Van Marcus plays online at Full Tilt Poker

As a boy growing up in Australia, Van developed an affinity for magic and sleight of hand card tricks, which led him toward an interest in poker. One day his uncle let him play a hand in a home game when he went on a break, and a poker player was born. When Van got older, watching the movie Rounders gave him the bug to head down to the local Crown Casino and get in a game.

Van, who studied computer science and software engineering for two years at university, started his bankroll with $50 borrowed from a friend and built that up slowly playing small stakes. By always making sure to build his roll to a certain amount before moving up in stakes, he was able to work his way up to the big time and never looked back.

Though he prefers the challenge of ring games, he finds that nothing tops the thrill and excitement of winning a tournament. Van has had plenty of success in both areas, racking up over $1 million in online cash game earnings as well as reaching final tables in over 15 tournaments around the world.

Some of the Melbourne native’s most impressive performances include first place finishes in APPT Main Events. In 2008 he took home over $160,000 as the top prize in the APPT No Limit Hold’em Main Event in Manila, and finished on top in the 2009 Tournament of Champions in Sydney.

He also has three World Series of Poker final tables in Pot Limit Omaha to his credit. In 2007 he cashed $190,000 for a third place finish in the $1,500 PLO event. His biggest pay day came in the 2009 $10,000 World Championship PLO event when he walked away with $278,000 for a third place finish.

Van recommends that young players not only focus on learning strategy to become a long term winning player, but also that they pay special attention to table and game selection to learn where they do or do not have an edge against their opponents.

Away from the tables Van plays chess and enjoys watching movies. He also gets a thrill out of traveling the world and is lucky enough that poker gives him the freedom to enjoy this luxury while playing the game he loves.

Look for Van Marcus playing online at Full Tilt Poker.