Anson had the opportunity to play with renowned names like Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan. Come and dive with Yan into his beginnings, journey, and dreams.
Yan, you had the opportunity to play all the way to the final ten of the Main Event WSOPE. How do you feel about it, and what does it mean to you?
Making it to the final ten at the Main Event WSOPE feels amazing. It's a huge validation of my efforts and skills in poker. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to what comes next.
Who is Yan? Describe your personality in poker and in real life.
I believe my personality in poker is quite similar to my real-life demeanour. I enjoy playing strategic games like poker, which combines static methods with psychology, making it incredibly fun for me. I thrive on challenges, and poker aligns perfectly with my personality. I truly love the game and play it professionally. Outside of poker, I enjoy watching movies and playing video games.
How did you get into the poker?
I started playing poker in 2008 while I was browsing the internet. That time Facebook just started and I came across Zynga Poker. I found it interesting because I had never known the poker before. After trying the game, I began researching how to play and learning about strategies. I was drawn to poker because I love the thrill of winning and the potential to make money. It presents a unique challenge that I really enjoy.
What is the most appealing aspect of playing poker?
I think the most appealing part of playing poker is the sense of fulfilment that comes with winning. Whether it's a tournament or a cash game, there's a unique satisfaction in knowing you've outplayed others. That feeling of being better than your opponents is incredibly rewarding. Fulfilment and passion for the game are what keep me motivated and make poker so appealing to me.
HendonMob shows that you started with live tournaments is 2009 and you immediately won your second tournament. Then you had break until 2017, why?
Actually, I’m primarily a cash game player. I started my career in cash games, and when I played my first tournament in 2009, I didn’t really know how to approach it. I had a lot of issues in my game, so after playing tournaments for about two years, I stopped. During that time, I was focused on high-stakes cash games in Asia. It wasn’t until 2017 that I decided to really focus on tournaments. Before then, my main focus was always on cash games.
Do you still focus on cash game or on tournaments?
Now, I’m mainly focused on tournaments. My schedule has become pretty hectic. I have been traveling a lot, from USA, to Europe. I´ll feel wow if I win bracelet.
As a tournament player do you have any specific strategy?
Yes, tournaments can be pretty complicated. Your strategy has to change depending on your stack size and the stage of the tournament—whether it’s the early, middle, or late stages. You have to adjust your play based on those factors. For example, if you have a big stack in the late stages, you can play more aggressively. But if you’re short-stacked, you often have to wait for good hands to double up. There’s a lot of adjustment involved in this game.
Are you preparing in any special way before a tournament, whether through mental or physical exercises? If not, do you have plans to start a routine or make any changes?
I don’t really do physical exercises; I’m not much of an exercise person. I do some meditation, but not very often. Before a game, I usually just focus on getting enough sleep and resting. As for starting a routine in the future, I’m not planning to. I want to enjoy the game, travel around, and continue doing my best with what I’m doing right now.
Which tournament and country did you enjoy the most?
For sure, WSOP in Vegas, because the experience was incredible. The number of entrance was amazing.
Did you meet any famous players?
Yeah most of them, famous from television. A long time ago actually. For instance, I remember Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan in Macau about 10 years ago.
Do you have poker role model player?
One of my favourite players is Adrian Mateos, and I also think Phil Ivey is fantastic. I believe they are both truly great players.
How is poker viewed in your country?
You mean in terms of culture? I can say that poker is viewed differently in various parts of the world. In Western countries, especially in the USA, poker is often seen as a game of skill, rather than just gambling. However, in Asia, the perception has traditionally been different. That said, the situation is changing. More Asian players are starting to embrace poker, which is great news for the poker community. As more people enter the industry, there’s potential for growth. However, the older generation in Asia may still view it as a form of gambling. To shift this perspective, poker needs more education and visibility to show that it’s more about skill than gambling.
Do you have any more plans for the future?
I hope to win a bracelet one day, and I would especially love to win the main event—it would be a fantastic achievement. Unfortunately, this time, I missed the final table and I will fly home.
