'All things family': How Kasey Lyn Mills protects her peace for WSOP

Because once the grind starts at the WSOP, you're on The Strip. It's tons of lights and a lot of over-stimulation. And being there too long can be really stressful; it's hard on the nervous system.

What do you do to combat the impact of all that stress on your system?

I've been really focusing on nervous system regulation, maintaining a really healthy routine, working out more, and improving my health and nutrition.

Lately, I’ve been approaching my study and playing in a more relaxed way.

The right mindset

How do you stay relaxed?

I have worked with a mindset coach to regulate my nervous system and reset myself. I practice breathing techniques such as box breathing and other similar practices. But a lot of it is just mindset, feeling centered and ready, and working on my pre-game routine as well.

How was your experience as a vlogger for the WSOP at the recent WSOPE Prague events?

When the WSOP asked me to join the vlogger program, I didn't really have an active YouTube channel. But I jumped on board and was excited to be a part of it.

It's been such a cool experience. It's been a new way for me to share my love for poker by telling a story and putting it out there for the masses.

Ali Nejad and Kasey Lyn Mills commentated together at the 2026 WSOP Europe Prague events.

Russell Ramos

You were also on board to do some on-air commentary in Prague. 

I used to commentate way back in the day, and I was proud of myself to see how far I had come. It went very well. I received a lot of positive feedback from Lexi Gavin-Mather and others. Working alongside Ali Nejad was a dream come true for me.

How did that go for you?

Ali is such a legend. Before I even got in the booth, they wanted to appeal to the masses and not do a lot of analysis talk. We just had fun in the booth, followed the game's flow, and talked a little bit about strategy.

Ali and I had some fun banter. I was really happy with how it went. If the opportunity arises in the future, I would absolutely love to do some more commentary for the WSOP.

Maria Ho is one of the most respected players and commentators in poker over the last two decades.

Maria Ho shared recently that she would have expected more women to be involved in the game by now. How do you see it?

I know what Maria means. I think I get why it hasn't happened so quickly. What I've started to realize more and more over the last few years is that it’s just a very masculine sport. And many women don't feel comfortable or safe in that environment. That’s definitely the case.

I myself have realized how much time I need to reset by going back to my garden and creating a really safe and good environment for myself outside of poker.

Why do you feel the need to do that?

Because it’s the dynamics, male/female and masculine/feminine energies. I think it's not that surprising that women are still kind of tentative and prefer playing in ladies' events.

But stepping into that masculine world, I think it's going to take a long time to really move the needle significantly. The environment's going to need to change a little bit in favor of women for that to happen.

How do you feel the impact of the WSOP partnership with ESPN will change things for the players and the fans overall this year?

It's very exciting. I think there's definitely going to be more opportunities to show your stuff, in whatever facet that may be.

If you're a vlogger, a commentator, a player, or a woman in poker, etc. It’s a chance to tell some amazing stories. I'm excited to be a part of it all this year. Let's just hope the cards give me some exciting rivers and they go my way.

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Kasey Lyn Mills: The quickfire round

Catch Kasey's vlog on YouTube and follow her on X and IG.

The 2026 WSOP starts on May 26 and runs through August 5, when the Main Event champion will be crowned.

^{WSOP photo courtesy of Russell Ramos.}