Shaun Deeb’s Secret Weapon to win 6 WSOP Titles

Shaun Deeb playing at the WPT

What advice would you give to players to help them survive the summer grind?

Sleep needs to be prioritized. Plan your schedule out. Make sure you’re not playing tournaments that conflict with the ones you really want to play.

Figure out where your EV’s coming from. Leave your ego at the door. You’re playing with a bunch of recreational, part-time poker players. Recognize that and exploit them.

How are you going to maintain the work you’ve put into your fitness and diet?

I always hate telling people about this place. It’s such a good hidden gem at the World Series. But there’s this little Mediterranean spot called Istanbul. It’s right on the outside of the Horseshoe. You can get healthy food pretty quickly on the breaks.

It’s just a good, healthy option. It’s got a lot of food choices, and they’re open super late. I go there after bagging a lot of nights or busting. That’s where I get more meals than the next three places combined. They’re awesome.

Istanbul: Deeb's hidden gem for great food at the WSOPIstanbul: Deeb’s hidden gem for great food at the WSOP

What’s your advice for newbies diving into mixed game events?

This is the key and the best thing about the World Series mixed games – you get to play with great players who play such high buy-ins in some of the smaller events.

You can learn so much when you’re at a table with Nick Schulman or other great mixed game players. Watch every hand they play. Pay attention to every showdown. Pay attention to where they’re stealing and where they seem to be making big folds. Try to play every hand along with them and mimic what they’re doing. Because whatever they’re doing is going to make you money.

Okay, give us your Phil Hellmuth WSOP predictions…

He will make three final tables. He will lament how bad he runs at all three of those. He will get a seventh, a fifth and a third. The fifth place will be in Razz. The seventh will be stud high, and the third will be in triple draw.

What is your prediction for Team Lucky members?

[Team Lucky is Shaun, Matt Glantz, Dan Weinman and Josh Arieh] Matt Glantz will win his first bracelet. Dan Weinman will have one of the best years out of any remaining WSOP Main Event champion in the game. And I think Josh Arieh will continue to crush events. It’s going to be a great summer!

Check out the  full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you’re going to target this summer. If you’re looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out  The Rec’s guide to the WSOP. If you’re looking for action with a bigger budget,  follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.