Manifestation in the Monster Stack: Bagging Big in One of My Favorite WSOP Events
You can watch the full vlog recap from this epic day at the World Series of Poker right here on my YouTube channel. This one had it all, monster pots, big folds, quad Aces, a chat with a World Series of Poker Main Event champ, and my first bag of the series.
The $1,500 Monster Stack is one of my absolute favorite tournaments at the WSOP. You start with 50,000 chips, play one-hour levels, and the structure allows for real poker. It’s deep, it’s strategic, and it rewards patience and good play.
A Reset Mindset and the Power of Visualization
After a grind of a series with a few close calls, I decided to take a different approach today. I started the morning with some serious manifestation. I pictured myself deep in the tournament, holding the chip bag, posing for a winner’s photo. I reminded myself why I love this game and gave myself permission to believe it could happen.
This might sound a little woo-woo to some, but it works for me. In fact, the last time I visualized this clearly, I ended up winning my second RunGood Circuit ring.
Great Structure, Tough Fields, Big Opportunity
The Monster Stack is structured for success. With 50K starting stacks and no same-day re-entries, the pace is more forgiving and far less volatile than most other events. And with a $1.2 million first-place prize on the line, the field is stacked with grinders.
I got seated at a tough but fun table, right next to 2022 Main Event champion Espen Jorstad. We ended up chatting throughout the day about everything from post-win pressure to poker mindset to childhood dreams (or lack thereof). I appreciated his honesty and openness, it’s rare and refreshing.
Big Hand: J♣J♦ in Position
In one key spot, I flatted under the gun with J♣J♦ on the button and flopped top set on a semi-wet board: J♠7♣4♣. After some action and a check-raise from the initial raiser, I decided to slow play and flat, allowing him to keep barreling on the turn.
When the 6♠ hit and he fired again, I shoved, expecting to get called by overpairs, draws, or worse sets. He tanked and folded, but it was still a massive pot and a confidence boost.
Building Momentum: Turning a Bluff Into a Win
In another hand, I opened 9♦8♦ and faced a 3-bet from the button. I called and flopped 9♠5♦2♥. I check-called the flop, the turn J♠ checked through, the river went check check and my opponent had Kx.
These are the kinds of plays that make tournaments feel like a dance, knowing when to attack, when to defend, and when to step back and trust your instincts.
Clean Living, Big Energy
Having a hotel room onsite made a big difference. Bobby and I rented a room at Paris, which gave us a place to rest and reset on breaks. With the structure as deep as this one, having a quiet escape was a game-changer for staying focused.
At dinner break, I was sitting on 130K with blinds coming back at 1,500. I felt sharp, my bluffs were getting through, and the deck was cooperating. Poker is always a rollercoaster, but some days just flow. This was one of those days.
Crushing Late: Quad Aces and a Clean Bag
As we approached the final levels, I made a few more big hands, including quad Aces, which is always fun to say. And I ended the night bagging 179,000 chips, coming back to a 3,000 big blind for Day 2.
It’s my first bag of the series, and it feels like a well-earned one.
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Watch the Full Vlog
You can see the full journey, including the big hands, behind-the-scenes moments, and that final chip bag, on my YouTube vlog here. Thanks for following along.
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