PocketFives had the opportunity to chat with Anthony Thatgood45 Pagan (pictured, ranked 5th in New Jersey), who has shown passion for the game of poker ever since he was 12 years old. Any opportunity Pagan could find to develop his poker skills and accomplish his dream to play in the WSOP Main Event, he went after with a lot of drive and determination. A football injury resulted in young phenom pursuing poker as a full-time job to help pay for the surgery he needed.

With over $330,000 in tracked online cashes, some of his notable wins include a win in the 888/WSOP $25,000 Guarantee, a win in the PartyPokerGSSS $30,000 Guarantee, and a win in the 888 Big Sunday $10,000 Guarantee for a total of $16,305. Visit PocketFives’ New Jersey poker community for the latest news and discussion from New Jersey players.

PocketFives: Give us your thoughts and experiences of regulated online poker in New Jersey.

Anthony Pagan: Online poker is awesome because you have the opportunity to make money without leaving your home. The legalization helped me personally because I was playing on Bovada, Lock poker etc. and had to wait two to four weeks for Western Union worrying if I would get my money from overseas. Now you have access to bank transfers and getting my money right at the cage at Borgata and Caesars.

PocketFives: When did you start playing poker and why was it appealing?

Anthony Pagan: I first started playing poker when I was 12 and each year I played I got better. Every day I learned something new and learned how to enhance my game and skill level. I got so interested in the game because I saw how much money there was to be made.

PocketFives: What are your favorite New Jersey online poker sites to play and why?

Anthony Pagan: I love each of the sites. The difference between Borgata and WSOP/888 is that there are more freezeouts on Borgata and fewer rebuys.

PocketFives: Since the launch of regulated online poker in New Jersey, what has been your most memorable cash or win?

Anthony Pagan: My most memorable win was when I won a seat to the WSOP Main Event. Although it wasn’t my biggest cash, it was a dream come true because at age 11 after watching Chris Moneymaker transform the poker world, I always wanted to get myself there and realized one day it could be me if I put in the hard work and dedication.

PocketFives: Is there anyone or anything that helped change how you approach the game?

Anthony Pagan: Absolutely. After traveling back and forth to Rahway, West New York, Bayonne, Jersey City, Perth Amboy, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even sneaking into Atlantic City casinos during senior year of high school, I was living the house game/club scene with help from Sean wishihAdsOMeLUcK Martin and Eddie PompiAA2 Roman. I got more serious about poker and it became my career after I dislocated my shoulder during a football game senior year and had to pay $23,000 for my surgery. Ever since then, it has changed my life forever.

PocketFives: What do you do away from poker? What else interests you?

Anthony Pagan: When I am not playing poker, I spend my time with my girlfriend Amanda. I enjoy playing sports, working out, and everything and anything having to do with football. I also love watching movies and looking at poker hands from other great players.