Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Poker Ambassador Wally Maddah Shares his Thoughts on the New Poker Room

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Poker Ambassador Wally Maddah (pictured) is playing in the field on Day 1A at the WPTDeepStacks Tampa Main Event, and he was enthusiastic in sharing his thoughts with us about the brand-new poker room here. We caught up with Maddah on a break earlier today and he filled us in on his tournament day, and also let us know what the opening of the new poker room means to him.

WPTDeepStacks: What are your thoughts on the new poker room?

Maddah: “It’s amazing, I’ve been in a lot of poker rooms and this by far is the best. It’s not just the place, it’s the people who work here as well. They’re so friendly, I look forward to coming here every day, and I will be upset if there is a day off actually [laughs].”

WPTDeepStacks: What is your favorite part about the additional amenities?

Maddah: “Everything. Everything is in just the right place, I can’t complain. If you’re hungry or you wanted to drink it’s one minute away. Everything about this room is amazing. I cannot complain, I haven’t had a complaint yet.”

WPTDeepStacks: Would you say that convenience for the players was factored into every part of the room? There is even a designated parking area for poker players.

Maddah: “All we have to do is just walk down the escalator and we’re right here. Everything we need is here, and the staff is amazing. We’re getting all of the competitors customers to come to our room because of everything.”

WPTDeepStacks: The new poker room really kicks off the new Future Rock construction project. What new things that are coming soon are you excited about with that?

Maddah: “With all the renovation that is going on right now, it’s going to increase our player fields. More players can have rooms, and there are so many things with that that are going to happen. I’m so excited because we are going to be number one in the country for poker.”

WPTDeepStacks: “Turning our attention to the tournament. How has your day gone so far leading into the second break in play?”

Maddah: “So far not bad. I’ve been card dead all day, but I’ve been chipping up a little bit at a time so I’m up to about 40,000 and I’m happy. No major hands, just small pots here and there.”

WPTDeepStacks: How do you feel about playing on your home turf?

Maddah: “It is an advantage, because I know a lot of the players here and how to play, so that’s kind of an advantage for me. Hopefully I see you at the final table.”