In 2023, the return of The Big Game on PokerStars brought back the excitement of high-stakes poker with a twist: the “Loose Cannon” competition. It had been over a decade since poker enthusiasts had a chance to watch amateurs take on the pros and celebrities with a $50,000 stake, and the contest did not disappoint. For many, including myself, the process was not just a test of poker skills, but a true journey filled with excitement, challenges, and life-changing opportunities.
Reflecting on 2023: Near Miss, Big Lessons
The audition kicked off at Resorts World in Las Vegas, during the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT), with 200 players vying for the coveted Loose Cannon spot. It began with a free qualifier shootout poker tournament (you must win your table to advance), which was open to all who dared to step up to the challenge. I was fortunate enough to advance past this phase, along with 18 other talented players, leading us to the nerve-wracking interview phase.
The judging panel featured seasoned poker players and commentators: Nadya Magnus (an original Loose Cannon), Joe Stapleton and James Hartigan. They weren’t just looking for solid poker players; they were searching for contestants who embodied the spirit of the Loose Cannon—a skilled poker enthusiast who could benefit from a significant win and bring a colorful personality to the game. The stakes were high, and the feedback was no-nonsense. As Nadya Magnus put it, she was there to be “brutally honest.” Or as I like to say, “RUSSIAN!”
The interview phase was intense, and it quickly became clear that impressing the judges would require more than poker knowledge—it demanded authenticity, quick thinking, and a compelling personal story. I made it through the first “get to know me” round and faced the panel again for the second phase.
The game? ‘Two Truths and a Bluff.’ I managed to bluff the judges with a story about discovering my father had a second family after his passing.
Despite the laughs and the intrigue, I didn’t quite make the cut, as Nikki Limo and Lily Newhouse ultimately earned the coveted Loose Cannon spots.
Learning from the Experience: Fuel for the 2024 Journey
Coming so close to achieving a dream and falling just short was tough, but I took it as a learning opportunity. The competition revealed areas where I could refine my game and better present myself in front of the judges. Knowing that Nikki Limo and Lily Newhouse brought a blend of poker savvy and engaging personalities helped me realize what I need to bring to the table in 2024: more confidence, an even stronger poker strategy, and a clear narrative about who I am and why I belong on that stage.
I’m not coming back just to play poker; I’m returning to make a statement. I’m determined to embody the true essence of the Loose Cannon—a player who’s not just chasing a win, but a story worth telling.
FIN
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share all the details about the 2025 Loose Cannon auditions – dropping soon!
In the meantime join my private community HERE: https://bit.ly/PaulVatoSkool
