Final Table Interview: Steve Billirakis
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Steve Billirakis may not be a household name, but he is surely the most experienced player at the final table of the $1,000 PLO event. In 2007 he made WSOP history by winning the $5,000 World Championship Mix Hold��em Limit/No-Limit event after beating Canadian poker pro Greg Mueller heads-up. By doing so, he became the then-youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history, having won the event only 11 days after his 21st birthday.
PokerNews' Pamela Maldonado spoke to Billirakis during the break of four-handed action moments ago.
How do you feel about playing down to six players instead of stopping at the final nine last night?
It doesn��t matter to me. I was happy about it because I just want to play and get it over with as soon as possible. Starting with six or starting with nine doesn��t affect me at all. I��m comfortable with a full table and with playing short-handed. Plus, I��m sure the WSOP had a good reason for breaking it the way they did.
Did the break give you time to reflect your play and adjust your strategy?
During my breaks I don��t really think too much about my play. I try to relax and give myself those few minutes to clear my mind. Coming back from break though I��ll continue to play tight, hopefully make some good hands and try to advance to heads-up. Getting lucky will help this late in the game.
Your last WSOP final table came in 2011 when you made two final tables, and you bubbled a third. Then you won in Europe that same year. How does it feel to be back?
It feels really good to be back. I took a year off last year and now I feel really good about my tournament game. I think it��s strong and I��m playing really well. I��m looking forward to the rest of the series.