Former WSOP Novermber Niner Sam Holden
“Semi-Retires” From Poker, Leaves 888
Focusing on philosophy degree.
With his shock of curly red locks and boyish looks, poker player Sam Holden stormed onto the international poker stage with his 9th place finish in the 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event (the one that Pius Heinz won). He followed that up with a super deep run the following year, finishing 55th in the Main Event, helping him secure a position as a full time 888poker sponsored pro. This weekend, Holden announced, via his blog on the 888poker website, that he had “lost a lot of drive to play poker” and was stepping away from the game in “semi-retirement” to focus on a philosophy degree from the University of Kent.
Holden, who as racked up more than 1.1 million in live tournament earnings since 2010, will not be altogether absent, as he’s planning on playing the “odd live tournament” but now it will be without the responsibility that comes with being sponsored. The opportunities afforded Sam are not lost on him.
I’ve spent four incredible years playing poker full time and I never dreamt that my favourite card game could give me so many opportunities and experiences. Being able to travel the world, record television programmes, meet people from every corner of the globe and enjoy some of the best restaurants and clubs, all while earning money playing a game, is a privilege not lost on me, and a journey that has taught me a lot.
Holden started his poker career, not really sure what he wanted to do with his life at the time and he found the life of a pro player appealing. But nowadays, he’s not as concerned with financial security and in the long run he’d “never really seen poker as a long term option.” Additionally, Holden found that the “baller” lifestyle may have been a little lost on him.
he fancy clubs, restaurants and hotels were a lot of fun but I realised quickly that the things that matter most to me, are the relationships with my friends. Their company and intelligence, their insight and their humour. The truth is that I couldn’t really care less where we go, as long as the company is good. A cheap pub will do just fine.
In the end, Holden is just looking to improv himself as a person and his life in general and, for him, he feels that another field, perhaps academia, he can find a passion in while being able to make a difference.
For Holden’s entire statement and to read more of what’s next, check out his 'resignation post’ over at 888.
Read More: Former WSOP November Niner Filippo Candio Calls It Quits, Retiring From Poker
Watch ElkY Play an MTT Blind on GGPoker
After losing the prop bet against Fedor Holz, ElkY will be fulfilling his punishment live on his Twitch channel later today.
GGPoker Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Prize Pool For An Online Poker Tournament
As perhaps the cherry on the top of its wildly successful summer hosting the first-ever World Series of Poker Online Series open to international players, GGPoker has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the largest prize pool for an online poker tournament.
Phil Ivey Makes His Affiliation With Online Poker Site Official
Phil Ivey, one of the most successful poker players in the world, has come out publicly to announce his affiliation with the online poker room Poker King.
Check Out PokerStars' New Throwable Item "Card Deck"
The list of items that you can virtually throw on PokerStars is growing every week.
Isaac Haxton Compares PokerStars and partypoker on the Weekly Poker Showdown
High stakes poker pro and partypoker ambassador, Isaac “Ike” Haxton is the latest guest on the Weekly Poker Showdown podcast with host and fellow Team partypoker member Jaime Staples.
Watch: The Hand that Led Phil Galfond to an Epic Victory Versus Venividi
ICYMI, YESSS Phil Galfond did it!
ICYMI: Pokerfuse Podcast with Former PokerStars Comms Director Eric Hollreiser
Last week on the special edition of the Pokerfuse Podcast, our host Michael Gentile sat down with former Head of Corporate Communications and Global Poker Marketing for PokerStars, Eric Hollreiser, to discuss various topics covering everything from Black Friday to Supernova Elite, PSPC and what’s the future of online poker may look like, and much more!
Sunday Million Anniversary Edition Smashes Record, Generates $18.6 Million Prize Pool
The special event exceeded its ambitious guarantee by over $6 million
Doug Polk Uploads Final Poker Video
Doug Polk has uploaded his last ever YouTube video to his hugely successful poker channel.
Watch the Second Annual Global Poker Awards Live Stream for Free on PokerGO
In just a few hours, the much-awaited second Annual Global Poker Awards will be held live in Las Vegas at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino.
PokerStars to Celebrate International Women's Day with a Platinum Pass
This International Women’s Day, PokerStars is once again doing something special.
Major WSOP F*ck Up! Daniel Negreanu Stripped of POY Title
Error In Points Tally Discovered
The Postulation Station: A Mike Postle Mega Post
An attempt to compile everything you could possibly want to watch, listen to and read about the Postle/Stones cheating scandal.
Run It Once Poker Offers 70% Rakeback via 35/35 Promotion
The promotion is called 35/35 and the end result is 70% rakeback for players on Run It Once Poker.
Kevin Martin Ends Streaming Career: Partypoker Ambassador Says "Journey is Over"
After just four months at partypoker's Team Online, the Canadian MTT grinder throws in the Twitch towel.
High Stakes Poker Pro Antonio Esfandiari Kicks Movie Star Kevin Hart's Arse
High stakes poker pro and three time WSOP bracelet winner, Antonio Esfandiari has won yet another prop bet. He took comedian Kevin Hart down in just three rounds, as part of a boxing prop bet.
Missed the Global Poker Awards? Watch It Free Here!
The inaugural Global Poker Awards are officially in the books.
Lex Veldhuis Ships Sunday Warm-Up Live on Twitch
Last night, Lex Veldhuis took down the PokerStars Sunday Warm-Up Live on Twitch for over $34,000.
#10YearChallenge: PokerStars
Let's have a look at how PokerStars has changed in 10 years.
Just How Much Did Platinum Pass Holders Win at the #PSPC?
PokerStars gave away 320 free entries to the $25,000 buy-in PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship (PSPC) over the course of the previous year via Platinum Passes that after accomodations and spending money were valued at $30,000.
Watch: Crucial Hands at the #PSPC Final Table
In case you missed out on the Final Table stream of the PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship (PSPC) event, here are clips of some of the most crucial hands at the Final Table of the event.