With live poker out of the picture in the short-term, Johnnie Vibes took time out from lockdown to take on ‘15 Bigs’ of a different kind. The hugely popular YouTuber, whose video blogs are a sensation in the industry with thousands of subscribers, is admired by many other players.
We go from aspiration to perspiration with our questions for Johnnie here, however. Will he be able to cope with one book on a desert island, and which song would he listen to on repeat? Let’s push those chips over the line.
If you were to be shot at dawn, what would be your last meal/drink?
I would say my biggest fear is death, so I’d probably drink a magic mushroom tea. Ease the anxiety of my pending doom. I want to go out thinking deeply about the world and hopefully with a smile on my face.
You’re on a long-haul flight and can only choose one TV Show or Movie to watch on repeat, which is your pick?
Breaking Bad. It has so many things that poker players love; drama, survival, hustling, and now that I’m really in to film making, I like paying attention to the cinematic nuance of the story telling.
Stranded on a desert island, you have one book for company until you are rescued. What is it?
I’m not much of a reader but I love ancient short stories that have a powerful message. Perhaps a collection of parables from eastern philosophers.
What’s the song you could listen to on repeat forever?
Rüfüs Du Sol – Innerbloom. That song was playing at sunset during my wedding cocktail hour. Takes me back to that rooftop in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. It’s a 10-minute-long musical journey.
What’s your favourite place to play poker and why?
The Amazon room at the WSOP. I’ve made the money four times in the WSOP Main Event and that feeling never gets old. I don’t play many tournaments so my experiences in that room always seem to be filled with adrenaline, hope and fear wrapped all in to one feeling.
Where’s your favourite non-poker holiday destination?
Hard to pick one place because I love experiencing different cultures, especially in a tropical beach environment. My next vacation, once the pandemic has subsided, is going to be Bali. I’m drawn to the Zen-like energy of the island.
You can play poker every day for a year or play no poker for a whole 12 months – which do you choose?
My life has been all poker for 12 years now and I still love it. I’d choose to play poker.
Who is the person you don’t have around anymore that you miss the most?
I’ve lost three family members to cancer and I want them all back.
Which person would you most like to meet but never have?
Barack [Obama] seems like a fun guy for a pickup game of basketball. Perhaps 1-on-1. Maybe we could gamble on it!
When’s the last time life put you on tilt?
I manage stress well. Life tilt only lasts a few minutes and I quickly forget about it.
You can’t play it yourself…so which family member do you trust with your $10k WSOP Main Event entry?
I’m 4 for 8 on the Main Event but I’d still put my brother Andrew Moreno in that seat every time over myself. He’s an absolute beast of a poker player and the only reason I’ve survived 12 years as a pro.
What’s your best poker skill?
My ability to remain calm in the face of adversity.
And your biggest leak?
I don’t have a killer instinct and I’m risk averse. It’s hampered my growth as a player.
If you became the world’s first global president, what would be your first unbreakable rule?
I’d start with human rights. All humans are equal.
You have just ten seconds to call anyone in the world on the phone… but what do you say?
I’d call my bro Andrew Moreno just to tell him I love him and I’m proud of him.
Well, he’s charmed thousands of happy viewers on YouTube and he won us over too. Guess there’s no resisting Johnnie’s vibes. You can check out Johnnie’s YouTube channel right here and become his latest satisfied subscriber.
