Two-Time FIFA eSports Champion Bruce Grannec Enjoying His First Poker Tournament
Bruce Grannec used to play competitive FIFA in competitions all over the world. Nicknamed 'The Machine,' he played competitively for ten years, becoming FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion in 2009 & 2013.
By his own admission Grannec's only experience of poker so far, has been playing with his friends at home just for fun. He has also said he has watched poker streams online before.
After becoming world champion in 2009, he said that his victory proved that "if you work hard, you will have success." Today, however, Grannec will have to put all his hard work playing FIFA to one side as he battles the Winamax SISMIX Main Event.
"It's my first time playing in a big tournament!" admitted Grannec. "I really enjoy playing poker with my friends, but that's because there's no pressure. But in this tournament, there definitely is a little bit of pressure and naturally more tension."
Grannec is no stranger to pressure, having competed in numerous FIFA eSports competitions before retiring. However, He says that the mental strength he has gained through competing will only help him so far.
"The mental strength from FIFA competitions will help me, naturally, but in poker, there is that little something more. It will help, but poker is about more than just mental strength."
If Grannec needed any pointers on his first time at the felt, he has the perfect person to do so, as he is sat to the direct left of Spanish Winamax team Pro Leo Margets.
Stay tuned to see if Grannec can make it through to Day 2.