Being a poker reporter is one of the best jobs in the world. We are very fortunate to travel the world to watch and write about the game we love, and we get paid to do so! But there's one thing we'd prefer to be doing than writing about poker, and that is playing ourselves. Jumping onto the felt, squeezing cards, riffling chips and raking in pots is the greatest feeling in the world.
In the last 24 hours, the poker reporting fraternity got to celebrate a victory from one of its own as PokerNews reporter Chad Holloway was victorious in the first event of the World Series of Poker. Holloway overcame a field of 898 players in the Casino Employees Event to claim his first WSOP bracelet and US$84,915.
It was a memorable day for all poker reporters around the world, and certainly inspires all of us to spend more time playing. One of those inspired by the feats of Holloway is Melbourne local Joshua Bell.
Normally seated alongside myself covering the ANZPT events for PokerNews, today Bell is enjoying this event from the other side of the felt as a player after qualifying in an online satellite on PokerStars.
Bell is good friends with Holloway, having worked together at Aussie Millions and WSOP events for several years.
"I was watching the coverage last night. It was great to see Chad win!" said Bell.
So what will Bell use from Holloway's win as inspiration for today?
"Definitely the bird shirt! When we were in Vegas last year, Chad made us buy our own bird shirts. So I might have to pull it out if I make the final table!" laughed Bell.
Bell is actually no stranger to success as a player with a 3rd place at the 2011 Joe Hachem Deep Stack Series for a $31,400 score. With limited opportunities to play due to work and study commitments, Bell will be looking forward to making the most of this event with a big score to continue the success of the poker reporters on the felt.