As the New Year draws near, we have exciting plans ahead, including the XL Blizzard event, new stops in the 888Live tour, and chances to qualify for the 2018 World Series of Poker!
The end of the year always brings a sense of anticipation and hope. In line with our yearly custom, we checked in with our 888poker ambassadors to discover their aspirations for the New Year.
Looking back on 2017, did you achieve your personal and poker-related objectives?
Natalie Hof: I truly accomplished my personal goals, dedicating much more time to my friends and family, getting back into a fitness routine, and honing my poker skills. I also fulfilled a long-standing desire to travel to South Asia for two months. Personally, I can't find fault with my 2017. However, in terms of poker, I didn't hit any major wins, so I'm eagerly anticipating a more fruitful 2018.
Tonka: Overall, 2017 was a pretty good year for me. Although I didn't achieve any standout scores in poker, I've had numerous deep runs in large buy-in tournaments, which leaves me feeling optimistic about the future, despite the outcome not being what I aimed for. On the streaming side, things were strong, but on a personal level, I wish I had focused more on my mental well-being, meditation, and a healthier lifestyle.
Denílson: Without a doubt, 2017 was excellent for me. My family life was ideal, filled with happiness and good health. At work, we met our targets and even began new initiatives, including a talk show at the theater. Being the first non-professional Brazilian ambassador and making it to Day 2 of the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas was truly a remarkable experience.
Kara Scott: The past year was very positive for me. I don’t often set resolutions, but this time I made a few, and they helped me stay focused. I feel I achieved my personal goals, so I plan to carry them forward into the New Year as they've helped me prioritize what truly matters.
In terms of poker, I successfully pushed my boundaries both in location and career aspects. It felt wonderful to work on the monthly video series, the Poker Brief for 888, as it offered me a fresh perspective on the industry. Additionally, expanding my role in the live coverage of the WSOP was a significant challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Vivi Saliba: My 2017 stands out as a peak year for both my career and poker. I experienced significant technical growth and achieved remarkable success at the tables. Becoming an ambassador for 888 was like seeing my dreams come true.
I also set a fitness goal, which I maintained. However, I had hoped to hike in three different countries and take a ski trip, which didn’t happen.
What are your aspirations and resolutions for the upcoming New Year?
Natalie Hof: I aim to explore more Asian countries, dedicate more time to improving my poker skills, and achieve great success at the WSOP in Vegas next summer. I also want to embark on a meditation journey to enhance my personal growth and embrace life even more.
Dominik Nitsche: Honestly, I often struggle to answer when asked about New Year’s resolutions. I don't believe in waiting for a New Year to instigate change in my life; when I want to make a change, I attempt to do it right away. If we're categorizing resolutions as my immediate goals, I'd say my focus will be on continuing my study and improvement in poker, along with maintaining a high participation rate in high roller events.
Kara Scott: I foresee 2018 being a crucial year for me filled with new a range of challenges. I'm planning to rely heavily on my instincts and trust my gut feelings.
Vivi Saliba: I'm ready to face the new challenges that 2018 brings. I hope to advance even further in my poker career, which includes the aspiration of winning a WSOP bracelet. I also aim to represent 888poker and the poker world to the best of my abilities.
Denílson: This year, I plan to maintain my TV job, continue our national tour at the theater, provide outstanding coverage of the Russian World Cup, and improve my own poker performance as an ambassador for 888poker.
Tonka: My goal is to win a significant tournament. I typically don’t set specific goals like this because so much hinges on luck. You can play flawlessly and still lose a crucial flip with only 15 players left, which has been my experience. This will be the first time I'm setting a goal that I feel doesn't rest entirely in my control.
Additionally, I intend to focus more on healthy living, get organized, and work on my overall self-improvement. I want to delve into serious meditation and spend some time in self-reflection as the year progresses.
Which 888poker Ambassador, besides yourself, do you think will have the best year playing poker in 2018 and why?
Natalie Hof: I believe our latest member, Vivian, is poised for a brilliant career in poker. She's exceptionally dedicated, has a great attitude towards her game, and is eager to grow. I would love to see her have an incredible run in poker.
Tonka: Dominik easily comes to mind. He likely plays the most, studies diligently, and is comprehensively the best representative for 888. Plus, since he's experienced tough luck recently, after his significant win at the $100K WSOPE One Drop, I’m confident that his game will only improve from here.
Denílson: I have faith that young Brazilian player Vivi Saliba will astonish the poker world.
Kara Scott: I would say Dominik. He’s been on an incredible streak since securing his fourth bracelet at the One Drop event. He’s deeply committed to perfecting his game and, like all great players, he never takes his skills for granted. I truly admire this quality, and it seems to be a common trait among many of our 888 ambassadors!
Vivi Saliba: I believe Dominik has the potential to capture another bracelet. He's demonstrated that he knows how to achieve success, so it wouldn't be surprising.
Natalie Hof: Honestly, my goal is to explore as many places as I can. I’m particularly interested in visiting Iceland, Israel, South America, and more of my favorite spot, Indonesia.
What are your travel plans for 2018?
Dominik Nitsche: A full schedule awaits, and I’m eager to join the $1 million Big One for One Drop and the $300K Super High Roller Bowl.
Kara Scott: I’ve only planned out the initial months so far, as I tend to procrastinate. Upcoming events include the 888poker Aspers tournaments in London, followed by a trip to Italy for the launch of 888poker.it. The Italian poker scene holds a special place in the hearts of both my husband Giovanni and me, so we’re thrilled to witness progress toward shared liquidity and a boost in online support there.
Tonka: A lot is on the agenda! While I’m not entirely sure of my plans yet, I intend to visit Asia for the first time and regularly travel throughout Europe. Specific locations are still being decided, but I can assure you that I will be traveling!
Denílson: I have a strong desire to undertake two major trips this year: one for the FIFA World Cup in Russia and another to return to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas!
Vivi Saliba: In 2018, I will continue to explore countries around the globe. I will definitely participate in the 888live events and also aim to attend the WSOP in Las Vegas. Additionally, it would be lovely to do some traveling within Brazil.
Chad Holloway is a winner of a WSOP Bracelet from 2013 and has previously served as a managing editor and live reporter for PokerNews.