Interview with a Champion
May 6, 2008
Ed Hattori winner of the Conrad Open in Punte del Este Uraguay. He was the winner of the largest South American poker event. I was pleased to have the luxury of getting this interview.
Why do you go to South America to play poker?
I studied Spanish in school and wanted a chance to practice
it and to hear it daily. Came into poker by accident by being
in Paraguay on a tour and the local casino had a mini-tournament
for only $5 satellites and got hooked.
So How long have you played poker?
Only 2 yrs. Started in the old casino ‘Yacht’ in
Paraguay
How did you get into the big event?
I won a mini-tournament at Mantra casino in Uruguay for $3,000 and
took a ‘shot’ at the big money.
What did you think about the competition at the event?
Players like to gamble. Risk taking is necessary.
Did you have any big hands that changed the competition for
you during the tournament.
Yes, 2 big, big hands. On bubble(2) final 2 tables a solid player from Argentina
moved-in. The blinds were high and I needed to gamble with A-Qoff. He had
A-K and on the flop I paired my Queen and it was over for him. This hand
took me into the final table. And the last hand of the tournament ,again I
had to break A-K. Marcello from Brazil(another solid player) moved-in with A-K.
I only had A-4 suited but it’s a big hand heads-up.
I paired the ‘4’ on the turn and the A-K did not improve.
How did it feel to win?
First feeling was both joy and sorrow. I had to ‘suck-out’ against a very
good player. He had to come from behind to make the final 20.
It was a long 2 days. About 35 blind levels!
What have you been doing since your big win at the Conrad?
I am getting ready for the World Series of Poker and playing in many
mini-tournaments to get ready for the tough grind. Also playing in as
many online and live tournaments.
What do you think about the Casino and the poker tournaments
held there?
The casino is run by Harrah’s and the staff are very well trained. Very
professional. Great food and buffet with fast drink service. The rooms
are great with special room rated for players. Simply one of the
best Casino’s in South America.
What do you think of the Brazilian Players?
Aggressive, dangerous and big risk takers. This is good for tournaments.
The final table had 5 players from Brazil.
Where do you plan to play events in South America this year
and let me know some of the events you have competed in up to
now?
I think I’ll stick with Conrad and Mantra. Uruguay has the
best tournaments. Also in Corrientes Argentina and in Paraguay.
What are you plans for the future?
. Can you believe this?
I’ve never played poker in Las Vegas!!
I like to give the WSOP Seniors Event a try for $1,000 entry fee
and maybe a satellite. The Seniors Event is the 2nd biggest in the
world next to the Main Event. Last year 2007 they had 1,800 players.
This year they are expecting at least 2,200.
How has your game progressed?
I like to study books by David Sklansky. His tournament book is the best.
After the Conrad win my game moved up a level. Final table pressure.
What are you working on right now?
I like ‘Omaha’ poker and also the ‘hi-lo’ games. But it takes time to
be a well rounded player. Also Omaha is not a popular game outside
of Europe.
What advice would you give new Brazilians about the game?
Play in many ‘live’ tournaments. Online is great as well. The rule
Play better players if you want to get better.
How important is it to start with an edge in any game?
This is difficult for the beginner. Play in many mini tournaments
and get experience.
What do you enjoy most about playing poker in South
America?
I enjoy playing with the top players in Uruguay and Paraguay
there is a point system in both countries and I can see how
the best play and sometimes learn from them.
Closing thoughts.
South America has many good players in Paraguay, Argentina
Brazil and Uruguay so I hope one of these players can win
in Dec. 2008.
