Fernando Pons returns to the 2016 WSOP Main Event as the shortest stack (WSOP photo / Joe Giron)

Before the 2016 WSOP Main Event final table PocketFives is providing extensive coverage of the 2016 November Nine including player features, interviews, previews, and statistics. In this edition of Five Questions we introduce you to Fernando Pons.

Fernando Pons, a native of Palma, Spain, has spent the past 3.5 months knowing he’s returning the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event as the shortest stack. He’s working with a stack of just over 12 big blinds but after qualifying for €30 on 888poker, Pons is living the dream and hoping to become a Spanish version of Chris Moneymaker as he defies the odds and ends up as World Champion.

PocketFives: You were paid $1,000,000 for finishing ninth back in July. If you were forced to bet that money on one player other than yourself to win the Main Event, who would you bet on and why?

Pons: If I had to bet on someone, would be Cliff Josephy, due to the experience he has and the number of big blinds with which he will begin the final table.

PocketFives: If you knew you were going to be stranded on a deserted island for one year and could only bring three non-living things with you, what would you bring and why?

Pons: I would take a boat, a very big barrel of gasoline and a box full of food and drink.

PocketFives: If you win the Main Event and the $8 million, what is the first extravagant purchase you will make?

Pons: I would give my wife a closet full of “Manolos” (expensive shoes).

PocketFives: If a major Hollywood movie studio were to make a movie about your life, who would you cast in the lead role?

Pons: I have no idea because I am not a big fan of movies, but my wife likes Justin Timberlake, so I would probably choose him.

PocketFives: What feature of your game or your personality helped you most to be where you are today? Why?

Pons: I am a person with cool head, very concentrated in my game, and don’t usually get nervous. I am very observative and intuitive, and all that helps me to stay calm at key moments and adverse circumstances, trying to make the best decision.