The Mechanics of Poker Podcast

Garrett Adelstein joins Mechanics of Poker to break down the mindset, risk tolerance, and obsession that helped him become one of live poker’s biggest winners. He reflects on going broke at 22, rebuilding with stricter guardrails, the edges that still matter in high-stakes live poker, and how perfectionism can be both a superpower and a liability. Garrett also opens up about the fallout from the infamous J4 hand and why, at the highest level, being technically good at poker is simply not enough.

Agustín went from 5NL to playing 40K NL - the biggest online cash games in the world - in six years. In this episode he breaks down how he game-selects, how he manages risk and bankroll on the way up, why he never let a downswing spiral, and the daily habits that built one of the fastest, steadiest rises we've covered on this podcast.

He Reached Financial Freedom And His Life Felt Over | Dirk "VeniVidi" Gerritse | EP73 Dirk "VeniVidi" Gerritse reached financial freedom at the end of 2022. No alarm. In bed until 11. No reason to get up. The months that followed were some of the unhappiest of his life. In this episode, Dirk breaks down what actually happens when the goal is reached, why poker identity becomes a liability when you step away, and how the EV mindset traps players long after the bankroll stops needing it. We also cover the elite PLO group he built his career with, how being cut out after retirement reignited his fire, the million dollar challenge, and the 2.7 million year that followed.

In Episode 72, our guest Felipe "Lipe Piv" Boianovsky talks about how he used GTO as a psychological defense for years, defaulting to solver-approved lines not to optimize play but to protect himself from judgment whenever exploits went wrong. What looks like discipline can be a performance leak. Felipe walks through how insecurity shows up in high-pressure spots, how working with performance coaches and Eastern philosophy gradually shifted his relationship with external approval, and why trusting body intelligence is not mysticism but the output of years of subconscious pattern recognition at the table. The conversation covers the mental mechanics of downswings, including the victimization cycle that makes bad runs worse, how to distinguish the raw emotion from the thinking that amplifies it, and what it means to play your real game when the pressure is on. Felipe also discusses his transition from cash games to MTTs, the specific ICM gaps that hurt cash players in tournament final tables, how he selects live stops by EV calculation, and preparation routines for long online sessions. The honest tension running through all of it: are you using theory to get better, or are you using it to feel safe?

In Episode 71 of the Mechanics of Poker Podcast, we sit down with Yoshi "Play4livin" Paco Nagaki to break down the part of high-stakes poker nobody warns you about, the moment the body sends the bill. Most players think the climb is the hard part. Yoshi disagrees. He believes the real test starts after you get there, when chronic stress, lost sleep, and a body that's quit on you force you to choose between grinding harder or actually living.

In Episode 70 of the Mechanics of Poker Podcast, we sit down with Andy “Bowie” Wilson to break down one of the toughest realities in poker, surviving massive downswings. Most players think the game is about talent. Andy disagrees. He believes the real edge comes from the willingness to get destroyed over and over again, and still show up the next day. From his early days to battling through a 1,000 buy-in downswing, Andy shares the psychological and financial pressure of high-stakes MTTs, and the “war mode” discipline required to compete at the highest level of online poker.

Nickolas Schuler is part of a new generation of high-stakes poker players who have risen quickly through the online ranks, building a career in one of the most competitive and psychologically demanding environments in modern games. At just 25 years old and only a few years into his professional career, his path has already included rapid success, brutal downswings, bankroll setbacks, and the kind of high-pressure decisions that define whether a player survives in high stakes or disappears.

In Episode 68 of the podcast, we sit down with Raúl Mestre, a pioneer of poker coaching and founder of EducaPoker, the platform that helped shape an entire generation of elite Spanish poker players. Over the past two decades, Mestre has played a central role in building one of the strongest poker ecosystems in the world. In this deep conversation, we explore how Spain quietly became one of the most dominant forces in modern poker and what it actually takes to develop world-class players. Mestre shares the story behind the early days of structured poker coaching, how collaborative learning environments accelerated the development of players like Adrián Mateos, Juan Pardo, and Sergi Reixach, and why community-driven study changed the trajectory of professional poker. We also dive into the evolution of poker strategy before and after the solver era, the balance between intuition and theory, and what separates good players from the elite in high-stakes competition. Mestre explains how analytical thinking became the backbone of modern training, why emotional control during downswings is one of the most underrated skills in poker, and how many talented players fail not because of strategy, but because of psychology. The conversation also covers Mestre’s own journey from high-stakes online grinder in the early EPT era to building one of the first large-scale poker coaching communities in the world. He reflects on the challenges of scaling EducaPoker, the responsibility of mentoring hundreds of players, and why helping others succeed ultimately became more meaningful than his own results at the tables.

In episode 68 of the podcast, we sit down with high-stakes tournament pro Sam Greenwood, creator of the popular Substack "Punt of the Day" where he publicly dissects his biggest mistakes. In this deep 3-hour conversation, we explore the evolution of poker strategy, the mental game of high-stakes competition, and the challenge of building a sustainable life around professional poker. We chat about why documenting mistakes is more valuable than celebrating wins, how the solver revolution transformed tournament strategy and separated natural skillsets, the reality of risk management and the costly lessons from COVID-era online poker, what separates elite players at Triton-level competition beyond pure theory, managing performance under pressure across grueling live poker stops, and redefining success from "best in the world" to sustainable excellence with family and balance.

