Jason Velasco is a perfect example of how perseverance and passion for something you love can turn small investments into massive victories. He spent just $11 to enter a satellite tournament on ACR Poker and earned a spot in the prestigious WSOP Paradise Super Main Event, where he won an impressive $110,000. His journey has inspired thousands of players, proving that dreams can indeed come true if you’re willing to keep pushing forward.
At the start, Jason promised his girlfriend that he wouldn’t participate in WSOP Paradise. But fate had different plans. Just minutes before the satellite tournament ended, he won a spot in the Beast Mega tournament, costing only $95, and soon after, he secured a $30,000 package to the Bahamas. “I told her, ‘You’re going to be happy but also shocked. I won this huge $30,000 package!’” Jason recalls. Although her initial reaction was sheer surprise, the next morning, she supported his decision: “I’m proud of you. This is your dream, and you have to follow it.”
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For Jason, poker is more than just a game; it’s a serious commitment. He balances his poker career with managing his coaching company, Balance Poker. “For the last six months, I’ve stuck to a strict pre-game routine. I don’t play poker until I’ve gone through my preparatory rituals,” Jason shares. This discipline has been a key factor in his growth and success.
Winning $110,000 opened doors to tournaments that once seemed out of reach. This achievement validated his professional approach and determination to keep moving forward. At his first WSOP Paradise event, Jason faced experienced players, including bracelet holders and Triton Poker participants. Initially, he tried to emulate their playing style, but he quickly realized that wasn’t his path: “I realized I wasn’t playing my own game. I tried to be like them because I saw them on TV, but that wasn’t me,” he admits.
After adjusting his approach and returning to his own style, Jason made it to Day 2 of the tournament, where he showcased his unique playstyle. This earned him a spot in the top 100 players. “I’m an unconventional player, and they didn’t know how to play against me. I used that to my advantage and made some bold bets,” Jason proudly says.
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Jason Velasco’s story proves that persistence, discipline, and self-belief can lead to great success. His journey from an $11 satellite entry to winning $110,000 has inspired poker players around the world. But for Jason, this is just the beginning. He continues to set new goals, combining his passion for poker with the growth of his coaching business. His example shows that, just like in life, it’s important to stay true to yourself, play to your strengths, and never be afraid to follow your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. Are new casinos taking over? Get insights on the latest operators and industry movers.
