The world’s most famous poker celebrity regularly finds time for his fans, and recently, they had the chance to chat with him through a special Ask Me Anything thread on Reddit. Daniel spent several hours answering questions, and we've selected the most intriguing ones for you.
Q: Daniel, we all know your love for the show Game of Gold. Will there be another season?
“Unfortunately, I can't see it happening, but who knows, things might change. I think it was a great and unique project.”
Q: What advice would you give to beginners when learning poker? Should they focus on classic or modern methods?
“I'll say this— the best players in the world understand theory, but they aren't slaves to it.”
Q: How do you see online poker evolving in 5 to 10 years?
“I believe it will need to continually evolve and grow in new directions. There are many smart players always looking for an edge, so creativity in maintaining a healthy ecosystem is essential.”
Q: What do you think about the growing role of AI in online poker?
“It’s a cat and mouse game. Players will use AI as a tool to gain an advantage, but operators will have access to these tools and hopefully will be able to detect them.”
Q: Is poker still profitable today?
“If you're really good, you can still make a lot of money. In the past, it was enough to be average because weak players were very weak. Today, recreational players are much better, and the best are even better.”
Q: What should change at the next WSOP?
“Ideally, we should move toward a shot clock in the future, but until then, at least every tournament with a buy-in of $5,000 or more should use them.”
Q: What is your opinion on mystery bounty tournaments? If you play them, any tips?
“These tournaments are incredibly popular and give everyone a chance to win big, even players who aren't the best. I think the right strategy is to fully commit—try to accumulate a big stack and go for as many bounties as possible, even with really bad cards.”
Q: If you could implant one thought into every poker player's mind to help them, what would it be?
“Take responsibility for your results. You can't control good or bad luck; all you can work on is the process and how you react to events in your life. How you respond to the bad things that happen to you influences how successful you will be in life.”
Q: Does your ambassador status take energy away from your game?
“I think I’ve done quite well in finding a balance so that my external activities don't detract too much from my ability to play well.”
Q: What are your favorite poker disciplines?
“PLO and Stud 8 or better.”
Q: In one video, you tell Phil Hellmuth that he's not better than Phil Ivey in anything. Do you still stand by that?
“I can't imagine anything, literally nothing, in which Hellmuth is better—not in basketball, poker, or any game that comes to mind! I wouldn't bet on him at any odds against Ivey... would you?”
Q: Is older age an advantage or disadvantage in poker?
“Overall, it's said that the age of 40-45 is ideal when professionals are experienced and have been through it all. It probably holds true, but personally, at age 51, I'm certainly better and sharper than ever.”
What do you think about politics in the USA and the new tax law?
“I consider myself politically homeless and currently don't align with either party.”
Q: Do you think we'll witness another poker boom in the future?
“I think we’re living in one right now. The growth is evident everywhere, mainly thanks to new content creators and livestreams people love to watch for free.”
Q: What legacy would you like to leave behind?
“In the past, when I was around 20, it mattered more, but now, in my 50s, with the perfect wife and life, I'm happy where I am. The word that comes to mind is authentic. I'm myself, always. Accept me or not. Some people may not like me, and I probably wouldn't get along with them either.”
Q: A memorable cooler from WSOP?
“Losing with AK vs. 66 still haunts me. In the 2000 Main Event, I was chipleader among the last 12 players, but finished 11th after a flip AK vs. 66 in Carlos Mortensen's hand. Flop J-T-3, turn and river blanked.”
Q: What do you think are the best hobbies for poker players?
“Golf, definitely! It has many similarities to poker—you have to handle bad beats and bad shots, and ultimately it's about battling yourself. Building resilience to poor play takes experiences. The best thing you can do is analyze your decisions—if they're right, trust that it will eventually pay off. Just stick to the best decisions and, over time, it will turn.”
Q: Who's your favorite player to beat?
“Phil Hellmuth, because it’s fun to watch him mumble when he loses a pot.”
Q: What's your opinion on players like Will Kassouf or Martin Kabrhel?
“It's terrible for the people at the table, extremely annoying, and if I were a tournament organizer, I wouldn't allow such behavior.”
Q: What would you do if poker didn't exist?
“I'd definitely be an actor.”
Q: What's your net worth?
“No idea!” (Sites like CelebrityNetWorth estimate Daniel's net worth at $60–70 million.)
Q: What books would you recommend for foundational study?
“Modern Poker Theory is a good book to explain how GTO really works.”
