Ari Engel has sat at the top of the all-time WSOP Circuit ring list for a long time, but he’s currently number two after Maurice Hawkins won two events in New Orleans. We caught up with Engel to find out if the chase for rings still motivates him, how Canada can improve its live poker scene, and what his plans are next.
'Playground is the best Canadian venue I've played at'
You’re based mainly in the US Now. Tell us about your history of playing up here at Playground.
I used to come here all the time, before COVID hit. I'd play probably three times a year. It’s definitely the best Canadian venue I've played, but to be honest, I preferred it when it was exclusively poker. I always felt it was one of the nicest places to play anywhere. Now, the poker’s in the event hall and the marquee — it's not quite the same level as it used to be, but it's still enjoyable.
How does it compare to other Canadian places that you've played.
Canadian tournaments have always been pretty low on the list. On one trip to Toronto, I waited in line for four hours and didn’t even get into the tournament, so it wasn’t the best. I also played in Vancouver, although that was quite a while ago, and that wasn’t very well run either. Playground is definitely the best Canadian venue I’ve played at.
What do Canadian venues need to do improve their poker experience and hopefully boost the tournament scene up here?
I'm mainly a player, so I don’t get all the logistical issues that come with running a tournament. But maybe hiring international staff for the big series would help. I'm sure there are regulatory issues in each place that make things a bit tougher. There are a few unique differences that make Canadian tournaments feel different from international ones, but overall, I’d say this is a very well-run stop.
'I can't beat high rollers so I'm stuck in the Circuit'
Okay, let's talk about the ring chase. Maurice Hawkins just ripped off two in New Orleans to take a two-ring lead over you. Does that motivate you more?
I always say that my goal is to be good enough to no longer play Circuit tournaments — and that’s still my goal. I'm not there yet. I can't beat high rollers, so I’m stuck in the Circuit, which is fine with me. As long as I'm here, I want to win whatever I play.
I’d love to win a bunch of tournaments and be at the top of the list. But at the same time, if there’s a better value tournament that isn’t a Circuit event, I’ll go to that instead. I guess if Maurice was just one away, it’d be a little more motivating. If he wins a couple more, though, I’ll be less in the chase. It's a fun chase and it's good for the media. I want to win every tournament I play.
What's the rest of your year looking like?
I only have the next five days planned, with a few audibles beyond that. I hate making long-term plans, and when I do, I usually change them at the last second. I’m happy with that.
Thunder Valley's coming up in a few weeks, with a bunch of mixed games — are you going to be there?
There’s a decent chance I’ll go. I always enjoy playing at Thunder Valley. They offer a bunch of mixed game tournaments, and I tend to go for those. I don’t think I have a ring at Thunder Valley, so maybe it’s time to get one.
Hopefully, we’ll see you there.
