Close your eyes and imagine you are a professional poker player, (not now after you have finished reading this). You are down to the final table at the 2008 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, you are in 4th place with 19 million chips.
You have the Ace and 3 of Diamonds in your hand. You go all in against a pair of sixes, you hit an ace on the flop and another on the turn. There is only one card in the pack that your opponent can beat you with.
BANG! Your opponent and eventual winner of the tournament Peter Eastgate, hits the 6 on the river for his full house and you are out.
The only consolation is your prize money just over 3 million dollars.
Welcome to the world of Scott Montgomery…..
How long have you been playing poker for?
I started playing poker online around 6 years ago while I was teaching English in Japan.
What are your favourite Hole cards?
Pocket deuces.
Do you have any pre-tournament rituals?
When things are going well in a tournament I like to keep all my routines the same. Eat the same breakfast, take the same route to the Casino, etc. I’m pretty superstitious.
What is your biggest win so far?
3 million dollars.
What is the most you have lost in a single hand?
I once entered a $40,000 tournament and only lasted about 2 hours. Oops.
Who do you think is the best poker player in the world?
It depends on the game. Just because someone is the best at Stud Hi/Lo cash games doesn’t mean they have any idea how to play Heads-up No Limit Hold’em.
Where is your favourite place to play?
Anywhere in Las Vegas. Vegas is just one of a kind.
Do you play online, if so where do you play and what is your nickname?
I don’t play too often online anymore, but when I do I play as “ScottMontgomery” on Full Tilt Poker.
If you didn’t play poker what would you be doing?
Probably running my own business. I don’t do well with bosses.
Who is on your stereo / iPod at the moment?
A really random mix of stuff. Lots of Alt Rock. Metric has been a recent favourite.
What do you like doing when you are not playing poker?
Poker is pretty stressful, so when I’m not playing I like to relax. Just chill on the couch and watch a good movie.
What is the longest amount of time you have played poker in one sitting?
Maybe 20 hours or so. Long sessions lead to bad playing, so I try to avoid them.
Do you think you are a lucky person?
I’ve had more than my fair share of luck in my life so I would have to say I’m pretty lucky.
What is the best thing about being a Pro poker player?
The freedom. I do what I went, go where I want, and just enjoy my life however I feel like it. Poker gives me that freedom.
Look out for more ‘Heads Up‘ interviews with the Pro’s on Flush the Fashion coming soon.
You can check out Scott’s stats on the Hendon Mob website here