Interview with Ray Henson
Ray Henson currently sits 22nd in all-time earnings for the state of Texas. With 2.7 Million in earnings and 5 WSOP Circuit rings, Henson has been a well known player representing Houston Tx. for nearly 20 years. PokerNews was able to chat with Henson about Lone Star Poker Series and what it means to have an event like this in his city.
When did you first start playing poker?
Henson: "I first started playing for a living when I was 21 years old. I was managing a Foot Locker store and playing poker after work. I was dealing some and making more at poker than at my job. I always said I'd go back to work when the money ran out and luckily it never did. 1999 was when I was mixing it up with poker and my job."
How long have you lived in Texas?
Henson: "Born and raised in the Houston area. I moved away around 2004 for several years but moved back when I started having kids. I always wanted to raise my family in this part of the country."
Before COVID-19, how often were to traveling to play poker?
Henson: "I'd travel at least once a month. I attend every RunGood poker stop and mix in other events around the world. I was in Aruba and San Diego just before everything went down."
Did you have any part in bringing Lone Star Poker Series to Houston?
Henson: "This event was all Kim Stone, Justin Hammer, and Brent Pollack. I often get asked by rooms around the state, to represent their brand or sign off on their event. This is my first time partnering with an event like this in Houston. With a team like Stone, Hammer, and Pollack, I knew this would be professionally run and something I could trust. While I had no part in creating it, I'm happy to be here attending and doing what I can to support the event."
What does an event like this mean for the Houston Poker Community?
Henson: "I think this is gonna be big. Having PokerNews here means this event will be seen by people all over the country. I obviously have friends in every major city and I have friends texting me that they can't wait to come to the next one. I have a friend in Kansas City who saw the Day 1 turnout and booked his flight today to come out for the Main Event. This is gonna put Houston on the map. Having something professionally run, bringing in a professional crew, this is gonna build a ton of confidence. This will grow Houston poker a lot."
What do you think about Lone Star Poker Series so far?
Henson: "The numbers are crushing and will continue to do so all week. This is how poker in Houston should be run. I envision this sorta event happening 2-3 times a year."
Lone Star Poker Series runs through Sunday, November 1st. If you are looking to come out and play, join the Lone Star Poker Series Facebook group for all of the up to date information.
If you are coming in from out of town, LSPS has partnered with Aloft Galleria to offer a discounted room rate for the poker community. Rates start at $68 nightly just 2 miles down Westheimer Rd. from Prime Social. Call Aloft and mention "Lone Star Poker Series" to access the discounted rates. - 713-622-7010