The newest member of the DoylesRoomBrunson 10 is Dani ansky451 Stern, who received a considerable amount of exposure this year by virtue of final tabling the $40,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament commemorating the 40th running of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and appearing on the G4 online poker reality series “2 Months, $2 Million.” Stern was formally introduced over the weekend at an event at the Wynn in Las Vegas and sat down with PocketFives.com to discuss his new role.

The scene at the Brunson 10 press conference featured Amit amak316Makhija (pictured at left), Zachary CrazyZachary Clark, Doyle Brunson, Todd Brunson, and Hoyt Corkins proudly welcoming the newest member of the clan into the ranks. In addition, “Texas Dolly” autographed copies of his new autobiography, the aptly-named “Godfather of Poker,” which was released on November 10th to bookstores around the United States and around the Web. As he intently watched the afternoon’s New York Giants football game against the San Diego Chargers, Stern gave us his thoughts on the event.
PocketFives.com: Congratulations on signing with DoylesRoom and becoming the fifth member of the Brunson 10. Talk about the background to inking the deal.

Dani Stern: It started by just wearing a patch and talking back and forth. The issue of the Brunson 10 came up with “2 Months, $2 Million” and the $40,000 event’s final table. That’s how it all came about. It seems like it wouldn’t take five months to do, but that’s how long these things take to happen.

PocketFives.com: Talk about the prospects of “2 Months, $2 Million” coming back for Season 2.

Stern: I’m hoping it does and that’s what we’re all thinking about right now. It’s out of our hands at this point and we just have to wait and see. It’s an agonizing wait, but we’re all very excited at the prospect.

PocketFives.com: Has being on “2 Months, $2 Million” changed your life or changed your game in any way?

Stern: I wouldn’t say that it’s changed my life. It definitely hasn’t changed my game. It’s just weird because I got recognized a few times in New York and the first time was very bizarre. Since I came to Vegas, it’s just been non-stop. I guess you expect that in Vegas, but it’s still been really weird. That’s what poker has done for so many people my age: they’re in situations they never thought they would be in otherwise. If I wasn’t playing poker, I have no idea where I would be. Certainly, I would not be having this lifestyle.

PocketFives.com: You were seated right next to 10-time WSOP bracelet winner Doyle Brunson (pictured at right) as you made your announcement about the Brunson 10. Talk about flanking a legend of the game.

Stern: I never thought I would be in this situation, but I am very humbled, honored to be here, and honored to be put in this situation.

PocketFives.com: What’s next in the poker career of Dani Stern?

Stern: I’m a big proponent of not making plans, so I’m just going to see what happens.

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