Kelly Kim at the 2008 WSOP Main Event final table

Kelly Kim came into the 2008 WSOP Main Event final table with a dangerously small stack. In fact he was lucky to even make the final nine considering how shortstacked he was on the ten-handed bubble. Not only did he make the final table, he managed to move up one rung on the payout ladder before going broke.

Moments after his bustage PokerListings.com joined the rest of the media corps for a quick question and answer with Mr. Kim.

Being so short coming into this final table, how much were you focused on holding on and moving up in the payouts?

It's tough when you're so short. You really have to be the first one in and you don't want a spot where everyone's calling and checking it down on you. It was unfortunate what happened to Craig, going out like that, but that's what happens. You really have to try to move up and get some chips and then you can make a run at the tournament.

So did you change your strategy when Craig busted?

I really didn't have a strategy [laughs]. I was just so short that my options were really limited. There was no way I was going to fold that hand. I was holding two fours so I knew I was a huge dog against three players in the hand. But I had to go for it and if I flopped a set I flopped a set.

You had to fade a few situations to stay alive. How did you feel in that A-K against A-K hand where Chino flopped the flush draw?

Well, it's poker you know. I have no problem losing that way because it's part of the game. There's luck involved. Actually in London I went out the same way, with A-K against A-K in a hand with John Juanda. If you play this game then you take some abuse from the cards but you give it out too but overall we just love to play.

Special K.

How big a factor is the crowd support and everyone who came here to cheer you on?

It's amazing. You never think all these people are going to come all the way here to support you. I've got friends and family from all over and I was so happy I was able to double up so they could cheer. I would have wanted to last longer just to make it better for them.

It doesn't really change the way I play but there's certainly pressure. This game's about pressure when you're playing at this level though.

Who do you like at the final table now?

It's hard to discount Ivan Demidov. He's got a lot of heart and he proved it at the WSOP Europe Main Event when he made the final there. I really like Peter Eastgate. He always keeps you on your heels. If Chino gets a hold of some chips he can be really scary.

I'm not sure if Ylon was just picking up a lot of hands but he really stepped it up today. I haven't played with him before but my general opinion is that he's a pretty tight player. So I'm not sure if he's developed his game these past four months or is he's just picking up hands but Ylon's putting himself in the best position to win.

He gets by with a little help from his friends.

You've had four months to think about this day and envision how it would be. Is this the way you pictured it?

I didn't really know what to expect. I wasn't sure how many people would be here and everything but when it comes down to it you don't think about the people and you don't think about the atmosphere. You really have to focus on the task at hand.

Thanks Kelly and congratulations!

Kelly Kim has made his living as a professional poker player but this is by far his biggest score. Kim will take home $1,288,217 and a spot in the poker history books. Kelly was gracious enough to spend some time with the PokerListings.com video crew a few weeks ago so make sure to go check out his episode of our Nine Lives series. Check them out on our Special Features channel.