Former cricket star Shane Warne has taken his competitive edge to the poker felts recently and is a sponsored pro of 888. He was the life of the party during this year’s World Series of Poker and sat down with Poker News Daily to discuss his newfound passion.
Poker News Daily: Thanks for joining us. How did you get into poker originally?
Shane Warne: I played with friends and teammates. It’s a great way to socialize with friends.
PND: Are there any aspects of cricket that carry over into poker?
Shane Warne: The strategy of setting someone up for a play for their wicket and taking all of their chips are very similar.
PND: Who or what has been most influential on your growth as a poker player?
Shane Warne: I get some great advice from 2005 WSOP Main Event champion and good friend Joe Hachem.
PND: Talk about how you became involved with 888.
Shane Warne: I really enjoy the fun and social part of poker. I have a social game with my friends every couple of weeks. I felt 888 represented the fun and social aspects of the game of poker the best. I have been with 888 since early 2007 and it has been a great experience. They are a great organization and a group of people I am more than happy to represent.
PND: You’re known for being a car aficionado. What is the next major car purchase you’re looking to make?
Shane Warne: I think I would like to buy a classic such as a 1966 Fastback Mustang.
PND: You’ve played poker across the world. What place is your favorite and why?
Shane Warne: I enjoy going to Las Vegas. No one knows me, which is great. When I’m walking with Joe Hachem, someone will interrupt and ask me to take a picture of them with Joe. I say, “No worries mate” and I find it all quite amusing.
PND: Tell us how you got started in cricket originally.
Shane Warne: I have enjoyed the game since I was young. During the 1983/1984 season, I played for the University of Melbourne Cricket Club in then the Victorian Cricket Association under 16 Dowling Shield competition. The following season, I joined the St. Kilda Cricket Club near my home of Black Rock. I played in the lower elevens and over a number of seasons progressed to the first eleven. I was then chosen to train at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide.
PND: What was the highlight of your cricket career?
Shane Warne: While there have been many deliveries and wickets over the years that have meant a lot to me for different reasons, it is impossible to go past the “Gatting Ball” back in 1993, as it literally changed my life.
PND: What has been the highlight of your poker career?
Shane Warne: I played in the High Roller event in Melbourne at the Crown Casino a couple of months ago and came in third for $40,000. The winner got $150,000 and I should have won. I got all of my chips in with pocket 10s against pocket eights and the guy hit an eight on the river. I was unlucky.
PND: What advice do you have for aspiring cricket players?
Shane Warne: Work hard and have fun.
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