Interview with Defending Champion Frank Kassela
In the break, we caught up with defending $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Champion Frank Kassela.
"The most fun about the WSOP every year is coming back and seeing friends!" said Kassela.
"A lot of the time we only see each other once a year. But being a bracelet winner and coming back is just fun anyway, especially in a game like No-Limit 2-7!"
Kassela said that coming into the WSOP he was looking forward to playing the Triple Draw Mix event, but now his mind has switched to the upcoming $10,000 2-7 No-Limit Championship and of course the $50,000 Poker Player's Championship.
But does Kassela, who is known for antics at the table, feel like he will be putting on a serious hat for such a prestigious and important event?
"I don't have a serious hat!" laughed Kassela.
"Generally I think the goofing around persona I have at the table is helpful to my game anyway. In a setting like that with the 50k, playing in a more serious event, I'd say it's even more helpful. I seem to be looser and goofier and care less than other people. A lot of time it throws them off their game"
The mixed game community at the WSOP is one of the most tight-knit, and Kassela says that it's nice to see all his friends again.
"It's just fun to get to drink and have fun together. A lot of them are really good friends even though I only see them during the WSOP, but when I see them it's really nice and it's got that High School reunion feel."
Playing with the same people can often have the effect of getting to know both the players better, and how they play, and Kassela agrees that like the High Roller circuit, mixed game players learn a lot from one another.
"Not only do you get to learn a lot about their play style and what they're doing and what they're capable of, but they have a good understanding of what they expect of you. A lot of the time you have the ability to turn that around and use that against them.
With the WSOP one week old, which mixed game specialists does Kassela tip for a bracelet?
"I felt like Eli [Elezra] was going to have a good year, and he's going well this year. I've got Robert Mizrachi on my fantasy team and I think he's always a favorite to get a bracelet. Paul Volpe is always knocking on the door. Actually, I think Shaun Deeb. Deeb's gonna win a bracelet this year. Hell, he might win two!"