Generation Next -- Andrew Feldman

North Londoner Andrew Feldman found poker while still in school and very soon it took him over. The happy-go-lucky youngster has a passion for the game which, when he speaks, becomes totally contagious. Not just another cocky online teen, Feldman shows modest ambition for the future, awareness of areas to steer his game clear of, and respect for his peers. Now that he is old enough to play in Vegas, and has just become a red pro at Full Tilt, there appears to be no stopping Feldman as he takes on the world.

Rebecca McAdam: Can you tell me about your background and how you got into playing poker?

Andrew Feldman: I got into poker through my older brother when I was 17-years-old. I would hear my brother play from his room trying to qualify for satellites for poker cruises, and when I saw how lucrative poker could be I decided to give it a go on my 18th birthday — I deposited £10 onto a poker site and have never looked back since.

I was studying my A-levels in English, Media, and Economics, but to be honest, when I found my love for poker I was very worried how I would be able to complete my second year of A Levels, and would occasionally bunk lessons and end up at my local Internet cafe trying to build my profile, and widen my knowledge of the game.

Money-wise, I did a paper round that I had been doing on a Thursday to Friday for five years and I also had some part time work at Tescos and Sainsburys, but as I began to play poker more and more, I gave that up, and don’t think I will be stacking shelves in supermarkets again.

RM: How did you discipline yourself to build your bankroll from playing $1 sit ‘n’ go tournaments?

AF: It was tough, I won’t lie. My parents wanted me to complete my A Levels and not let poker get in the way, and when they found out I had been winning, all they wanted me to do was withdraw the money to my bank, otherwise they thought I would lose it. And they were right — within six months I had lost my whole bankroll, which at that time was over $100,000, in the space of two days from going on tilt and playing way above my bankroll.

Fortunately I managed to find £100 left in an old account from rake back, and I went to an Internet cafe, where I played £5 sit ‘n’ gos and managed to turn it into £1,000 by the end of the day, £10,000 by the end of the week, and £30,000 by the end of the month. When my parents found out, they made me put £25,000 locked away in the bank ready for my 21st birthday and said the remainder was up to me. With that £5,000 I got to where I am today but the difference was I was withdrawing on a regular basis. The real key for me was knowing my opponents and good game selection — in poker you have to give yourself an edge — I’m there to win money.

RM: How do your parents feel about it now?

AF: As my bankroll increased I started buying things, and eventually paid off my parents mortgage. So I guess you can say they are quite happy I took up poker and are just hoping that I can invest my money and time into things outside poker and begin to have a balance in life.

RM: What levels and games do you play now?

AF: Heads up 10/20 and 50/100, sometimes 200/400. I have my own table at Full Tilt — come and find me.

RM: How did you get your sponsorship?

AF: Well I wanted to play the big Full Tilt cash game at the first World Series of Poker Europe. Richard Bitar tried to squeeze me in, however it didn’t happen. From there we met a few times at other events, so we stayed in touch. I tried to get into another game at the Aussie Millions, I failed again! It was then I thought to myself, “The only way I’m gonna get in these games is to become a Full Tilt player.” (laughs) I’m joking. No seriously, when I first got into poker I would always say to myself it would be a dream to be a red pro. I’m a big fan of the software too and naturally it’s where you find the big cash games. I contacted Check Raise Management and they helped square everything off for me, and here I am today.

RM: What was the biggest pot you have ever won in a cash game online/live?

AF: I have been involved in several huge pots; one was in the region of $350,000.

RM: Tell me about your experience in the Poker Den?

AF: It was a good experience, but as you’ll notice I was very tired — I actually fell asleep during a hand. I got beaten about a bit, but I kept cool and focused, and thankfully I ended up showing the biggest profit.

RM: Who was your toughest opponent?

AF: Robert Williamson III — he is such a great all-rounder, he can lay the big hands down and apply the pressure on weak plays.

RM: Do you prefer online/live now?

AF: Online is where I make my living, so naturally online.

RM: What was your most satisfying result to date?

AF: I would have to say winning the U.K. Open. It made an impact on raising my profile. I have had some deep finishes in the Aussie Millions and EPT Prague more recently, but for me a miss is as good as a mile, I always want to win.

RM: If you could name one player you look up to, who would it be?

AF: I really love the old school players, Stu Ungar was an absolute genius. No one could get close to him when he was at his peak. Doyle Brunson continues to show us youngsters how it’s done, he plays the big cash games and travels around the world — it demonstrates how much he loves the game.

RM: What is next on your poker agenda now that you are sponsored by Full Tilt?

AF: I am looking forward to getting involved in the Full Tilt cash games. I love discussing poker and strategy with players of all levels. I am looking forward to working within the Full Tilt academy too.

RM: What do you hope for now in poker?

AF: I want to win a bracelet this year and take down some big major events. Now I am 21 I can head out to Vegas, so I plan to play all the big buy-in hold’em events.

RM: What is the best lesson you have learned so far?

AF: Bankroll managment — play within your means. It’s the most important thing in poker. It really can make you or break you — ask Chris Ferguson (laughs).