In the March 7th running of the PokerStars Sunday Warm-Up, 4,980 players took to the felts of the world’s largest online poker site, swelling the $215 buy-in tournament’s prize pool to nearly $1 million. When the dust settled, the Central American country of Panama was in a frenzy after one of its own found the winner’s circle. Bolivar Ramux Palacios, a four-year member of the online poker community, banked $155,000 for the win after defeating PokerStars player Hismoon heads-up. He’s already taken down the Bodog $100,000 Guaranteed and discussed his latest celebration with PocketFives.com.

PocketFives.com: Thanks for joining us. Talk about your run though the PokerStars Sunday Warm-Up.
Bolivar Palacios: It was basically another Sunday for me. I remember that when I woke up, I looked up to the sky and asked God to please let me run good just for one day on PokerStars! In the past, I’ve won many tournaments on Bodog and Full Tilt Poker, but nothing important on PokerStars.

I doubled up at the beginning and, after that, kept playing my tight ABC game like I always do in the early stages of every tournament I play online. After a couple of hours, I was accumulating chips and by the time 100 people were left, I was among the top 20. Then, I experienced the dream of every online MTT player: I was the chip leader on the bubble of the final table. I took advantage of that because, at that point, I wanted to win and was 100% focused on taking it down. I didn’t want a third or second place; I wanted a win and it worked out. I have to admit that I ran pretty well, but also played well.

PocketFives.com: This is your largest online poker cash to date. Is there anything you’ve been itching to buy with the money?

Bolivar Palacios: This was also my first six-figure cash, so it was really nice. My plans would be to play in some EPT tournaments and the 2010 WSOP. Also, I’m going to invest in some businesses aside from poker because the game can be so frustrating sometimes. Like I always say, when you win in poker, you think you are the best in the world, but when you lose, you feel like you are the worst in the world. There’s no in-between feeling.

Another plan I have is to support Burro Poker, my new sponsor, which is the newest addition in the Cake Poker Network. It’s only for Latin American and European players for now.

PocketFives.com: You’ve won multiple Sunday Majors and even final tabled a tournament last May during the Full Tilt Online Poker Series (FTOPS) for $45,000. Tell us what your goals are now.

Bolivar Palacios: My goals right now are to win a WSOP bracelet and a major live tournament like an EPT or LAPT. Every poker player has his own goals and the higher we think, the higher we’ll reach. I also believe in the power of positive thinking. Positive thinking reinforces positive actions.

PocketFives.com: Where will we be seeing you during the 2010 WSOP?

Bolivar Palacios: My schedule at the WSOP will be to play in as many No Limit Hold’em tournaments as I can and also a couple of Omaha events. You’ll also see me in the Main Event. Poker players should rent a house with their friends, especially online players. In addition, stay away from the casinos.

PocketFives.com: Is your Omaha game up to snuff?

Bolivar Palacios: To be honest, I’ve just been playing Omaha for about a year. I’m actually a student of the game right now, but who knows, I might get lucky and ship a bracelet.

PocketFives.com: Are there shout outs to the country of Panama coming?

Bolivar Palacios: I want to say thanks to the rest of the Panamanian Rat Pack: Jose head2782 Severino (pictured at right), Jose papadelpoker de la Guardia, and Victor Puropoker Lemos. Another friend that I want to thank is Tark Catafract80 Abboud for being always there for me. Also, thanks all of my online friends; they know who they are.

Visit PokerStars to sign up for this week’s running of the Sunday Warm-Up.