The Bernard Lee Poker Show 11-27: 2019 LAPC $25K High Roller Champ Maria Ho

Bernard Lee Contributor

Mar 13, 2019

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In this episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show on the PokerNews Podcast Network, Bernard Lee interviews the recent Los Angeles Poker Classic $25,000 high roller winner Maria Ho. The 2018 Women Hall of Fame inductee discussed her recent victory that concluded on her birthday.

Maria is not only the last woman standing twice in the WSOP Main Event (2007, 2014), but also twice for the WSOP Europe Main Event (2011, 2017). In addition to her stellar performances on the felt which has earned her more than $3 million, Maria has also become a staple off the felt which include hosting and commentary duties. In 2009, she also appeared on Season 15 on the hit CBS show, Amazing Race.

Show Time Stamps

0:00	Welcome to another episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show.
0:28	The World Poker Tour resumed three final tables this week at the HyperX Esports Arena at the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tournaments that conclude this week are WPT L.A. Poker Classic (Monday), WPT Gardens Poker Championship (Tuesday), and WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open (Wednesday).
2:05	Maria Ho captures the 2019 LAPC $25,000 High Roller Event and is announced as the show’s guest this week.
3:33	There are two WSOP Circuit stops currently being played: Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles, California, and Harrah’s Atlantic City in New Jersey.
5:01	RunGood Gear Ad
5:44	Bernard welcomes Maria Ho to the show.
6:55	Maria joins the show.
7:41	Maria explains how important this big buy-in win was to her and her bankroll. “It definitely feels good. I think when I was younger it was more about the glory of winning a poker tournament, but we’re doing this for the money and it’s really important to take down a tournament because that makes up for the other times when you get knocked out or when you min-cash.” Maria also states, “The part of being the last person left in a tournament just never gets old.”
9:11	Maria discusses some factors on her recent run at the tables, including being a broadcaster.
11:53	Maria describes what an incredible present to win this event on her birthday.
13:49	Maria recalls how she got started playing poker in college at UC San Diego and eventually played at local Indian casinos. “It was just a hobby in college, but it just kept growing for me as a passion and I became more serious about it.”
15:30	Maria divulges that she primarily played in cash games before heading out to her first WSOP in 2005.
16:30	In 2006, Maria played in her first WSOP Main Event. Maria discusses the aspects that she learned from playing in this event. “You really have to pace yourself and you really have to set yourself to somewhat survive.”
18:54	Maria discusses the first time she was the Last Woman Standing in the WSOP Main Event in 2007.
21:56	Maria agrees with Bernard that once there are only a few tables left that you can all see, you feel the magnitude of your deep run in the WSOP Main Event. “It makes it so much more real and so much more plausible that you can actually win this tournament. When there are so many players left at the beginning stages, it just feels like a pipe dream to be able to take this down and kind of insurmountable.”
24:21	Maria gives advice to players who have never played in the WSOP Main Event before. “You have to be prepared for players of all skill levels.”
27:52	Maria gives advice to players who suddenly find themselves under the lights and in front of the cameras. “It is so important to maintain a level of focus and calm.”
29:32	Share My Pair Ad
30:05	Cabot Cheese/Creamery Ad
30:35	Bernard continues his interview with the 2019 LAPC $25,000 High Roller Champ, Maria Ho
31:59	Maria recalls her runner-up finish in the 2011 WSOP $5,000 no-limit bracelet event and discusses why she was so emotional afterward.
34:34	Maria discusses her induction into the Women’s Poker Hall of Fame last summer. “It was definitely by far the highlight of my poker career at this point.”
38:41	Maria describes her experience being part of the TV show Amazing Race and partnering with her good friend, Tiffany Michelle. “I don’t think I could have, or would have done Amazing Race with anyone other than Tiffany.”
41:27	Maria couldn’t imagine that her life would lead to poker full-time. “I always felt poker had an expiration date for me. It was something I loved doing, but I didn’t really think I would be doing it for very long.”
44:28	Maria recalls her disappointment finishing 6th in the 2017 WSOP Europe Main Event when she entered the six-person final table as the chip leader. “I got to say that one hurt a lot…It was tremendously disappointing, to say the least… There was a lot of reflection post final table.”
47:37	Bernard suggests to his listeners to watch Poker Central’s Pokerography on Maria.
48:07	Maria discusses how her parents now accept her poker vocation. “I would say that accepting is a good word. They still don’t encourage it on a regular basis. I know deep down inside they are proud of me.”
49:33	Maria describes her goals over the next 12 to 18 months including playing, commentary work, and hosting charity poker events.

Let us know what you think of the show - tweet about the podcast using #BernardLeePokerShow, and be sure to follow @BernardLeePoker on Twitter or Instagram.

You can follow Maria Ho on Twitter @MariaHo.

The Bernard Lee Poker Show is now available on iTunes.

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