Shannon Shorr
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1) When did you first know that you wanted to be a professional poker player?
Shannon Shorr: I started playing online in April 04 and wanted to be like
the people that I saw playing the big stacks. But, I was a losing player for my
first 8 months that I played online. I stuck with it and continued to play a ton of
poker, stayed focused, and learned the game. I actually regret how much time I had
to play in the beginning to get my game where it needed to be.
2) What did your parents think about you playing so much poker online?
Shannon Shorr: At first they were very against it and told me how I was
going to go broke. And in the beginning they were right. But, now that I’ve had
some success they know that i can do this for a living and are extremely supportive.
Many players that I know haven’t had the same type of positive support from their
families and I can’t imagine having to fight that in addition to opponents at the
table.
3) Which do you prefer playing, live or online?
Shannon Shorr: I like playing live much better. I just play online when I have extra time. I don’t like sitting around and grinding it out all day on the computer, I have other interests. I like to hang out with friends, listen to music, and watch movies.
4) Who are some of the toughest opponents that you have faced?
Shannon Shorr: Nenad Medic and Kenna James. Nenad knows how to play after the flop so well, and isn’t afraid to stick all of his money in at any time if he has a read. Kenna is just pretty fearless so he is no fun to play against.
5) After the World Series of Poker this year there were many debates as to who is the best young player, you or Jeff Madsen. Who do you think are some of the other top young guns?
Shannon Shorr: Jason Strasser known as “Strassa2”, is sick. He just won a WCOOP tournament on Poker Stars for over $400K a few days back. He’s great at cash games and tournaments. Another one is Carl Olsen who goes by “Colsen10” online and Alex Jacobs is another a very good young player.
6) You left school before graduating this year to pursue your poker career, what advice do you have for others considering following the same path?
Shannon Shorr: First, I wouldn’t reccomend it. There are a lot of ups and downs in poker, they are terrible. Poker becomes your whole life and it is so much safer doing other things. But, if you are going to do it you need to manage your bankroll well. That is my main advice, especially in the beginning when each session has a big impact on your roll.
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7) What is the craziest bet that you’ve ever made outside of poker?
Shannon Shorr: At the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas a group of us paid a guy 5k to jump into a 12ft deep shark tank, touch the bottom, and come back up. Luckily for him the sharks were kind of asleep on the other side of the tank, but I’m sure that they could have swam across in time to get him if they wanted.
8) What is your best post win party story?
Shannon Shorr: My two biggest wins were in Australia and at the Bellagio. After both wins I was very tired from playing so much poker that week. So, in Australia we just partied around the casino for awhile and played some games, but after the Bellagio win I just went back to my room by myself and went to sleep.
9) How has your life changed since you became a pro poker player?
Shannon Shorr: I’ve always been an average regular guy so it is kind of strange having random people recognize me now that I am getting more well known. The traveling has also been amazing. I’ve seen more of the world than a lot of people will in their entire lives and I’m only 21. I’ve also met some fascinating people.
10) You are currently #2 in Cardplayer’s player of the year race for 2006, do you think that you can take the #1 spot by the end of the year?
Shannon Shorr: Well, I am going to put myself in the best position possible to win it. I’m playing everywhere and trying to get in as many tournaments as possible. Hopefully Mizrachi will slow down a little bit and i’ll make a few more final tables.
Read more about Shannon Shorr:
http://www.shannonshorr.com
