Randy “Nanonoko” Lew is one of the most popular online grinders in poker today. We caught up with Nanonoko at the NAPT Los Angeles stop for a rare on-camera interview to discuss online poker, his sponsorship deal with PokerStars and his live tournament play. We even got a quick comment regarding a recent downswing (his first) at the tables.
Nanonoko has enjoyed immense success at online poker since he began only a few years ago. Prior to that, Randy Lew was still known by his online name, but in the professional video game industry. He was one of the top Street Fighter players in the world and would compete in international competitions. His hand-eye coordination, coupled with his high intelligence, made for a perfect fit in the world of 24-tabling online poker at PokerStars.
Two years ago articles were being written about Lew grinding and killing the small and medium stakes games. In 2009, Nanonoko continued his amazingly consistent play and win-rates at the mid-stakes games with occasional trips into high stakes play. Now in 2010, he’s been continuing his assault on bankrolls at the high and nosebleed stakes games, be it full ring, 6-handed or even Heads Up matches. His deal with PokerStars allows him to participate in many live tournaments in addition to playing the bigger buy-in weekly tournaments on PokerStars.
In this rare interview, Nanonoko talks about his beginnings in the world of professional video gaming. He goes on to talk about playing in the NAPT and how close he feels to that one big score to put him on the tournament map, although many already know his status in the poker industry. The interview serves as a great method of insight into one of the most popular and consistent online grinders today.
According to various poker databases, Lew has amassed over $2,000,000 between online cash games and online tournaments and consistently ranks high in terms of most popular search terms. He currently resides in Northern California.