The Bernard Lee Poker Show 12-23: Kevin Maahs, Fifth in 2019 WSOP Main Event

Bernard Lee
Contributor
Guests:
Kevin Maahs
LibsyniTunesStitcherPodbeanPlayerFmTuneIn

In this episode of The Bernard Lee Poker Show on the PokerNews Podcast Network, Bernard Lee interviews 2019 World Series of Poker Main Event fifth-place finisher, Kevin Maahs. Kevin initially describes how he got started in poker.

Then, Kevin relives his incredible run in the 2019 WSOP Main Event, including his decision to buy directly into Day 2, an option that was introduced for the first time this past summer. Eventually, Kevin discusses his incredible run on Day 4 and eventually reaching the Main Event final table, resulting in his cash for $2.2 million.

Show Time Stamps

0:00Welcome to The Bernard Lee Poker Show as this week’s guest is 2019 WSOP Main Event 5th place finisher, Kevin Maahs.
1:09Thomas Alcorn captured the WSOP Circuit Main Event at Horseshoe Southern Indiana over a field of 357 entrants and took home $117,322.
2:00Calvin Snead beat 2004 WSOP Main Event champion Greg Raymer heads-up to win the HPT Meadows Main Event near Pittsburgh, PA and took home $61,080.
2:42Outlasting a field of 438 entrants, Mykel Comroe defeats popular WSOP Tournament Supervisor Dennis Jones heads-up at the RunGood Poker Series Main Event at Horseshoe Bossier City near Shreveport, Louisiana. For his efforts, Mykel takes home the RGG Poker Series championship ring and $48,110.
3:49Mike Postle has been accused of cheating during his multiple livestream appearances in which he has had unthinkable results at the Stones Casino near Sacramento, California.
5:42RunGood Gear Ad
6:25Bernard welcomes Kevin Maahs to the show.
7:13Kevin joins the show.
7:29Kevin explains that he is still in a little disbelief that this surreal run at 2019 WSOP Main Event really happened. “It still hasn’t really hit me that it actually happened. I wake up in the middle of the night and (I realize that) I’m a millionaire now. So that’s pretty cool. When the check hits your bank account, that’s when it becomes reality.”
9:17Kevin explains why he bought into the 2019 WSOP Main Event on Day 2. “It was a calculated decision…You can’t win the tournament any day prior to Day 10, so the more playing time you have, the more opportunity you have actually to lose the tournament. So, this year, I decided to buy straight into Day 2.”
15:11Kevin explains his situation at the end of Day 3 when the money bubble burst. “I was in a tough spot near the money bubble. I had a middling stack…My mindset around the money bubble. First and foremost, make the money.”
20:26Kevin describes his incredible Day 4 as he went from 123,000 to 2.596 million chips. “After the money bubble burst at the end of Day 3, now we’re freerolling.”
25:38Kevin explains his playing style is about adjusting to the specific situation. For the 2019 WSOP Main Event, Kevin really flew under the radar screen. “It’s part of my style. I’ll do whatever it takes to win. Any adjustments I need to make, let’s win”
28:58Advertisement
29:28Bernard continues his interview with Kevin Maahs, the 2019 WSOP Main Event 5th place finisher.
31:38Kevin discusses the strategy and comments regarding his tanking at the 2019 WSOP Main Event final table. “It was a calculated decision to take advantage of my nitty image.”
35:57Kevin was pleased about the day break prior to the 2019 WSOP Main Event final table. “The one-day rest was kind of nice in this event because I was playing for six straight days.”
38:17Kevin recalls how he felt entering the final table, as he didn’t feel nervous and didn’t feel the pressure. “I liked my sitting position, three seats to the right of (Hossain) Ensan.”
42:31Kevin recalls that the WSOP warned them that they may continue to play if seventh place was eliminated early, which Nick Marchington was (in 7th place).
46:32Kevin discusses his emotions and his raucous rail during the 2019 WSOP Main Event final table.
42:19Kevin discusses Day 1 of 2019 WSOP Main Event how they continued after eliminating three players quickly.
50:17Kevin discusses his final hand in 2019 WSOP Main Event, losing a flip to the eventual champion, Hossain Ensan when his ace-ten lost to pocket nines.
51:48Kevin discusses what he feels will be his future and feels fortunate that he had 99% of his action.

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 Kevin Maahs on Twitter @MaahsKevin.

The Bernard Lee Poker Show is now available on iTunes.

Share this article
Bernard Lee
Contributor

More Stories

Other Stories

Recommended for you
Bernard Lee Poker Show Celebrates 12 Years on the Radio Bernard Lee Poker Show Celebrates 12 Years on the Radio