London Real is an online talk show founded in London in 2011, featuring extended discussions on business, self-improvement, health, politics, and societal topics. Hosted by American-British podcaster and former banker Brian Rose, London Real has built a substantial online audience outside traditional British TV. It was here that Antanas Guoga, known in poker circles as Tony G, appeared as a guest.
From Zero in Austria to Millions in Russia
Tony candidly reflects on his beginnings, far removed from the glitz of High Stakes poker. He recalls his time in Austria at the start of the new millennium, when he was almost penniless and poker was more survival than a career choice. His decision to go all-in with poker was born out of necessity, not romance.
Years later, he found himself in Russia, playing private cash games where a single pot could mean five million dollars. The contrast between these worlds is stark, yet he emphasizes the journey wasn't one big leap. It was about gradually increasing pressure, stakes, and mental resilience.
A prominent theme of the interview is the ability to remain calm during life-changing moments. Tony describes that in such games, there’s no room for emotions. It’s not about adrenaline; it’s about maximum focus. He mentions that big pots don't appear out of nowhere—they build up gradually, allowing players to adapt to increasing pressure. However, he admits that the same situations can end the other way. Wins change lives, but losses can break hearts. Both are part of the high stakes reality.
Private Games Have Different Rules
Tony draws a sharp contrast between televised poker and private cash games. On screen, his persona is loud, provocative, and full of energy, but in private games, it’s a different world. There’s no trash talk or need to dominate verbally. In private games, it’s about etiquette, respect, and security. Tony explains that it’s crucial to be a gentleman in this setting. Players don’t want to sit with someone who stirs tension outside the game. A calm demeanor is essential for professional survival.
The discussion also touches on Tony’s iconic TV identity. He admits that his TV behavior was an amplified version of himself—not a strategy, but a reaction to pressure, nerves, and the need to release energy. Trash talk wasn’t a calculated tool to destabilize opponents but a natural display of competitiveness and emotion. Many of his winning moments, he attributes to luck and timing, not psychological dominance.
Confidence as a Hidden Advantage
One of the interview’s most intriguing parts is about confidence. Tony openly states that belief in one's abilities is a powerful factor in poker. Even if a player isn’t technically the best, the conviction that they can win provides a massive edge. He points to examples of players who may not excel in GTO play but succeed through unshakeable confidence. For him, success in poker and life is a blend of skill and the courage to take risks.
He concludes the interview with the thought that excessive caution rarely leads to extraordinary results. High-level poker requires the ability to endure hits, losses, and uncertainty. He believes the same principle applies beyond the table. Life is about learning and improving, and one must not fear risk-taking. Without this courage, Tony feels he would never have reached where he is today.
This conversation with Tony G is not a nostalgic return to famous hands. It’s a reflection on life under extreme pressure, where money, ego, and fear constantly test human limits. For fans who know Tony G only from loud TV moments, it’s an intriguing contrast. For others, it’s a reminder that behind grand gestures often lies peace, experience, and respect for a game that never gives anything for free.
Sources: YouTube, PokerNews, Flickr
