The Poker World Reflects and Gives Thanks
With Thanksgiving on Thursday in the United States, this week becomes an opportune time to reflect on the past year and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives on and off the felt.
As for me, I am first and foremost extremely thankful for my family (my wife of over twenty years, two wonderful children, and a spirited puppy as well). Without their love and support, I wouldn't be able to travel all over the world and play and report on the game that I truly love.
Additionally, I am thankful for a successful year off and on the felt. First, I'm truly humbled by all of the loyal PokerNews and ESPN readers of my columns and listeners to my podcast, celebrating its 11th year.
Playing-wise, I'm blessed for a solid year that includes three titles, including my second World Series of Poker Circuit ring. This success wouldn't have been possible without the ability to talk poker strategy regularly with so many friends in the world of poker including Blair Hinkle, Adam Owen, Jason Mercier, Justin Gardenhire, Shannon Shorr, and Doug Carli, just to name a few.
Other people in the poker world are also thankful for the support of their family and friends.
Joe Cada
I'm thankful for having such amazing friends and family who have always supported me and will always be there for me.
During the [2018] WSOP Main Event, I was thankful that the timing was perfect that they came to watch me play at the final table. While it didn't work out for me there, I was thankful that they were already in town to watch me win my fourth bracelet in The Closer.
Jason Mercier
I'm thankful for my amazing wife and my son. I'm thankful I get to spend every day with them while I watch my son grow up. It's truly a blessing to see him learn new things every day.
Matt Savage
I just turned 50 on November 5th and I have much to be thankful for.
My father passed away September 22nd and I was able to spend time with him until the end. He continues to teach me about being a better husband and father. I hope I can become the man he was."
I am very thankful for my wonderful wife and amazing children. Also, my WPT Family and last, but not least, the players that have been so supportive in making my career what it is today.
Additionally, some players are thankful for the support and learnings that their poker friends have given to them on the felt that have translated into significant results.
Jack Sinclair
I am very thankful for all of my poker friends who I'm able to talk with on a daily basis.
These discussions help continually transform my game on a daily basis. Players like Igor Kurganov, Thomas Muehloecker, Mustapha Kanit, and Gianluca Speranza to name a few.
But, I want to especially thank Philipp Gruissem and Anton Morgenstern, who both helped establish my true poker foundation in tournament poker and helped me develop my online and live games, respectively. Without their help, I wouldn't have been able to perform to my best ability.
Josh Reichard
I so thankful for the support of my family, especially my wife. But also, I'm thankful for having a good group of poker minds that all have different styles and perspectives and be able to bounce ideas off of them regularly. These players include fellow WSOP Circuit ring winners Mark Fink (4), Chris Conrad (2), and Mo Nuwwarah (1).
Of course, there are people who are thankful they are able to make a living in the poker industry.
David Tuchman
I am thankful for my wife and two boys and the time a get to spend with them. Additionally, I feel truly blessed to cover this wonderful game.
The game of poker has not only afforded me the time to spend with my family, but has also enabled me to meet so many unique individuals, even away from the poker table. I have been able to travel to numerous countries and have seen the world through different people's eyes, which has truly broadened my perspective on life. I feel I am beyond lucky and am very thankful for the game of poker.
Kelly Minkin
I'm thankful for the opportunity to make money playing a game and the ability to put a smile on my opponent's faces while I do it.
Tana Karn
I am thankful for many things in my life. Family and poker friends are at the top.
I feel truly blessed to be in the poker industry with the support of my family and friends.
Family is incredibly important to me... unless we're playing a game, then it's every person for themselves [laughs]!
Others have been thankful for changing their lifestyle for self-improvement or just being present with their bodies and mind.
Scott Blumstein
I'm thankful for the usual — family, friends, and sports. But also, thankful for finally making the needed changes this year to my diet in order to truly seek happiness.
I'm thankful for basketball for giving me a fun way to exercise. I'm thankful for anyone working to better themselves and I'm forever thankful to the deuce of hearts.
Sarah Herring
I love Thanksgiving. I love to cook. I love to be around family and mostly I love how it creates a space for people to acknowledge all that they are grateful for. I'm so grateful for many things that are dear to me such as God, my husband, my family, my friends and my job.
But recently, an incident made me so thankful for my body and my mind. A couple weeks ago, I had a tire blow out on the freeway in the rain and it was a terrifying reminder of how everything can shift in one second and you cannot stop it. I was moving cities and racing to meet the movers and suddenly I was just stopped. I was so stressed the weeks leading up to the accident and then I had a moment where I could have died.
When I was waiting on the side of the highway for the trooper, my hands were shaking and I swear I could hear my heart beating. When I was talking to police, I couldn't figure out where I was or find my phone or any number of things because I was so shaken up. Once I pulled myself together, I remembered how wonderful it is to breathe, to walk, to speak. I realized how lucky I am to be conscious and alive.
And finally, the player that might have the most to be thankful for in the world of poker…
John Cynn
"I'm thankful for everything... so many things have gone well in my life, especially this year, but I know it wouldn't have happened without the struggles, the failures and the low points of my life.
I'm grateful for being able to wake up every day and to be able to breathe, walk around, see and touch things because, in the end, all of those things we take for granted is absolutely insane how it's even possible.
As these sentiments well illustrate, even though poker is a game played by individuals, being part of a larger group of supporters is often crucial to improving and succeeding. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Top photo: "Thanksgiving table," vxla, CC BY 2.0.
