Mark Kroon, known online as P0ker H0, talks about the WSOP and gives some insider tips for first timers that plan to make their way to the event next year. If you ever have dreamed of playing in the World Series of Poker Main Event but have never made the trip out, Kroon gives his veteran insight into the Series and what the pros do to get themselves for the world’s biggest poker tournament.
Kroon, a sponsored pro at UB.com, has over $800,000 in online tournament earnings according to PocketFives.com’s database (note: Other databases state over $1 million). Back in April of 2010, Kroon had a huge month with two huge cashes, starting with the $1,000 buy-in $150,000 guarantee on UB.com where he finished in 2nd place for $68,850. That tournament was a very nice follow up to the $100 buy-in $75,000 guarantee on UB.com that he won for $21,762.
Away from the tables, Mark Kroon is an avid softball player and bowler and is well known for his passion for golf. His personality is very friendly and he’s often seen talking with many of the tournament regulars he’s gotten to know during his many years as a professional tournament poker player.
Kroon is originally from Madison, Wisconsin and played ice hockey as a defenseman for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. He is also a long time friend of poker icon Phil Hellmuth as the two grew up in the same state and played poker in the same bar for a number of years. Now 44, Kroon spends most of his time either playing poker or with one of the sports he’s taken up in recent years.
Mark “P0ker H0” Kroon has a reputation as an extremely aggressive opponent at the tables and has been called a maniac by more than one opponent. However, Kroon often states that he simply applies pressure when he senses weakness. Given his impressive resume, it’s hard to disagree.