Before the Duel: A Conversation with Patrik Antonius
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For Patrik Antonius, poker has always been about the passion, not the plan.
Now, nearly four months on from his induction into the Poker Hall of Fame, Antonius is preparing for the next challenge of his poker career — the High Stakes Duel.
Antonius is scheduled to face off against Jared Bleznick for $100,000 on November 12. Fans can watch the action on PokerGO at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).
Passion for Poker
Starting out in his native Finland, Antonius’ career took flight the day he entered his first casino tournament—a moment that, in his words, might have been “the luckiest thing that ever happened to me.” Winning that tournament on a whim sparked his fascination with poker.
“I didn’t even know you could play poker professionally back then,” he admitted. “The games were so small, and I didn’t know anything. Everything just happened very naturally.”
Now recognized as one of the most accomplished players in the world, Antonius reflects on a career that has evolved far beyond his initial expectations.
"I just went with my passion and played a lot!"
“I just went with my passion and played a lot!” Antonius shared with us. “The game took me wherever it took me. It all came as a surprise for me.”
Antonius’ love for poker kept him engaged and determined, and over the years, he’s won numerous high-stakes tournaments and played some of the most prestigious cash games in the world. Yet, even the night before his Hall of Fame induction, he couldn’t resist the call of the game, staying up until 3 a.m. playing.
“I’ve achieved a lot in poker, but poker has given me everything,” he said. “Financial security, the freedom to travel, experience the world, and meet incredible people. It’s been such a fulfilling journey.”
Tournaments vs. Cash Games: A Difficult Choice
As someone who plays both high-stakes tournaments and cash games, Antonius says he enjoys both but acknowledges they offer distinct experiences.
“Tournaments are intense; you go in with a schedule, and you can’t control much once it starts. It’s really like the sports side of poker. Cash games, on the other hand, are more flexible—you play whenever you want and can be selective with your opponents,” he explained.
With the allure of tournament wins — including his EPT Monte Carlo Super High Roller victory earlier this year — and the flexibility of cash games, Antonius finds it hard to pick a favorite.
“Tournaments are brutal sometimes. One bad hand can knock you out after a deep run, but if you win, it’s incredibly rewarding. Cash games give me freedom, though. Long tournament days leave little time for anything else, so I love that with Tritons, we have intense two-week periods followed by a break.”
Financially, he says cash games have the edge, but he’s increasingly drawn to the challenges tournaments present.
“I’m enjoying tournaments more than I used to, especially these high rollers with complex dynamics. They’re fascinating.”
On the Hall of Fame and What It Takes
Though Antonius didn’t obsess over his legacy, his recent induction into the Poker Hall of Fame brought a sense of pride.
“I always thought, ‘Maybe someday I’ll get there, even if it’s after I’m gone.’ But to be here now is incredible,” he shared. “After 24 years in poker, it’s not like I’m just starting out, but I still have a lot I want to accomplish. I have no plans to slow down anytime soon.”
When asked about the criteria for poker’s Hall of Fame, Antonius emphasized longevity and consistency.
“There are a lot of great players out there, but for me, one of the key things is longevity. Anyone can have a great few years, but being at the top for ten years or more—that’s what stands out to me. And age 40 seems like a good minimum.”
What’s Next for Antonius?
As for his future in poker, besides the High Stakes Duel, Antonius has no plans to step away. If anything, he’s feeling more motivated and competitive than ever.
“I like the challenge of staying on top and feeding that competitive side of myself,” he said. “Poker gives me satisfaction that few things do, and I’m planning to stick around for a really long time.”
