When play resumes in the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, Everest Poker pro Antoine Saout will hold the eighth largest chip stack, 9.5 million, barely trailing the 9.75 million of Phil Ivey. Saout previewed the Main Event with Poker News Daily.
Poker News Daily: Congratulations on being part of the 2009 WSOP November Nine. How excited are you to be in this illustrious group?
Saout: I am very proud of having reached the WSOP Main Event final table 2009. It’s huge, especially since I’ve been playing for just two years. I will do my best to win at the final table in November.
PND: What’s your strategy headed into a star-studded final table as one of the short stacks?
Saout: I am second-to-last in chips, but still have 35 big blinds, which I think is definitely enough to play. Furthermore, I have a lot of experience in sit and go tournaments, which will help me a lot.
PND: What are your thoughts on waiting until November to play out the Main Event? Would you rather have played down to a winner in July?
Saout: On the one hand, I think it is a good thing to play out the Main Event in November. It allows media outlets to talk about the WSOP and to interview the finalists. It also allowed me to sign a sponsorship agreement with Everest Poker. On the other hand, I would rather have continued on with the finale in July. I was in a good zone and it is always easier when you are into the game knowing it will go all the way.
PND: Can you tell us how you got started in poker?
Saout: The first time I really played was two years ago. My sister had an account on Everest Poker and I saw her playing from time to time. Then, I created an account for myself. I watched a video online to clearly understand the rules and started playing. For a few months, I was playing in free games, but with time, I wanted to play for real money with real bets. I deposited some money and enjoyed it a lot. Eventually, I started seeing good results in several tournaments. I thought I could make a living out of it.
PND: Will having to travel a long distance to Las Vegas for the Main Event put you at a disadvantage over the seven Americans at the final table?
Saout: No, I do not think so. I am getting used to traveling by plane and the jetlag does not bother me. I think I already have that offset by the fact that I’m a poker player who lives at night.
PND: Tell us about signing with Everest Poker. How did that happen?
Saout: After I made the final table, Everest Poker representatives came to me and asked if I wanted to be a part of the team. Everest Poker is the website where I started and where I had my first wins. I am very happy to be a part of this team and to take part in an international tournament.
PND: Who do you plan to bring to Las Vegas for the final table?
Saout: I think I will bring a lot of friends!
