His greatest live achievement so far was taking down the EPT San Remo event in May where the first prize was a massive €930,000. He also cashed $54,851 in the $10,000 WSOP Main Event this year in Las Vegas.
Online he plays under the name of ElRupert and was runner-up in a Full Tilt Million event and made the final table of a Pokerstars SCOOP (Spring Championship of Online Poker) tournament.
How long have you been playing Poker and how did you start?
I started playing during sixth form with friends when I was 18. We played sit and go’s around the kitchen table.
What would you be doing if you hadn’t discovered Poker?
I would probably be a software programmer.
What do you enjoy most about the game?
The competitiveness.
What major purchases have you made with your winnings?
An Arsenal season ticket.
Which games would we find you at playing online?
Multi-table tournaments at the moment and sometimes the $2/$4 NLH cash games.
How many tables do you play simultaneously?
I play six cash tables at a time but up to 16 when playing multi-table tournaments.
Favourite game?
No Limit Holdem.
Favourite non-premium hand in NLH?
I don't really have one. My starting hand preference is based on the Sklansky-Chubukov charts but I also like K-Q and J-10 suited.
Favourite Poker player?
I get on well with everyone.
Most feared opponent?
By people in general probably Phil Ivey, but I don't feel especially intimidated by anyone, it's just a game.
Are you superstitious?
No
What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you at the table?
At the old Gutshot club in London, someone once asked me if I wanted to fight after he got stacked by someone else. I politely declined as a weedy 18 year old.
What advice would you give a new player trying to take their game to the next level?
Don't play too many tables and game select like crazy.
What attributes make a great Poker Player?
Discipline.
How do you handle going on tilt?
I prevent it before it happens.
Fantasy WSOP ME Final Table: who would be there?
8 Italians and myself.
What’s on your ipod?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Jay-Z recently, other times anything from Barenaked Ladies to Lily Allen to Radiohead.
Best Poker book you’ve read?
The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
What are your goals over the next year?
My goals at the start of this year were to make $105k and play 400k hands but unfortunately accomplishing the first one early led to large slacking in the second one. I'll have to think up some new goals but they normally come in the New Year.
