King of Spain: The Ruthenberg Interview

By Arthur Crowson Sep 14, 2008 | 1 year ago

Sebastian Ruthenberg, EPT Barcelona Open - Day 4, European Poker Tour - Season 5

Sebastian Ruthenberg became one of the elite poker players to have garnered both a WSOP bracelet and a PokerStars EPT title late Sunday night in Spain.

Ironically, several times during the final table of PokerStars EPT Barcelona, it appeared Sabestian Ruthenberg would become a non-factor. Instead, the German was patient, bided his time, and eventually struck at the best possible moment to win the tournament.

Although it's obvious that English isn't Ruthenberg's first language, he happily chatted with PokerListings.com just moments after his big win.

Congratulations, Sebastian! How does this victory compare to your WSOP win this summer?

It's a really nice feeling and the money is a lot more too than in Las Vegas. The money means more to me than a title so I'm definitely happier with this victory. [laughs]

Look at what I got!

Did you have a general plan heading into the final table?

Taking first place? [laughs] I wanted to play pretty tight at the beginning and then loosen up when there were a few eliminations. I just wanted to play my game and see what happens.

When Fintan Gavin had the chip lead in the later stages of the final table it seemed that you were really quiet. Was that just a matter of being card-dead, or were you patiently waiting out your opponent?

I was really card-dead. It was like rag, rag, rag and I didn't want to make a move. I ended up just waiting a bit longer and things worked out.

The brawl for it all!

During that period were you able to pick up some pretty good reads on Fintan Gavin?

Not really. He was quite a talker and I'm not that great at reading those types.

Who was the person at the final table you were most worried about?

Jason Mercier. He was, in my opinion, the best player at the final table. After me, of course. [laughs]

These are two big victories in a relatively short period of time. You're still a young player, so does this give you confidence moving forward?

No longer a baby, Ruthenberg.

I know that I'm just running good. There's really nothing more [to it].

What is the next event on the agenda for you?

I'll play EPT London as well as the high-roller event there.

Thanks for your time, Sebastian.

You're welcome.

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Despite his lack of familiarity with English, you get the feeling that Sebastian Ruthenberg has a solid head on his shoulders and understands that success in poker can sometimes be fleeting. Ruthenberg has a great tournament record in the last few years and showed how he does it over the course of EPT Barcelona.

Many of the professional poker players in the audience agreed that, along with Jason Mercier, Ruthenberg was the man to beat at the final table. Congratulations to Ruthenberg on his first EPT title!