Talk about a poker young gun, Jeff Madsen came out firing from the get go. At such a young age, this poker madman already has two WSOP bracelets! Everyone should be keeping an eye on this professional.
I recently got to ask Jeff a few questions about all kinds of good stuff. Here is the interview:
RockStar Holdem: In 2006 you became the youngest player to win a WSOP bracelet at 21 years and five weeks old when you took home $2000 No Limit Hold’em title, and then shortly after won the $5000 No Limit Hold’em Shorthanded event. What was it like to be so young and accomplish something so magnificent?
Jeff Madsen: It is really a surreal thing to think about. When something like that is happening to you, you can’t really grasp the enormity of it until much later. I am very lucky that I was able to harness all my luck and skill so early to be able to set a poker record.
RH: After you collected all of that prize money, did you splurge on any crazy big ticket items?
JM: I definitely splurged a bit on the standard stuff: clothes, food, clubbing. Since then I have a house and a nice car, which are really the big ticket items that are the most important in my life. furniture/art are things I have spent some money on. Really my bankroll would be fine if I didn’t do a lot of non-poker gambling with the winnings, but losing money is all part of the learning experience!
RH: Having had so much success early in your career, do you ever feel pressure to live up to the expectations that come along with winning two WSOP bracelets?
JM: Of course. Anyone would, whether they would like to admit it or not. Finally, this year I am worrying about pressure and expectations less and just playing my game.
RH: You began playing poker while you were attending college in California. When did you realize that you had the skills to become a professional poker player?
JM: I always knew from the beginning that poker was something I was good at, because I’ve always been into strategy type games, video games, etc, and always excelled at them. But you don’t think about becoming a real “professional” until you make enough money to live the lifestyle of a professional.
RH: You are obviously very skilled in several variations of poker. Which form do you feel is your strongest? Which do you find most enjoyable?
JM: No-Limit Hold-em is the obvious choice as my strongest, but I wouldn’t say I’m much weaker at any of the other games, I just play hold-em more. Sometimes when you play hold-em so much, playing HORSE can be enjoyable because there is a constant variety and shuffle of games. So it depends. I just enjoy poker tournaments in general.
RH: What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of being a professional poker player?
JM: Probably just having to deal with the swings of the profession, and coming to terms with the idea that you could go a whole year and be losing money. It can be difficult to adjust to the lifestyle, even if it is really fun most of the time.
RH: You have mentioned that when you first started honing your poker abilities, you read several books on the subject. Can you share any titles that you found to be very helpful?
JM: I just read some standard books, Doyle, Hellmuth. Right before the series I was reading Dan Harrington’s books.
RH: You are known to be very good at reading people at the table. Is this something that just happened all at once, or did you slowly get better and better the more you played?
JM: Any aspect of poker will improve the more you play. Certain people are better at certain parts of the game, but obviously if you get more experience, you better be improving. Or you better quit.
RH: What advice do you have for other young poker players that dream of following in your footsteps to great poker success?
JM: Make sure you have other interests so you don’t go crazy when poker isn’t going swimmingly for you. Learn good bankroll management. Never think you’re better than you really are. Have confidence, not ego.
RH: Here at RockStar Hold’em we are all huge music fans. What bands would we find on Jeff Madsen’s iPod playlist?
JM: Well I like all kinds of music, but if you are asking me about my Ipod, I wouldn’t start by mentioning a band. It would probably be Jay-Z, Eminem, Aesop Rock, RJD2. Stuff Like that. Fo Sho.
RH: Thank you very much for you time Jeff, and good luck at the tables!
