“I feel the same as I felt the day before winning the Warm-Up.” Those were the words of longtime PocketFives member Jason JAKoon1985Koon (pictured) when asked about his recent victory in the PokerStars Sunday Warm-Up. There wasn’t a chop or any fancy ending to the tournament. Instead, Koon won it outright for $109,000. We sat down with the newly minted Canadian poker player to digest his first time tasting victory in the Sunday Major.

PocketFives: Tell us how you’re feeling.

Jason Koon: I feel the same as I felt the day before winning the Warm-Up. Don’t get me wrong, I am very happy and feel fortunate that I was able to close it up. The thing is, nowadays, I understand poker. I understand how great the wins feel and how hard it is to lose for an extensive period of time. I do my best not to focus on results and instead keep my head level and continue to center my attention on making good choices.

PocketFives: What are your plans for the $109,000?

Jason Koon: It doesn’t really change much. I’m just going to continue doing what I have been doing: trying to live a somewhat balanced, happy life, focus on getting better at this game, and continue the pursuit of building wealth. If you remember, when I was younger, when I won a big tournament, I bought a Porsche or went on an extravagant trip with friends. That stuff isn’t important to me anymore and doesn’t provide me with long-term happiness. I’m just focused on building enough security for my family and living a somewhat simple and happy life.

PocketFives: You used to be located in the United States. Where are you playing online pokernow?

Jason Koon: I’m in Vancouver. I’ve been here since the last week of August. Vancouver is wonderful. I came here last fall too. I love the city and its people. The transition back to online poker was a slow one. It took me a while to work out the rust. The online game isn’t what it was six to eight months ago, so I had to spend a month or so getting some holes fixed.

There were adjustments to be made, but honestly, there is just so much short-term variance that I can’t say I’ve just suddenly been playing way better. I’m sure my reads are stronger and some leaks are fixed. That’s why I’m saying I don’t really get all that pumped up over a win anymore.

PocketFives: The #1 online poker MTT player right now is who?

Jason Koon: I think that is hard to answer. There are probably around 10 to 12 players who could all be the best, but who knows who is running better. I think hands down the greatest online tournament player of all-time is Steve gboro780 Gross (pictured), and I don’t think it’s close. Overall, who do I think is on top of their game the most? Dan Smith is an incredibly smart and talented player. I think Vanessa Selbst is amazing. She’s so tough.

Overall, I’d say the best poker player who plays tournaments on a regular basis is Issac Haxton. I think he is one of the smartest people the game has ever known and also has an incredible work ethic and a stable head on his shoulders.

PocketFives: Why was gboro780your pick as the greatest online tournament player ever?

Jason Koon: A couple of reasons. First, Steve could be left in the $10K WCOOP Main Event and the $11 Sunday Storm. He could get two-outed to bubble the Main Event and still treat the Sunday Storm as if it were an equally valuable tournament. He never surrenders a game that he registered for. Second, he has a better feel for the internet than anyone. He is the game’s ultimate game flow player. He never misses a spot to pull the trigger, but also almost never punts a stack. His timing and reads are just better; it’s like he has a sixth sense.

PocketFives: What advice do you have for players considering moving outside of the United States to play poker? We’ve had several players ask about services like Poker Refugees, for example.

Jason Koon: Make sure that poker is important enough to you to sacrifice all of the day-to-day things you take for granted. Lunch with an old friend and chilling with the family, for example, are gone. You are giving up a lot, but what you’re getting back in return may be worth it to you. Go somewhere you don’t know all that well and learn to appreciate a new scene. It’s most likely going to be a temporary thing, so really soak it in and enjoy your time somewhere new.

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