Brian Rast’s rise through the poker world has been nothing short of remarkable. From climbing the ladder to playing the highest stakes cash games to winning over $27,000,000 in tournament cashes, Rast’s career is a testament to patience, skill, and perseverance. He’s won three WSOP Player Championships, six WSOP bracelets, and earned the respect of his peers as one of the top cash game players globally.
Rast sat down for an interview where he reflected on his career and shared his thoughts on the key factors that shaped his success, particularly in his most recent deep run in the 2024 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 24th.
2024 WSOP Main Event Success: Patience Pays Off
Rast credits his recent success in the Main Event to a newfound patience in his approach. He’s played the WSOP Main Event for the past 18 years, but early in his career, he admits he didn’t always have the patience to play optimally. As a cash game player, he was used to more immediate action and wasn’t accustomed to the slower grind of a two-week tournament. But over the years, Rast learned the importance of patience, especially during the early stages of a tournament.
“I didn’t have the patience to come in and pick my spots,” he explained. “But now, I’m doing a lot of things post-flop and not forcing things preflop. I’ve had my deepest runs in recent years, including a 134th place finish in 2022 and a 24th place finish this year.”
This strategic shift in his approach has allowed him to make deep runs in the tournament and maintain his focus during long sessions without burning out.
Key Insights from Brian Rast’s Journey
Throughout the interview, Rast shared several key insights into his evolution as a player:
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Transitioning from Cash Games to MTTs: Rast discusses the challenges and differences between cash games and multi-table tournaments (MTTs), especially when it comes to adjusting to the slow pace of tournament play.
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The Evolution of Mixed-Game Skills: As one of the best in mixed games, Rast reflects on how his skills have evolved and how his understanding of various poker formats has grown over time.
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The Role of Hypnotherapy: Rast explains how hypnotherapy has helped him maintain mental clarity and focus during high-stakes poker sessions.
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The Big One for One Drop Hand vs. Sam Trickett: Rast talks about the memorable hand in the Big One for One Drop, offering insights into his thought process during the pivotal moment.
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Learning from Mentors and Friends: Rast highlights the importance of his close relationships with poker legends like Phil Laak and Antonio Esfandiari, along with the support of his wife, Juliana. He also credits the guidance of several mentors who helped him refine his game.
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Mindful Goals in an Already Legendary Career: Rast shares how he approaches his career with mindfulness and a focus on long-term growth, despite already having accomplished so much.
Reflections on the Poker World
Rast also offers reflections on some of the most influential figures in poker, particularly the late Doyle Brunson, and how the poker community has shaped his journey. He delves into his experience playing in Bobby’s Room, where he learned to exploit some of the world’s best players.
Additionally, Rast shares his thoughts on cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, both of which he has taken an interest in over the years. He discusses the potential future of cryptocurrency and its impact on the world.
If you want to hear more about Rast’s career, including his experience in Bobby’s Room, his perspective on the future of poker, and his thoughts on life outside of poker, check out the full interview. You can also listen on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
The interview provides a wealth of insight into one of the most successful and thoughtful players in the game, offering a glimpse into the mind of someone who has earned his place among the best poker players in history.
If you’re a fan of poker podcasts, don’t forget to check out other episodes, including the latest conversation with Daniel Negreanu, who is never short on entertaining stories and insights.
