The 2018 World Series of Poker starts Wednesday, with 78 bracelet events running until July 17. Thousands of players will be flocking to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas throughout that time, each with their own individual road to the WSOP.

Online qualifiers, live satellite winners, full-time grinders, weekend warriors, absolute beginners and the best professionals in the world will make up the throng, and there won’t be many among them as accomplished as Chris Moorman.

But how does the bracelet winner, WPT champ, former PocketFives no.1 and winningest online tournament player of all time prepare for the WSOP grind? We caught up with Moorman, who took time out from a busy online schedule, to find out.

PocketFives: Do you find that the big online series like PokerStars’ SCOOP, 888’s XL Inferno, and partypoker’s Powerfest help you settle into your A-game leading into the WSOP?

Chris Moorman: Yes I do. Obviously, live poker is different, but getting into a routine and playing every day is great preparation for the WSOP and by playing so much you really get to hone in on any holes in your game.

PFs: How do you prepare for the WSOP away from the tables?

CM: I think just trying to be in the best possible mindset to play is one of the most important things. I have weekly calls with my mind coach as well to always help me stay on top of my focus and mental game. Additionally, I am always talking over hands with my friends to make sure I am feeling comfortable with my play.

PFs: What are your plans for this year? When are you getting to Vegas, and what does your WSOP schedule look like?

CM: I will be in Barcelona for the 888live event and then will be back in time for the start of the series. I plan on playing pretty much every day, almost all the no limit events and some PLO as well. 

PFs: Do you plan on playing any events other than WSOP events this year?

CM: Potentially, although my focus is less on these and depends how I am feeling and if I need a day off. 

PFs: Do you feel differently going into this year’s WSOP now that you have a bracelet? Is the pressure gone, or was there never any pressure?

CM: No pressure really, I just know now that I can win a WSOP event, so when I sit down at the start of a tournament the finish line doesn’t look as far away as maybe it had in previous years. 

PFs: Who do you predict WSOP success for this year?

M: I think the Brits had a great WSOP last year and I am hoping that will continue this year. I know Niall Farrell is planning on playing a lot this series so hopefully, we can get a rowdy UK final table out of him. 

PFs: What would it mean for you to win another bracelet this year? And if you had to pick an event to do it in, which would it be aside from the Main Event?

M: Winning another bracelet would obviously be nice, but more importantly it would most likely mean I would have a winning summer, which is always the ultimate goal. If I could win any tournament it would be the $10K 6-max. I have always wanted to win that one and came so close in 2011 when I lost heads up. It would be a nice redemption after all these years.