Lori Gansel is a two time WSOP Circuit Ring Winner! She working towards making that a 3-peat too!
1. What is your name? Lori Gansel
Where are you from? Georgetown, Texas
3. How did you get introduced to the game of poker? I’ve been playing cards in some form or fashion since I was four years old. My parents taught me to play for pennies. I picked up Hold ‘Em in ‘04.
4. Tell us about an unusual or unique experience that you’ve had while playing poker. I was playing a tournament in Charles Town, WV, and it was down to heads-up play. I knew my parents were in the casino somewhere, but when I looked up (there was a bar overlooking the final table) I saw them watching. I ended up winning the tournament. I had just finished chemo a few months earlier and was living with them and trying to find work – so this was a much-needed, and also special win because they got to see it.
5. How would you describe your poker style/play? Any specific poker experience you are most proud of? What is your favorite poker game to play and why? I think people would describe me (and have described me – lol) as aggressive. I would describe myself more on the tight-aggressive side. I have a fairly wide opening range if I have a decent stack, but I can find folds when necessary. I love NLHE and study it the most. Winning a ring at the WSOPC in Choctaw was the experience I’m proudest of to date!
6. What were some of the unexpected hurdles that you have experienced in poker? How are you overcoming those? I am still a part-time player, and finding the time to play at the events I want to play (and taking the time off work) are my biggest hurdles right now. I am just trying to not get ahead of myself, and appreciate that I have this “side hustle,” and hope to one day make it my occupation.
7. Who is the most difficult player that you have ever competed against? How was that experience? Nate Kogel! Ugh! Haha. Nate is awesome, until you’re on the bubble against him. He knows what to do with a big stack and has absolutely no fear.
8. Looking back at where you were when you started your poker journey; how has your game evolved and what are your poker goals going forward? I do this all of the time – I look back to the prior year and think “wow – I can’t believe how bad I was back then. How was I ever winning tournaments?” And I’m sure the same will be true next year. I spend a lot of the time that I’m not working or playing, studying the game. I go through online hand histories to if or how I could have played anything differently. My play is a lot more theory-based these days. Going forward, I would love to be able to do this for a living.
9. What is your favorite hobby or passion outside of poker? I’m a total nerd. I love Legos and have been collecting them for several years. I found them to be therapeutic during chemo and the passion never subsided. Other than that, I’ve recently gotten into podcasts and audiobooks because they’re great to listen to while playing poker. See? Total nerd!
10. What are your plans for poker in the future, if any at all? I’m hoping to play the WSOP main event one year, and I can’t believe I got the chance to play in the WSOP Tournament of Champions this year, that is just insane.