In Episode 3 of 888poker’s thrilling docuseries, the team takes a well-deserved break after all five members successfully bagged chips on Day 1 of the World Series of Poker Main Event. But their day off is anything but ordinary.
Join the 888poker pros as they dive into a whirlwind of excitement—attending soccer games, hunting for iconic Stu Ungar shades, and even bumping into past Main Event champions at the gym. Take a look at the behind-the-scenes excitement and experience the 888poker team’s off-the-felt adventures.
Barone Gets a Surprise in the Gym
Gone are the days when poker players were typically found in smoke-filled saloons. Today, staying in peak physical shape is essential for maintaining focus and stamina during long sessions at the table. Streamer and poker coach Aaron Barone experienced this firsthand during his day off when he hit the gym for a workout and unexpectedly found himself in a humbling encounter.
While chatting with a fellow gym-goer, Barone discovered he was speaking with Robert Varkonyi, the 2002 WSOP Main Event champion. Initially unaware of his gym buddy’s legendary status, Barone casually offered poker advice, only to realize his mistake when he asked Varkonyi if he had ever played and cashed in Poker’s World Championship.
Reflecting on the encounter, Barone admitted to feeling a bit sheepish but now finds the experience amusing.
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Soccer Fever Hits Sin City
During the WSOP, Las Vegas was alive with excitement as it hosted matches from the Copa América, while the UEFA European Championship also unfolded across Europe.
Among the 888poker team, soccer fans like podcaster Jack “JaackMaate” Dean and Nick Eastwood passionately followed the Euro 2024 action from Sin City. Their excitement peaked during England’s quarter-final match against Switzerland, which was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. England’s historic struggles with penalties made their progression to the semi-finals even more exhilarating for Dean and Eastwood, who celebrated their team’s victory from afar.
“Two things I love: poker and England,” said a relieved Dean. “Both have put me through serious pain and ecstasy in the last 24 hours, and it’s not over yet.”
Eastwood added with a grin, “It’s only going to get worse from here.”
Soccer fever swept through the 888poker team, and it wasn’t just the guys getting caught up in the excitement. Brazilian ambassador Vivian Saliba also spent her day off immersed in the beautiful game, watching Brazil’s clash with Uruguay at Allegiant Stadium.
Like the earlier England match, this game was decided by a penalty shoot-out. However, unlike Dean and Eastwood’s celebrations, Saliba watched in disappointment as Brazil was knocked out in their quarter-final showdown.
Keep your browsers locked to PokerNews and the 888poker YouTube channel if you want to catch the episodes of Team 888poker in Las Vegas.
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Editor & Live Reporter
Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
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