Global Winner: Min Ji Nears Zynga Poker WPT500 Final Table

By Sean Chaffin

High-stakes poker can be nerve-wracking. There is big money on the line and every move can have a major consequence. A hefty pot can be devastating and cost thousands of dollars after falling down the pay ladder. London-based player Min Ji has been among the leaders here on Day 2 at the Zynga Poker WPT500 Las Vegas, and while he’s out to win some cash, enjoying himself without the stress is key to his success.

“Some people get really stressed when they play tournaments because the swings can be really big in this game,” he says. “I don’t really want to bust the tournament, but for me, I just want to enjoy myself. I play for money, but if I bust out I don’t stress a lot.”

Ji believes that attitude helps avoid nervousness and frustration at the table.

Originally from China, Ji moved to London to attend Cardiff University. After studying strategic marketing, the move of England became permanent with poker becoming his way of life. He now plays Pot Limit Omaha cash games and has only $70,000 in live tournament winnings. He’s hoping to add to that significantly at ARIA this week.

“I don’t even play at casinos that often, just home games,” he says. “I play at casinos sometimes on the weekends.”

What made him decide to get in on the Vegas tournament action here in the Zynga Poker WPT500?

“I want to try and win some big money and I’ve never been here before,” he says. “Everyone said you have to go play in Las Vegas if you’re a poker player. I’m lucky because all my Chinese-British players play Hold’em so I was learning from them.

While the summer desert weather hasn’t been much to his liking, Ji has been more than happy with the poker scene.

“I love it here, but it’s a little too hot for me,” he says. “I’ve been here for four days, already played four tournaments, and cashed in three.”

That included one small cash at the World Series of Poker. 

Ji has been married for three years, and met his wife while in college. She plays poker as well, but is working on her doctorate so couldn’t make the trip to Las Vegas.

This is his first time in Sin City, and he’s been having a good time so far with more poker planned after the Zynga Poker WPT500. After eight starting flights, Ji entered Day 2 as the overall chip leader with slightly more than 1 million. 

In town for a few weeks with plans to play the WSOP Main Event, poker is his main focus rather than any tourist destinations or walking the Strip. That could change a bit in one regard, however.

“If I win,” he says, “I’m definitely going to celebrate.”

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.