Locked In: Fabian Gumz at the World Series of Poker

Interview With Fabian Gumz – Germany’s Hope for a Bracelet This Summer

You’ve been deep in the grind here at the WSOP. What’s your primary goal for this summer? Is it all about the bracelet — or something more?

Honestly, the bracelet is always a motivating factor; you grow up in poker dreaming of one.

I’ve put so much work into my mindset over the years that now I focus on the quality of my decision-making and how I show up each day. If that leads to a bracelet, amazing. If not, but I walk away knowing I gave it my all, that’s success too.

We caught you crushing in a recent $25K event — what was clicking for you in that tournament, and how do you mentally recover when you come up short?

In that tourney, I was completely locked in, I felt calm, confident, and connected to the flow of the game. 

When I come up short, I don’t spiral. I reflect, maybe journal, and remind myself that variance is part of it. I measure progress by how well I played, not just by where I finish.

You’ve been consistently performing at a high level, but what would you say is your personal benchmark for “success” in poker these days?

If I can do that while maintaining a healthy balance and actually enjoying the ride, that’s winning. It’s not about chasing every high-stakes tourney or showing how great of a player you are; it’s about becoming the best version of myself both on and off the felt. In the end, I’m doing it for myself, not for anyone else. 

When we first met you at the WPT World Championships in December, you brought this laid-back, confident energy to the table. How do you maintain that vibe under WSOP pressure?

Thanks! That’s definitely something I’ve cultivated over the years. I used to be more reactive, more results-oriented. But now, I’m grounded in the work I’ve done.

Breathing techniques, mindset coaching, even posture work — all of that contributes to staying centered. And to be honest, I just love the game. That enjoyment helps me to stay relaxed.

Do you set non-performance goals during a long series like this, such as staying grounded, sleeping enough, journaling, meditating, etc?

Absolutely. I have daily non-negotiables: sleep hygiene, light workouts, but number one is breathwork, an absolute game changer. But my biggest goal is to bring positivity wherever I go and give other people a good time at the tables, too.

We are blessed that we are doing what we are doing. Easy to take it for granted sometimes. 

How has your approach to poker changed mentally in the past year? Is there a mindset shift that’s helped you evolve as a player?

The biggest shift has been detaching from short-term results.

Also, I’ve leaned into acceptance – accepting uncertainty, accepting the swings and taking everything as it comes. That’s freed up a lot of energy. I used to fight the game sometimes; now I flow with it.

Many poker pros talk about burnout during the WSOP grind. How do you pace yourself physically and emotionally during such an intense schedule?

It’s so easy to lose yourself while being here. There is always another tournament.

This year, I finally managed to get away from Vegas for a couple of days and reset before the second half of the series. I also make sure poker isn’t the only thing in my life during the series. Whether it’s dinners with friends, playing Padel, or just alone time, watching a show or something, those things refill the tank.

What does your ideal poker year look like beyond the WSOP — is there a specific tour, event, or personal achievement you’ve set your sights on?

I want to travel and see new places, or go to places I really enjoy, paired with some nice tournaments with big prize pools or high buy-ins would be ideal. I love to follow the WPT or EPT if possible. And for this year, it would be my goal to play one Triton Series in Asia. I heard those are a great vibe, and I haven’t been to many places in Asia yet.  

Off the felt, what are you currently working on that supports your poker, whether it’s study routines, coaching, mental performance work, or even life balance?

I feel like the better I get to know myself, and the better I can handle my own emotions at the table, the more I learn about other people.

Apart from that, I work with my performance coach Rupert Gibson, who helped me a lot over the past 18 months, getting the best out of myself. 

If 2025 ends without a bracelet but with growth in another form, what would make you walk away from this year proud of your progress?

So I started before this WSOP to do a performance accounting to ensure my WSOP will be a success, no matter if I win a bracelet/money or not. This holds me accountable, and all the things are in my control.

I’ll review those numbers at the end, and if those are good and I look back in a few months and feel like I’m a better person than now,  I’ll be proud of myself! 

What About His Results So Far at the WSOP?

Now that the WSOP 2025 is wrapping up, Fabian’s put together a pretty solid series. Even though the bracelet didn’t come this time, the results show he came in ready and focused:

Not bad at all. But more than the money, Fabian kept showing up the way he talks about: present, positive, and locked in. It’s clear that he’s not just here to collect trophies—he’s here to grow, to enjoy the process, and to play the best poker he can, one hand at a time.

Whether it’s EPT, WPT, or even a Triton stop in Asia later this year, I’ve got a feeling we’ll be seeing more of him at the top. And knowing Fabian, he’ll be smiling either way.