Sam Holden Puts Away His Chips

Sam Holden Puts Away His Chips

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

British professional poker player Sam Holden has announced that he has retired from the sport despite being only 25 years of age in order to better indulge his love of philosophy at university and spend more time with friends.

Holden made a name for himself in the world of online multi-table tournaments before a chance entry into the 2011 World Series Of Poker (WSOP) main event saw him burst through the field and into the final nine. A host of media exposure followed and he was signed up to a sponsorship deal by 888Poker before the November Niners officially got down to business.

After finishing ninth in the Las Vegas finale and picking up $782,115 in cash, Holden joined the live circuit as an 888Poker-sponsored pro but has now decided to step aside in order to focus on his education. Indeed, even during his days as an active pro he was never one to throw around his cash and often stayed close to home with appearances at various <>UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT), European Poker Tour (EPT) and World Poker Tour (WPT) events across Europe.

Although calling the move ‘semi-retirement’ in his blog, Holden stated that he intends to continue enjoying the game of poker as a ‘hobby’.

“The fancy clubs, restaurants and hotels were a lot of fun but I realised quickly that the things that matter most to me are the relationships with my friends,” wrote Holden.

“Their company and intelligence, their insight and their humour. The truth is that I couldn’t really care less where we go as long as the company is good. A cheap pub will do just fine.”



Tags: Sam Holden, 888Poker, WSOP, EPT, UKIPT, WPT