head, so in this life your goal has to be, to be happy. And remember that life deals the cards, but each one decides how to play them!
Confia!
Thank you, Sergio Garcia, for being a true poker virtuoso and for sharing your talents with the world. Your impact on the poker community is immeasurable, and your legacy will continue to inspire players for generations to come.
Wishing you continued success and many more thrilling moments at the tables.
Cheers to you, Sergio Garcia Leon!
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