It's easy to see that poker pro Greg Mueller is indeed Canadian. He possesses all the trademark characteristics: he's polite, he's super friendly, and he loves hockey. Specializing in Limit cash games, Mueller has had a great year so far on the poker circuit, recently making it to the final table at the 2006 World Poker Tour's World Poker Challenge $5,000 Championship Event.
So how did a retired Canadian hockey player get into the fascinating world of professional poker playing? PokerListings.com caught up with the sociable giant (he stands at least 6'5") to find out his thoughts on Phil Ivey, the H.O.R.S.E. event, and his own playing abilities.
So what happened in today's event?
I just got knocked out of the $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em tournament. I lost several hands, but the key hand was I had A-K, my opponent had a pair of nines, he raised and I re-raised. The thing was I didn't think he was strong enough with two nines so I talked him into calling because he was about to fold. He called, and I lost.
What's your next tournament?
I'll probably play the tournament tomorrow, the Limit Hold'em. I played the first Limit Hold'em [event] two days ago and I came in 30th. I don't enjoy playing them so much, but I feel like I have to.
What are your favorite events to play in?
Definitely No-Limit Hold'em, they're the most adrenaline, the most exciting and I feel you have the most maneuverability. But I do really well in the Limit Hold'em, so I guess I have to go to work tomorrow.
How long have you been playing poker for?
I've always loved poker, but I didn't really play it on a serious level until about six years ago, and [started] playing in tournaments two years ago, but before that I played cash games.
What drew you to the game of poker?
I used to play hockey for a living in Europe, and during road trips, we'd always play cards. Then I met a professional poker player and every day off that we had once a week, we'd drive to a casino and talk poker. When I retired from hockey, I was infatuated with poker.
Are you going to be entering the $50,000 buy-in H.O.R.S.E. event?
I'm not sure yet. I play on my own money. I don't play for backers, so $50,000 to play with an elite group of players is kind of a questionable spot. Maybe if I find some backers for that one, I might play it.
What are your predictions for the final event?
I feel strong, but the Main Event here involves so many people. I feel really good about my Main Event game, but I don't have a favorite to win in the Main Event. Everybody talks about Phil Ivey, and he's obviously a great player. I got a chance to play with him back-to-back days in a row, and you pick up things. But as far as the Main Event goes, I think you can throw out favorites. I mean, there's 8,000 people, so whoever can avoid the bad luck, those will be the hits.
You're originally from Vancouver, B.C., so where do you live now that you're a professional poker player?
I still live in Vancouver, but I'm here a lot so I have a condo in Vegas for the World Series. I'm down here quite a bit and L.A. I do a lot of traveling but my home is Vancouver.
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