I’ve arrived home a few days ago, and I can now enjoy poker in the comfort of my sofa again. I just moved in my flat in London and if feels so great to be back.

Our next trip will be the Barcelona EPT in late August. Last year this was teamrobusto’s first major trip meaning it’s now been a full year since we’ve been touring the poker circuit! Time for a bit of review!

Last year has its fair share of success. After a strong success story on the Intenete Arnaud and I decided It was time to travel and compete with the bests. One year later we proved that we can do better than hold our own in the Circuit. Here are a few facts from our first year touring,

• TeamRobusto travelled from the Bahamas all the way to India, passing by France, England, Germany, Ireland,  Spain, and the United State. Exciting… and exhausting!
• We recorded over $300,000 in live tournament winnings over the last 12 months, and over $150,000 online.
• Together we made 10 final tables, including 3 in over $5000 buy in tournaments. 

This year I want to do better, and enjoy it even more. Here are my resolutions for the coming year:

• Go to the Gym more often. Being in good shape is underrated. Poker is not so good for working out, yet energy and stamina are crucial to these week-long tournaments. That and looking like an athlete is good for table image… and off the table image :)I’ve started to go to the gym 3 times a week and feel so much healthier already.
• Play fewer but bigger events. The side events that accompany the main events are often crapshoots with really fast structure. I will play in them if I feel like it but make sure I don’t waste precious time or morale in them. Generally I will use a much more aggressive strategy from level 1 and go big or go broke.
• Visit and relax more. The places where poker tournaments are held usually are amazing destinations. With 12 hours long tournaments unless you bust early this doesn’t leave much room for tourism.  This year I will try to have a day off per trip at least and see what the place has to offer (unless I go to Tunica again… wow I do not recommend this place except for poker!
• Concentrate on the EPT. Having tried various tournament circuits last year (EPT EPM WPT WSOP and all kind of initials…) I have decided that the Thomas Kremser team and the tour created by John Duthie are the ones taking the best care of the players. I will give them most of my business. Very professional staff, great structure, decent rake and great payouts make for the best events in Europe. No question.
• Study more. With poker it was love at first sight.  I discovered it 3 years ago and was immediately hooked. I read all the books and brainstormed with Arnaud and everybody with great knowledge that I could find. Success was pretty instant and exponential from then on. Recently I think I’ve reached point where I was contempt with my game, and didn’t spend that much time working on my game anymore. As everyone keeps improving I feel my edge has diminished. It’s back to the studying room for CroqueMonsieur!

Ability might take you to the top but it’s Character that keeps you there” – John Wooden