AOL World Series of Poker Profiles: David La Puma

AOL is sending twelve lucky winners to the World Series of Poker 2007 in Las Vegas this year. We’re excited to have such fine players represent our team. AOL games are running a series of winner interviews of our top players. Our poker studs beat out tens of thousands of other players to get a shot at the World Series of Poker Championship. AOL games is a family. For our next spotlight player we bring you the ultimate family poker player, hailing from SoCal, David La Puma.

David you are under the AOL games spotlight

David, tell us about how you feel about being in the WSOP and what is your occupation?
I am extremely excited at the opportunity to represent AOL at the WSOP. I am the Southwest Regional Sales Manager for Inovonics Wireless Corporation

Tell us about your family and who will be accompanying you to the WSOP?
My wife Beth and 19 month old daughter Emily will be coming out with me. Also joining us will be my Father-in-law, my two sisters, my niece and several friends. With that kind of support I'm sure to play well!!

What is it about poker that so engrossing for you?
Our family had always played a lot of card games together when I was young. My mother taught me to play Texas hold-em over 20 years ago and I was hooked. I have been playing casually since then. As my family could tell you I have always been competitive in the games or sports that we played and playing poker is an extension of that. For me, its the same rush whether I am playing a sport, playing a game like fantasy football or playing poker. I just want to play well and I want to win.

Is there any advice you would give to the online poker playing public?
Playing online is a great way to learn the game, play a lot of hands and study betting patterns. You hear a lot about picking up tells when you are playing live, but I think picking up betting patterns is just as important and its easier to learn that by playing on-line without the distraction of trying to read a live person.

Do you watch poker on TV or read about it?
I do enjoy watching poker on TV. Especially after winning the AOL contest, I have been watching the reruns of the 2006 WSOP just to try and get a little feel for some of what to expect when I play the Main Event.

Do you have a "lucky" items?
I would have to say my daughter Emily is my good luck charm. I am the luckiest guy in the world since she was born a year and a half ago. You can't beat "Baby Karma" as my friends say. Heck, I won this seat in the WSOP from AOL. It doesn't get any luckier then that.

If you win a huge prize, what will you do with the money?
Wow, that would be amazing. I think I'll deal with that when it happens...(laughs). Obviously my goal would be to make sure I secure my families future. I had a similar question from my co-workers at Inovonics, but that was more on the line of should they start training someone to fill my position.

What did you do when you won your online tournament and found out you'd be going to play in the live WSOP?
I threw my arms up in the air and screamed, "I won!" Then looked around and just heard crickets chirping. I'm not sure what I expected but a little applause would have been nice. Then my wife came in the room and said, "Are you finally done playing on the computer..good...help me with your daughter!" So, I came back down to Earth real quick, which is good.

Do you play other games on AOL?
Yes, but mostly Poker.

Are you making any special preparations for the WSOP?
I played in a few small tournaments to get some practice in at my local poker room, Oceans 11 in Oceanside CA. I really enjoy playing there.

What is your strategy for playing at the live WSOP?
If I can make it though the first day and be able to accumulate a few chips then anything can happen. Be patient and pick my spots. Most important, just enjoy the experience no matter what happens.

Thanks so much David. I hope you and your family enjoy your time and Las Vegas. You've got the best good luck charm in the world!