Shana Hiatt: Host of the World Poker Tour
By Linda Johnson

Editor's note: This is the first of a series of three exclusive interviews that Linda Johnson has done with World Poker Tour personalities. In upcoming issues of Card Player, look for exclusive interviews with World Poker Tour commentators Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten.

If you have watched the World Poker Tour on television, you have seen the lovely host of the show, Shana Hiatt. Shana introduces both novice and experienced players to the excitement of the World Poker Tour. With her fresh perspective and sense of enthusiasm, Shana invites viewers to experience the exotic locales and emotional extremes of high-stakes tournament poker.

With an irresistible combination of beauty and brains, popular model-turned-actress Shana Hiatt is a star on the rise. A talented actress and dancer, Shana appeared on television and in films prior to landing the coveted role as host of the World Poker Tour. Let's get acquainted with her.

Linda Johnson: Shana, please tell us a little bit about your background.

Shana Hiatt: I was born and raised, along with my younger brother, on the East Coast, where I attended Burlington County College in New Jersey. I began modeling at the age of 18 and have had numerous opportunities to travel to many parts of the world through my modeling and acting career. Now I am 28 years old and am married to James Van Patten, Vince's brother. We live in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles with our two dogs, a Chihuahua named GooGoo and a cockapoo named Tyler, and a Siamese cat we call Gemini.

LJ: What are your hobbies when you're not hosting the WPT or modeling?

SH: I enjoy being active! I'll go for a run, do yoga, ride my bike, walk my dogs, or play softball with my friends.

LJ: How did you get involved with the World Poker Tour?

SH: I was one of many hopefuls to audition for the WPT producers. It was a fun experience, because poker was so new to me. My husband plays and I was thrilled to get the job so that I could learn more about the game.

LJ: What has been the most exciting moment in your career, other than your experience with the WPT?

SH: I told myself as a little girl that I would someday go to Africa. My dream came true last year when I had the opportunity to go to South Africa with E! Wild on Africa. I was a guest host on the show, and as such, I had many incredible experiences. I flew in an English fighter jet, was inches away from a great white shark off the coast of Cape Town, and stayed at the beautiful Mala Mala game reserve. The experience exceeded my wildest dreams!

LJ: Describe your position with the WPT.

SH: As the host of the WPT, I take the viewers on a joyride through poker. I tour the destination, the casino, and its surrounding areas. During the tournaments, I interview the players and their families to provide a broader perspective on their personalities and backgrounds. I want to show the home viewer how accessible the poker world is. I also host the "Poker Corner" segment, which provides an in-depth look at different aspects of poker each week.

LJ: What is your favorite part of your job with the WPT?

SH: There are many things I love about it, but my favorite part is traveling to so many beautiful locations, including Paris, Aruba, Costa Rica, and the many casinos in the United States. Costa Rica offered the most diverse scenery of all of the locations we visited with its rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and a live volcano.

LJ: What was your favorite location during the first season of the WPT?

SH: Let's see … I'd have to say Costa Rica for the coffee, Paris for the wine, Aruba for the beautiful water and beaches, and the PartyPoker cruise for the party!

LJ: What do you think it takes to be a good poker player?

SH: Poker is a game of skill and luck. I am extremely impressed with the focus and determination the players display during these tournaments. Other than that, I am not sure that there is any rule of thumb for what makes a good poker player. Our players are men and women of all ages and diverse nationalities. I have seen a conservative 61-year-old grandmother compete against a 21-year-old man whose poker playing was inspired by the movie Rounders. At the WPT Championship, Kirill Gerasimov, with only 18 months of experience, wound up heads up against experienced Alan Goehring. I think that is what makes this game so exciting: Anyone who is a dedicated player and is willing to take risks has a chance to win.

LJ: Who are some of your favorite poker players?

SH: Now you're trying to get me in trouble. I can't be partial. I love them all.

LJ: Have you ever played poker yourself?

SH: I have played a couple of times since I started the show, and I have to admit, it is very exciting. The rush you feel when you know you have them beat … it's enough to make you want to quit your job and play poker for a living!

LJ: What was the most memorable aspect of the first season for you?

SH: The first season of the World Poker Tour was special for me because of the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people who truly love the game. Steve Lipscomb, CEO of the World Poker Tour, is dedicated to the show and to bringing poker to the TV audience. He has created this unique opportunity for everyone. Mike is incredible with his in-depth knowledge and long dedication to the game. Vince is the perfect complement to Mike; he has such a knack for bringing humor to the commentary. And, of course, the players are amazing. It has been my good fortune to have met so many interesting and talented people.

LJ: Shana, I have seen you do retake after retake, and you never seem to get tired or annoyed. You always have a big smile on your face, and you make everyone around you feel special. I look forward to working with you again during the second season of the WPT.