Benjamin Pollak: the chosen one
After a hard-fought competition, Benjamin Pollak was finally chosen from among several formidable candidates to become Betclic’s poker room ambassador. Meet the player!
You’ve just been chosen by Betclic to be their new ambassador. How will this change your life as a player?
Even though I’ve been criss-crossing the international circuit for the last four years, the Betclic contract will enable me to approach these tournaments with less financial pressure. I’ll also be much more in demand from the specialist press and the media. It’s going to be a very rewarding adventure from a human point of view, alongside Fabrice Soulier, a player I really like, and from a professional point of view alongside the Betclic marketing team, who have already given me a very warm welcome.
What qualities do you think attracted the Betclic casting jury to choose you?
I think my regularity on the circuit gives me a certain legitimacy in the eyes of the community. Over the years, I’ve become just as comfortable in tournaments as I am in high stakes cash games, and in a variety of different game variants. It’s my versatility and durability in the game that also attracted Betclic. What’s more, in addition to being a sponsored player, I intend to put my 5 years’ experience to good use by their marketing team, advising them on the site’s poker offer and promotions.
Let’s take a look at your background. How long have you been playing poker? Do you remember your first game? Your first emotions?
I’ve been playing poker since 2006, and I remember the first time I set foot in a Parisian gaming club that same year. It was to play a daily tournament worth 30 euros with a friend who had brought me along. I was excited to be taking part in an “official” tournament with real dealers and real organization. It was a change from playing in the kitchen with friends. And ironically, I won,
400 euros I think. I think I was stung at the time!4/ What’s your best poker memory? Worst?
My best poker memory remains my victory in London at a Mix holdem/Omaha tournament. I beat Nicolas Chouity, recent winner of the EPT Monaco, and pocketed £50,000. The tournament required double variant skills, and I was very proud to win. A lot of French people were there to watch the final. Great memory.
My worst memory remains the 2010 WSOP Main Event bubble (a few places from the money) with AA.
 
Are you a regular at the Aviation Club de France? What does this place mean to you?
I played there for years. It’s a magnificent venue in the heart of the Champs Elysées. What fascinated me at the time was that, at the age of 25, I was playing with businessmen, lawyers, doctors, workers, executives, artists, comedians, other students and, of course, professional players. A cross-section of society at the poker table. I have very fond memories of it. Now that I live in London, I go there 4 or 5 times a year for special events like the WPT, but I’ve kept my habits there.
You’re tall, very strong and therefore physically imposing. Is this an asset when it comes to imposing your authority at the table?
My size and build can probably be intimidating, but I’ve got great arms, which are great for fetching chips.
Do you also play other variants such as Omaha? Do you ever get tired of playing Texas Holdem?
It’s not really that I’m bored, it’s more a question of arousing my curiosity and naturally moving towards a game that’s still under-exploited and where the edge can be greater. That’s why I’ve been turning to mix games for over a year now. A variant that includes games such as 2-7, O8 and various stud games. And it’s always interesting to start out in a new game, because you can see how quickly you can progress.
Which players do you admire?
Phil Ivey. He’s a versatile player who’s proved his worth both online and live, and in a wide range of variants. And all the while remaining discreet and respectful. A class act.
I once heard at a table that “you raise like Benjamin Pollak” (referring to a big raise). What do you think of this remark? Does it really characterize your game?
Funny remark, it’s the first time I’ve heard it. In any case, I must have marked this person’s mind on a big pot.
What do you think of the suspicions of cheating hanging over the final of the 2009 Partouche Poker Tour?
This is bound to damage the image of French and international poker. The pictures speak for themselves, and I think it’s a shame that he used cheating to get where he is, because he’s a very talented player. I’m both saddened and disappointed, because Jean Paul is a likeable player whom I appreciate in the poker world. I hope he can turn the corner and bounce back.
What’s on your agenda for the weeks and months ahead? What are your ambitions?
I’ll be taking part in the EPT in London, as well as the national WPT, before flying off to the last WPTs of the season in Venice, Barcelona and finally Cannes.
www.betclic.fr
Benjamin Pollak can be followed on Twitter
@PollakB
Interview by
Julien Tissot
[email protected]
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
