We bring you an exclusive online interview with professional poker player Ioana Apostol. We share with you what we learned from Ioana about poker and the things that keep her close to the game.
Why do you like playing poker? What draws you to the game?
Poker is a fascinating combination of areas that fascinate me: math, logic, strategy and psychology. The thrilling feeling that will always keep me connected to the game is the satisfaction you get when you win a hand thanks to a well-thought out strategy.
And the best part is that each player can use their creativity to develop an individual, unique strategy, which keeps the game exciting regardless of experience level.
How did you get into poker?
Like most players, I got into poker through friends who frequently got together to play.
What is your favorite poker club? Why?
In general I like to feel comfortable where I play, with Chamada Prestige in Cyprus being the place where I play very often precisely because of the extremely pleasant atmosphere.
On the other hand, GPC Timisoara is the place where I started my career as a poker player, so it will always be a place dear to me.
What is your favorite poker tournament? Why?
My favorite poker tournament I think has become this year’s WPT Championship Las Vegas, because of the atmosphere, the prizes and the impressive number of players at the poker table, which I am very happy about.
What is your greatest poker success?
My biggest success in poker is that I’ve gotten to play cash game stakes that I only dreamed of in different parts of the world. Of course, in the future I would also like to bring my success in tournaments close to the cash game table performance, at the moment my highest score is 52,000 euros, 3rd place in the Chamada Main Event with 1,650$ buyin.
What do you like to play more, live or online?
I prefer playing live, but I have times when I want to stay indoors and play online.
Are women welcome at poker tables in Romania?
Women are definitely welcome at poker tables in Romania. A woman at the poker table changes the dynamics of the game a lot and makes the atmosphere much more pleasant.
And if I as a woman am happy to see other women at the poker table, I am convinced that more women would make this community even nicer.
What are your plans for 2025? Which tournaments are you planning to play in?
In 2025 I will be participating in tournaments as part of the outstanding Vamos Poker Tour festival, as well as events organized by Chamada Prestige Cyprus. I also plan to attend the WSOP Las Vegas for the first time. And, of course, I will participate in the Main Events organized in my home town every time I get the chance.