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In conversation with WSOP 2020 Bracelet Winner Michael Lech Poker
Nitya Jain
Posted on 23 Jul, 2020
By Nitya Jain
On 23 Jul, 2020
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By Nitya Jain
On 23 Jul, 2020
Share

In conversation with WSOP 2020 Bracelet Winner Michael Lech


The year 2020 has literally bamboozled us! In the poker world, the richest and grandest of all, the 51st annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) saw poker players from across the globe waiting for the Rio All-Suites gates to open, but the coronavirus pandemic found the right time to strike! Well, that didn’t stop us from watching some momentous finishes and cherishing some extraordinary wins, ONLINE!

Its been 3 weeks since the commencement of WSOP Online for the players residing in Nevada and New Jersey. Several gold bracelets have been given out but one name that took the internet by storm with his dance moves was none other than Michael ‘miguelfiesta’ Lech. The 8-time WSOP Ring winner traveled to Nevada with his girlfriend and pro player Vanessa Kade especially to play the 2020 World Series.

On Monday night, Event #13: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller Freezeout attracted 649 entries creating $924,825 prize pool. It took 11+ hours for the champion to come out on top and capture his first WSOP bracelet $164,248 in first prize to add to his 8 WSOP-Circuit Rings! What separates the poker champ from the rest is the fact that five of those rings come from five different countries, including St Maarten, Italy, France, Mexico, and the US, making his poker CV very illustrious!

According to HendonMob, the Arkansas native’s total live winnings exceeds $1.38 million, with over 70 WSOP-related cashes that make up a hefty $987K. His outstanding WSOPC finishes include the 2016 WSOPC Six Handed, WSOPC NLH HR, 2018 WSOPC Big Stack, bagging 3 titles in 2019 and the most recent being 2020 WSOPC PLO. Gutshot caught up with the conqueror who spoke about his recent bracelet win and his epic dance moves as he likes to say, Everybody needs a little fiesta in their life. 

Hi Michael, congratulations on winning WSOP Event #13. How did you feel when you took it down?

“Thank you, it feels great to finally make it to the winner’s circle of the highest point of poker!”

Our readers would like to know a little bit more about your poker journey so far.

“I have been traveling the world the past 5 years to explore new places and play poker whenever I can, it has gone well after winning in a few counties.”

In less than 4 years, you won 9 WSOP titles, including a coveted gold bracelet. What’s your mantra (strategy)?

“My strategy is just practice as much as possible, focus on every spot you encounter. I don’t really study much I just enjoy the game every time I play! Competitive nature for the win.”

Any players on the FT that intimidated you? 

“Obviously, I had to be worried about Connor Drinan because of his recent incredible run but I was feeling pretty confident at the time. Everyone was relatively short also so therefore wasn’t a huge edge by any means.”

How has the Coronavirus pandemic affected your life both personally and professionally? 

“It has affected everyone in different ways, I have been fortunate to be at home with family and it has been a nice few months spending time with them. I had to travel to Las Vegas to play these events but it turned out to be a good choice! I am excited for live poker to come back eventually.”

What is the first thing you bought or planned to buy with the prize money?

“Nothing in particular. I have a few investments and plan to improve my holdings. I bought my host a lot of beer and food that I’m staying with here to celebrate. I am not big on buying many things since I travel often, I have been using less material things. We will see in time.”

Tell us about that dance after the winning moment!

“It was spontaneous, I have enjoyed dancing and moving always. Never be embarrassed and just have a good time, that’s the fiesta mentality! It was a wonderful feeling when your final hand holds and it’s over after focusing for hours vs tough competition.”

For more updates on the ongoing WSOP Online series and similar interviews with bracelet winners, stay tuned to GutshotMagazine.com.

GGpoker slim GIF



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