Winning his Platinum Pass in a charity tournamentĪmir won his Platinum Pass in a charity poker tournament in Toronto. I’m going to take you all down, I’m going to assassinate everybody at that tournament.” I’m telling you, based on his conviction, I wouldn’t want to be on his left when the cards fly on Monday. “Even though we’re all from Toronto and there’s going to be this camaraderie, no. “I’m really friendly, I want to be able to hang out with them, but I’m taking this really seriously,” he repeats. I really am going in to win.” A man on a mission. I know it’s antisocial, but I’m not going to do that. “I don’t want to become friends, then that affects my play. “I don’t really want to hang out with other poker players that I play to assassinate,” he jokes with a gleam of truth behind his smile.

Amir is keeping his focus on the task at hand. We talked about other Platinum Pass winners, including some from nearby in Toronto, Canada, and how they have formed a tight-knit group. “I really do expect to at least get to the final table, that’s the bare minimum.” He oozes confidence. “I’m going into this pretty seriously,” Amir starts out with wide eyes and conviction. We hadn’t yet met, but I was told by a mutual friend that he “interviews well.” Friends, any jolt from the coffee paled in comparison with the energy Amir brought to our call.

I had just started on my first cup of coffee of the day, preparing to interview Platinum Pass winner Amir Epstein.

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