Lee Davy sits down with the former World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year (POY), Jeff Madsen, to talk about his recent success at the Commerce, his rapping ability and much more.
At just 21 years of age, Jeff Madsen charged into the world of poker, by making four WSOP final tables, winning two, and taking home the title of POY.
It was an incredible feat, not just because of his rookie status, but also because the four finishes were in four different variants of the game; which is why I am not surprised to find him hustling in the $10K H.O.R.S.E Championships when I saunter over to have a gander.
I remember that 21-year-old kid like it was yesterday. I watched him bash people about from my home in the UK and secretly wished that one day I would be that good.
It never happened.
But at least I get to talk to him, and do you know what? He hasn’t aged one little bit.
You are coming off a good win in the Heartland Poker Tour (HPT) Californian State Poker Championship. Tell us a little bit about that.
“I’m from LA, so I guess it’s a little like having home-court advantage. I feel good at the Commerce. It was a fun tournament; a good turn out and I ran really well. I have had a good year so far. I feel like I am playing well and it was good to take one down at the Commerce.”
Is he doing anything different?
“It’s like anything else. The more years you play, and the more experience you get, the better you become. With poker, your emotional stability, and being in the right mindset is also important, and that takes time to mature. I have been playing well for a while now, and this year I happen to be closing out I guess. It’s not just one thing. It’s just continuing to play well and staying focused.”
I wondered what Madsen gets up to away from the poker tables?
“I have great family and friends. I live both here, and in LA, and have friends in both places. I have a good support team and know a lot of people within poker. I am into music, hip-hop and I rap a little bit. I also like sports, skateboarding and drinking.”
You don’t tell Lee Davy you can rap, during an interview, and expect that to be the end of that. To his credit Madsen flies into an impromptu rap session for me and it can be heard at 2mins into the recording.
So when did he start holding the brush to his mouth and allowing the words to flow?
“I think probably since High School, and then I started practicing a bit in college. I got into less mainstream music as I got older, but Eminem – albeit more out there and popular – was a real inspiration for sure. I have never seen him live, which is crazy, but I definitely need to.
“I was just messing around, in college, freestyling. It’s hard at first, and then you just say whatever comes up and go with it. It’s confidence. Don’t over think it I guess.”
Ok Jeff Madsen I will try not to over do it…
But it’s difficult, and sometimes I feel like a tit…
So I’m going to head back to the media room and type this shit up…
You go back to the H.O.R.S.E tables and giddy up.
Man this shit is easy!
