WSOP Champion Stoyan Madanzhiev's big poker plans

We spoke to the ultimate underdog, the wunderkind of poker, who shocked the poker world by winning the 2020 WSOP.

Poker is definitely having its moment. Due to the pandemic? Not really. It is because of players like Stoyan Madanzhiev, who radiate the love for the game.

Madanzhiev is currently one of the best poker players in the world. In 2020, he stormed the Online WSOP and took home the most valuable bracelet of the notorious poker tournament and the biggest prize money ever awarded in online poker. He deeply loves playing poker, and obviously, the game loves him back.

Within a year, he went from being a reliable player to being one of the most exciting names at any poker table in the world. Did the limelight change him?

I didn't know Stoyan before this interview, but he is one of the most polite, friendly people I've ever contacted for a talk. And, because he is a poker player, answering the questions in the middle of the night comes with the job.

Although he swept the competition on the main online tournament, he is a live poker kind of a guy. As he told us, he'll be looking for the thrill of the live events again, and we'll surely keep an eye on this Bulgarian rising poker star.

The underdog who won the WSOP 2020 Main Event

Stoyan, you are one of the most successful poker players in the world. You played poker for 12 years, and then you took home the bracelet of all bracelets by winning the main 2020 WSOP event. How does that make you feel? 

I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. I always had the desire to win some significant tournaments. I imagined some 6 figure score. 

But I never expected to win the biggest online tournament ever. I did my best to ship it, though.

Playing poker professionally is very demanding. What is your routine to stay in shape for the game? 

Having the passion for the game always helps. But also constantly thinking about hands and trying to solve different situations keeps me in shape.

When some grinding days come, I usually watch some poker videos or analyze a few hands to get my mind in poker mode. Also, I practice some yoga and breathing exercises which I think are helping my performance. 

Poker players entering the affiliate business

A lot of professional poker players build a side career as affiliates or poker influencers. How do you see the poker affiliate business? 

It is a nice way to make money with no variance.

But it is still a grind, and I think you need to enjoy doing it; otherwise, it becomes like a job in the office.

Post-pandemic poker plans and travel

After winning the 2020 WSOP, what are your poker goals for this year? 

I hope I will be able to play some live poker soon. I really miss it. And I want some challenge. Also, when there are good tournaments online, I will be around.

I have a lot more fun playing nowadays because I pick only the most interesting and juicy tournaments.

We also know that you love to travel and explore the world. Once the pandemic is over, where are you going? 

Oh... There are so many places... Vegas and India are definitely on the list.

Madanzhiev interviewed by Melika Razavi

In one of his first interviews after the historic 2020 WSOP win, Stoyan spoke to the Iranian poker player Melika Razavi about the whole online set-up and playing a demanding tournament online. On the second WSOP day, he played almost 12 hours in a row. This is definetelly a talk you should watch next.