Pedro Guedes, winner of the €500 side event at Unibet Open Budapest in March for €16,200, tells Unibet about his start in poker, first place finish in Hungary, and how he got from one to the other (via the beach…)
How and when did you first start to play poker?
I started to play poker about two years ago in the company of friends but I was not really aware of the rules at the time. At the moment I am having lessons with a player from the Unibet Team Pro from Portugal André “Wade” Santos.
What was your first big live tournament?
I had previously participated in a tournament in Estoril (Portugal) last year where I lost with pocket aces! But I have to say that the biggest one was Unibet Open in Budapest because the competition was tough but always passionate – especially for people that like adrenaline.
What was the reaction at home when they heard that you had won the side event?
They were happy for the excellent result. My wife knew how many hours of study I have dedicated to the game and that I was really determined to get a good result on the tournament.
On average, how many hours do you play on a daily/weekly basis? Any good results?
I play a bit every day because all my friends play as well. As for results, nothing special, but I definitely have lots of fun!
What is more exciting – the poker game or the winnings?
First of all I have to say playing poker and studying other players – that can always be unpredictable. Obviously it is very rewarding to reach some ITMs [cash].
What tournaments do you like the most? Online or live?
Well when it comes to Unibet Open it is very difficult not to like it because you will breathe poker 24 hours a day with the sound of chips going on the background. But I think in online poker you can feel your maximum potential when you manage to beat a field of 2000 to 3000 players. Online you are able to find all varieties of poker every day at anytime.
What is your opinion on Unibet’s live tournaments?
I would definitely recommend them, not only for the money but also because you are able to interact at the table and make friends with players from other countries. The entire tournament is made with players in mind and all is at hand so we can relax and play.
Which player are you most afraid of live and online?
Well… I would have to say myself because we can play against other opponents all the time on the same table for 2 to 3 hours but we have to always be very concerned about our actions all the time.
Do you adopt an alternative image for live tournaments?
I usually wear glasses and headphones so I can isolate myself in my world, without ever losing any bit of what is going on at the table. Of course at home I do not wear glasses and the hat.
At which website do you like to play?
Unibet. The graphics are very simple and quick and the level and variety of players is accessible and relaxed.
What is your nick?
GBROTHER
Why did you choose that nick?
It means G for Guedes brother.
Do you think poker is a game of skill or luck?
Skill at 99% and 1% luck because you will need to get more chips in a crucial part of the tournament when you push your stack to the middle of the table. Without strategy and knowledge of the game and your opponents you end up not lasting very long.
You set an example for the younger generation – what advice can you give them?
If they are starting on poker then start playing in play money and study the game a bit. Today there is always good advice on how to play on most of the online rooms. Always play with moderation and peace. When the weather is good play at the beach!
