Feeding the Poker Beast
Living the Life of a Tournament Grinder: Reflections from Chris Da Silva (Madman Feeling)
Playing poker for a living is no walk in the park, and Chris Da Silva knows it all too well. With almost $1.3 million in live tournament earnings under his belt, this British pro has battled through countless tournaments, finishing 99th in the WSOP Main Event in 2018 and 98th in 2022, and scooping a massive £125,000 win at the 888poker LIVE Main Event in Coventry last year.
Recently, he's been at it again, this time crushing it at the Kings of Tallinn Main Event, sponsored by OlyBet. Da Silva found himself at another final table, vying for another big score. In the end, he had to settle for ninth place and €16,800, with Kaspars Butans taking the title and €182,000 home. Before play resumed, Da Silva sat down to discuss the highs and lows of tournament poker and why it sometimes feels like a never-ending rollercoaster ride of madness.
Embracing the Grind
If there's one thing Chris Da Silva is accustomed to, it's the marathon sessions and sleepless nights that come with tournament poker. But even he's not sure how he keeps going.
"Like pretty much anyone in this game, I've had my fair share of highs and lows, and I can't help but question whether I'm just a frequent flyer on the WRONG flight to success," he confesses.
However, he's learned to prioritize his time and energy on big events with higher buy-ins, rather than spreading himself too thin by playing in every tournament that comes his way. "When I concentrate on the main events, I feel like I'm playing my A-game because I'm not drained from non-stop action," he shares.
One thing's for sure: Da Silva is remarkably skilled at navigating these massive fields and consistently finding himself in the money. "I'm not saying I'm the best at it, but I guess I'm decent enough to thrive in these environments," he modestly states. His strategy is all about staying focused, playing his best poker, and letting the cards take care of the rest.
Riding the Highs and Lows
For those on the outside looking in, poker may seem like an easy way to make a living, but Da Silva says that's far from the truth. "If you let your emotions be dictated by short-term variance, you'll end up like Bitcoin in a hurricane," he warns.
"It can be downright frustrating when the cards are against you, and you feel like a madman doing the same thing over and over again, waiting for a miracle. But then, when you hit a lucky streak, the high is like nothing else," he explains.
Key to his success is resilience. "You have to trust the process and stick to your guns, because if your formula is right, then over the long term, success will find you."
Staying in the Game
With years of experience in the tough world of poker, has the excitement and passion he once felt for the game faded?
"I'd be lying if I said I haven't had days where I question whether it's all worth it," he admits. "If I let my emotions get the best of me and tie my happiness to the outcome, then I'll end up feeling like a prisoner in my own game."
Instead, he's learned to separate the results from his enjoyment, focusing on the process and learning from both wins and losses. "Every poker session, good or bad, can be a valuable lesson – a step towards becoming a better player," he says.
In the end, it's that unwavering passion for the game that keeps Da Silva going. "It's not easy, and it's definitely not for everyone. But when you're able to scratch and claw your way to the top of a mountain you once thought was impossible to climb, there's nothing quite like it."
[1] Source: PokerNews[3] Source: Hendon Mob
- Chris Da Silva, despite experiencing highs and lows, continues to excel in poker tournaments, earning notable finishes at various events such as the WSOP Main Event, 888poker LIVE Main Event, and the Kings of Tallinn Main Event.
- Silva's strategy revolves around focusing on major tournaments with higher buy-ins, as he finds it easier to maintain peak performance and avoid exhaustion from non-stop action.
- While poker may appear easy to some, Silva cautions against allowing short-term variance to dictate emotions, comparing it to a volatile asset like Bitcoin in a hurricane.
- Ultimately, Da Silva's passion for poker keeps him going, even through difficult times, as he views every poker session, whether successful or not, as a valuable lesson on the path to becoming a better player.
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