In episode 66 of the MOPP we are joined by high-stakes online cash-game player Sergio, better known as Donk Orleone. In this episode we break down why modern poker players are over-complicating the game, hiding behind solvers, and losing touch with intuition, experience, and performance fundamentals. We chat about why poker is hard, but not complex in the way most players think, how solver obsession creates fear, ego, and bad decision-making, the real difference between theory and performance, why intuition, self-awareness, and simplicity matter more at high stakes and how downswings, ego, and mental game shape long-term success.

In episode 65 of the MOPP we chat with high-stakes MTT player Seth Davies to break down what it really takes to survive and thrive at the highest levels of poker. We talk about resilience, composure under pressure, winners tilt, physical training, solvers, lifestyle, and the hidden skills required to move from mid-stakes to high-stakes poker. Seth shares how his sports background shaped his mindset, why self-awareness matters more than most players think, and how elite players adapt in today’s high-roller environment. This is a deep conversation about performance, preparation, and staying calm when the stakes are highest. Enjoy!

In episode 64 of the MOPP, we chat with freshly crowned cash-game world champ Pedro "Biluzin" Toledo about his rise up the stakes and his epic performance that took down the championship

In episode 61 of the MOPP we chat with high-stakes MTT player Justin Saliba. Justin breaks down what it truly takes to perform at the highest levels of poker. We talk about “war mode,” the mental state he uses to lock in quickly, manage emotions, and stay sharp under pressure—especially in deep runs and seven-figure spots. Justin shares how fatigue exposes your natural tendencies, why recovery and structure matter, and how he balances technical study with peak performance.

In this third part of the The CGWC special, our 5 competitors dive deep into strategy, study habits, and what it really takes to improve at the highest levels. We cover breakthrough moments, the best and worst advice, common mistakes, evolving routines, and how to fix leaks effectively. You’ll also hear insights on misconceptions about professionals, balancing simple vs complex strategies, intuition vs data, and whether RNG truly matters.

In this second part of the The CGWC special, we continue chatting with five of the top competitors from the challenge. We cover the road that got them here. From the lowest points in poker to the confidence, motivation, and skills it takes to go compete in the cash-game world championship, this episode covers it all. We talk early challenges, big downswings, risk-taking, tournament vs. cash game dynamics, and how goals and fulfillment evolve over time. Packed with insights any aspiring or seasoned player can learn from.

In this special edition of The Mechanics of Poker Podcast, we sat down with five of the top competitors from the Cash-Game World Championship Mid-Stakes edition. Together we dive into the preparation, pressure, and mindset needed to battle through one of the toughest online arenas. From adapting to new formats, handling mistakes, and staying sharp in a reg-heavy field — to the routines, surprises, and lessons learned along the way — this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to compete at the highest level. Whether you’re grinding mid-stakes yourself, aiming to move up, or just want to learn from players who put it all on the line, this episode is packed with insights you can apply to your own game.

In episode 59 of the MOPP we sit down with live high-stakes NLH cash-game player Vlastimil Pustina for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the emotional and mental evolution required to thrive in high-stakes poker. Vlastimil opens up about his transformation from a carefree, party-fueled lifestyle to one grounded in self-awareness, intentional routines, and inner work. We explore how poker can act as a mirror for self-discovery, uncovering the roles of fear, perfectionism, and overstimulation in sabotaging performance. The discussion dives into the power of mindfulness, the importance of emotional regulation, and how understanding one’s inner critic and managing dopamine are critical for sustained growth. They also examine the differences between online and live play, how ADHD can be a strength when understood properly, and why recovery routines and setting boundaries are essential for long-term success. Whether you're looking to move up in stakes, improve your mindset, or simply reconnect with the love of the game, this episode offers a deeply human look at poker as a path to self-mastery.

In episode 58 we meet the man behind the dog avatar, high-stakes cash-game player Wouter "MMAsherdog" Beumers. Wouter shares his journey from crushing low stakes to navigating the complexities of high-stakes poker, revealing how understanding human behavior—rather than blindly following solver outputs—is the real key to success. We explore the balance between exploitative play and GTO, the importance of building creative strategies that boost EV, and how smart bankroll growth requires financial discipline, especially in the face of crypto hype and lifestyle inflation. We dive into the mindset needed to manage tilt, avoid burnout, and perform at your peak, while also unpacking what it takes to transition out of poker, launch new ventures like High Stakes Finance, and stay accountable in a results-driven environment. Whether you’re climbing the stakes or planning for life beyond the game, this episode is packed with wisdom on self-awareness, preparation, and long-term growth.

In episode 57 we chat with long-time MTT player Anton Wigg. Anton shares how his Waldorf education shaped his poker approach through systems thinking and first principles. He discusses using AI for learning, knowledge retention, and the future of poker with technology. We explore the links between fear, attention, purpose, and ethics in tech, emphasizing curiosity, communication, and emotional awareness. We discuss poker as both competition and entertainment, the importance of understanding people, and balancing intuition with logic. Anton also reflects on burnout, health, and nutrition as key to peak performance, highlighting the gut-brain connection and the power of mindset shifts. The episode concludes with lessons on courage, risk-taking, presence, and living authentically.

In episode 56 we chat with High-Stakes Mixed-Game specialist Benny Glaser. Benny opens up about his poker journey—from his early competitive drive to becoming one of the most accomplished mixed games players in the world. We dive deep into the mental game, the transition from online to live poker, strategic breakthroughs, and what it really takes to thrive in high-pressure environments like final tables and grinding series. Benny also explores the psychology of poker with insights from Adam Carmichael, shares his favorite formats like Badugi and Deuce to Seven Triple Draw, and reflects on how experimentation, emotional resilience, and narrative control shape long-term success. You don’t want to miss this one!