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MEET THE 2011 NOVEMBER NINE: MARTIN STASZKO
Name: Martin StaszkoAge: 35
Hometown: Trinec -- CZECH REPUBLIC
Seat: 4
Years Attended WSOP: 1 (first year)
The afternoon after the November Nine was reached, each player sat for an interview with the WSOP’s Nolan Dalla. Below are excerpts from those conversations:
Question: Would you please tell us how to pronounce your last name?
Staszko: It's STAASH-KOH.
Question: Can you tell us about your background, aside from poker?
Staszko: I studied at the University in Ostrova, Czech Republic. Then, I spent three years working for an automotive company. It was a paint shop where cars are repaired.
Question: How did you first become interested in poker?
Staszko: I was watching television. I saw a European Poker Tour event on television. After that, I started to play poker online. It was only play money games. Then, I played in cash games later, after I learned more about how to play. I have been playing full-time for about three years now.
Question: How much money did you bring with you to Las Vegas to play in various events?
Staszko: $20,000.
Question: How many events did you play this year at the WSOP?
Staszko: I played in 15 events, including the Main Event. I cashed in five, now.
Question: There are many good players in the November Nine. Which one do you think is the greatest threat to you as the chip leader?
Staszko: This year, Ben Lamb had a great WSOP. I think I have to say Ben Lamb. But they are all going to be coming after me.
Question: You are the first player in history to make it to the final table from the Czech Republic. Does that make you proud?
Staszko: I am the first player to do this. I have many supporters back in my country. Many of them were watching the last few days on TV and following online. So, it's very good for our country and it's very good for poker where I am from.
Question: What do you expect to happen when you go back home? Will you become famous?
Staszko: Well, more famous than I was before (laughing).
Question: Poker is fun, or poker is business -- which is true for you if you can chose just one statement?
Staszko: It's difficult to say. It's business. But, it's also fun. For me, it's both.
Question: Right now, if you could somehow make a deal where you get to finish in second place, but not win -- would you take the deal?
Staszko: No, because I would not win. The gold bracelet is worth a lot more than the money. Even the ninth place is a lot of money. But there is only one bracelet.
