On top of my game

Brandon Cantu won a $10,000 WPT main event in March, and during last year's series survived a field of 2,776 to win a bracelet. So perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise to see Cantu still around in the main event of the World Series of Poker, which of course has a big buyin and an enormous field. Cantu entered today with a slighly above average chip stack, but has surged to the top. CardPlayer caught up with Cantu during the dinner break and asked him about the day so far and what he expects at his new table, which has two big stacks in Gert Andersen and David Rheem and Mike Matusow as well.

Sharad Mattu: You've gone from three to 11 million chips in three levels today. What has happened for you to be able to do that?

Brandon Cantu: It's just been a really good day. I feel like I'm playing really well. I feel I have everything under control and that it can continue to be that way.

SM: At your new table you have two of the bigger stacks to your left. What effect will that have on how you play?

BC: Yeah I just got moved to Mike's table. I'm not sure as yet but I think this is going to be a pretty tough table. I need some more time to see what I'm up against. I only got to play a few hands and now we're on a long break. I don't know what's going on over here yet.

SM: You have experience with tournaments with big buyins and big fields. Do you think that helps a lot?

BC: I know that it's an edge I have that only a few of the others have. To have been in this type of situation and to know what it's like helps. There's a long way to go but I'm really focused and ready to go.

I just feel like I'm on top of my game right now. I feel like I'm absolutely playing the best poker I can.

CardPlayer's live player database — Brandon Cantu

CardPlayer TV — High Stakes Living with Brandon Cantu