159 – Martin Jacobson – All In: The High Stakes of Building a Poker Career

Summary:

Martin Jacobson, from Stockholm, has made a significant mark in the poker world. He started playing poker at 18 and went on to win the WSOP Main Event in 2014, with a prize of $10 million. Recognized for his talent, in February 2015, he was honored as Player of the Year by ‘Poker.se’, a title held by notable players like Viktor Blom and Chris Bjorin.

In 2017, Jacobson further cemented his status in the poker community by becoming a brand ambassador for 888poker. As of 2021, his live tournament winnings have surpassed $17 million, with 39 cash finishes in World Series events totaling $12.150 million. Now residing in London, he balances his poker career with a focus on fitness, coaching, and cooking, advocating for a lifestyle that prioritizes happiness and personal fulfillment.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:54 Starting in culinary school, serving in the military, falling for poker, dominating friends, and turning early online plays into profit.
• 02:46 Landing a WSOP seat, jetting off to Vegas alone, turning 21 years old, and exiting the tournament after the third hand.
• 05:45 Winning a WSOP spot, facing an early knockout as the first to leave, marking a pivotal challenge, yet finding resilience and lasting friendships in Vegas, reinforcing a commitment to mastering poker.
• 08:49 Approaching the first tournament with meticulous prep, transitioning to a pro poker career, and constantly seeking an edge for optimal performance, focusing on controllable factors over luck.
• 10:34 Facing the mental challenges as a pro poker player, emphasizing execution during tough times, adopting a routine of light exercise and meditation for balance, and conserving energy for intense play.
• 13:40 Acknowledging the need for balance in training, recognizing the energy demands of a full-time job, and valuing recovery as essential, especially when preparing for intense poker sessions or tournaments.
• 16:10 Considering leaving poker, first thought in 2013, struggling with the identity tied to a lifelong career and searching for where poker-honed skills can be impactful elsewhere.
• 17:59 Intrigued by the startup world, particularly businesses with purposeful, impactful solutions, considering a shift towards an entrepreneurial or advisory role, craving teamwork to offset poker’s solitary nature.
• 21:54 Starting poker coaching during COVID, discovering a love for the social element, co-creating a concise, impactful course, and offering personalized, efficient learning and support.
• 28:05 Utilizing a mindset coach skilled in professional sports to master focus and process

Wrap up—Thanks For Checking Out This Episode Of The Mindset Advantage Podcast!

Key Learning Points: 

1. Preparation is paramount
2. Resilience defines success
3. Growth is a constant pursuit

Contact/Resources

Martins’s website: http://martinjacobson.pro/

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