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As a result of his third place showing in the World Poker Tour's (WPT) L.A. Poker Classic, PocketFiver Mike SowersUNCC Sowers saw his bankroll balloon by $654,000. This wasn’t his first final table in a major live poker tournament, however. In fact, Sowers turned in an eighth place performance in the $10,000 buy-in World Championship of Pot Limit Hold'em during the 2008 World Series of Poker (WSOP) for $99,000, his first televised final table. That event aired on ESPN and served as the network's kickoff for last year's WSOP festivities.

Sowers appears in the PocketFives.com Online Poker Rankings on the strength of a runner up effort in a $1,060 buy-in tournament held as part of the most recent Full Tilt Online Poker Series (FTOPS) for over $200,000. In addition to his impressive FTOPS finish, he's posted wins in the $150 rebuy and $1K Monday on Full Tilt Poker and also taken down the PokerStars $100 rebuy. PocketFives.com sat down with the rising star to learn about his L.A. Poker Classic experience and successful career.

What was the atmosphere like at the 2009 L.A. Poker Classic, a staple of the World Poker Tour?

The atmosphere was amazing. It was my second year there and, on the way to the tournament room, you get to see the pictures of its past champions like Antonio Esfandiari, Gus Hansen (pictured at right), and Phil Ivey. It was almost surreal to come so close to putting my picture beside those legends.

Explain what it's like playing under the hot lights at a televised final table. Is there any way to prepare for it?

It was a lot easier than the first time! Being only my second time at a televised final table, I think it will just continue to get easier. This time, it was really not that intimidating, but there is no way to prepare for it. You just have to remember that you're there to play poker. You're not there for the cameras, fans, or the admiration of other people.

Talk about the play of Andrew Cimpan (pictured at right), who ultimately took first. What about his game propelled him to the top?

Andrew took some risks and was not afraid to call if he thought he was right. Honestly, I hadn't played with him much until the final table. I would have never expected him to beat out Binh Nguyen heads-up.

You went through a roller coaster of a ride throughout the tournament and its final table. How did you manage to keep your composure during it?

It was probably the most up and down tournament I've ever played. It was pretty easy to keep my composure as big as I was most of the tournament. The swings didn't hurt me or bust me like they would have if I hadn’t been so deep. Also, I lost some key pots right before breaks that really helped me calm down and keep my eyes on the prize.

Do you have any plans for the money?

Money doesn't last forever. Like I've always said, investing is probably what I will be looking at. I went to Jamaica recently with my girlfriend and that was a pretty costly trip.

Talk about your plans for the 2009 WSOP. Where are you staying and what tournaments can we expect to see you play?

I'm not sure where I'll be staying at the WSOP, but I'm pretty sure I will have a very full schedule. I am still considering skipping April's European Poker Tour events (San Remo and Monte Carlo) to get myself in better physical and mental shape to endure the long days and grinds at the World Series.

As an experienced player, are you unhappy to see that rebuys are no longer a part of the WSOP schedule?

I'm very unhappy that rebuys aren't at the WSOP. Throughout my online poker career, they have been my best style of tournament, perhaps because you are usually much deeper than in most events. I played in both $1,000 rebuys last year and enjoyed them. Maybe they can bring them back in future years, even if it's a smaller rebuy such as a $300 or $500. This would also generate more gambling during the rebuy stage, which is what brings so much value to these tournaments.

How did you get started in poker? When did you know it would become more than just a career?

I started playing during high school and, like anything I got obsessed with, I knew I could become the best if I worked hard, kept playing, and learned a lot. When I came back in December of 2006, I knew I could do it, even though I was grinding out $5 rebuys and slowly moving through the ranks.

Money management was always the thing that slowed me from becoming a truly great poker player. I would suggest that other players adhere to bankroll management. If you are good, you will break through. If not, at least you'll know where you stand for sure rather than gambling with a good portion of your money.

How can players prepare for big live tournaments?

I'm not sure there's anything you can do other than practicing and improving. For some, the money is astonishing or outlandish, but I try to keep everything in realistic terms. You have as good of a chance to win as anyone else does and the ball is in your court. You make or break your own destiny and no one else can change that. Positive thinking is the one thing I've always preached. I really hate hearing negative attitudes like, "I just got sucked out and there's no way I can win now." If you're still in a tournament, you've got a chance.