Our experience at the World Series of Poker

David

How long have you been playing poker?

I've been playing poker since I was a kid, but started getting semi-serious in 2014.

What is the most challenging thing about poker?

In terms of challenges, I really enjoy trying to break down a hand after it occurs. In real time, you have to try to make the best decision you can, but if you're ever in a similar spot in the future, you can be prepared.

What parallels do you see between poker and DRW?

Being analytical and understanding that even though you made the right decision, and it didn’t work out – that doesn’t make it the wrong decision, it’s something to learn from. That’s a skill you need in trading and in poker.

How did you feel about going to the WSOP?

I was very excited. Staying sharp and focused the whole time was a major priority of mine, but either way, I enjoyed the experience and tried to stay positive throughout.

David made it to the end of Day 1 of the World Series of Poker Tournament this year.

Neil

Although Neil did not win one of our office tournaments this year, his passion for poker motivated him attend the tournament at his own expense.

How long have you been playing poker?

I've been playing poker since the age of 12.

What is the most challenging thing about poker?

I enjoy constantly learning and improving, which is necessary to be a winning player. Recently, the advent of solvers has really changed the game with game theory optimal strategies that have proved dominant.

What parallels do you see between poker and DRW?

There are definitely some parallels between trading and poker, particularly online poker. Fast decision making, risk vs. reward, bankroll management, and staking are all issues that are important in trading and poker.

Neil made it to Day 3 of the tournament this year.

Mike

How long have you been playing poker?

18 years.

What is the most challenging thing about poker?

The game is highly competitive and requires you to continually analyze each situation. Even if you are not in a hand you have an opportunity to learn. The best reward is making a difficult decision correctly based on the information you are able to obtain, and profiting from it.

What parallels do you see between poker and DRW?

At DRW, as in poker, we are often presented with limited information with which we must make sound decisions. We need to be smart and creative to make the best decision possible with incomplete information.

How did you feel about going to the WSOP?

I feel very blessed to have the opportunity.

Mike made it halfway through Day 2 of the tournament this year.

Eric

How long have you been playing poker?

I first started playing in high school, and then played a bit when I joined DRW last year. I mostly play for fun with friends.

What is the most challenging thing about poker?

I enjoy the people aspect of poker – attempting to read what the other person is doing while also trying to make it hard for people to get a read on what I am thinking.

What parallels do you see between poker and DRW?

I think poker requires me to assess the situation as best as I can and make decisions with incomplete information, and I think trading is pretty similar.

How did you feel about going to the WSOP with DRW?

I was excited!

Eric made it to Day 3 of the tournament this year.