Billi Kopp Biography

Ask the average pro poker player if they struggled in the beginning of their career and they'd probably be lying if they told you no.

Billy Kopp is anything but average. At just 18 years old, Kopp had turned $200 worth of online poker deposits into $100,000. That's not a typo. One. Hundred. Thousands. Dollars.

"I never looked back," notes Kopp.

And with Kopp, that's the truth. As a student at the University of Kentucky, Kopp continued to find success playing at the online poker tables and in land-based events.

By the time 2009 rolled around, that initial $100,000 began to look less impressive thanks to some extraordinary paydays on the world's poker circuit.

In the Main Event of the 2009 World Series of Poker, Kopp recorded a 12th place finish for $896,730, just three spots shy of the November Nine. Making his strong showing even more notable were the pros he defeated along the way. At a feature table, Kopp knocked out Peter Eastgate, the 2009 WSOP Main Event champion, and Joe Hachem, the 2005 champion.

Other successes in 2009 include a 2nd place finish in Event #20 of the Harrah's New Orleans WSOP Circuit - Bayou Poker Challenge for $127,832 and an 8th place finish in Event #15 of the WSOP for $71,115.

As of late summer 2009-and only counting 2009 winnings-Billy Kopp has earned $1.5 million playing poker, online and off. Here's how he did it in his own words.

How did you become a professional poker pro?
I went deep in the 2009 WSOP Main Event and caught the eye of some big poker rooms. I ended up here at UltimateBet because I wanted to be a part of the strongest online poker community you'll find anywhere.

Did you struggle a lot at the beginning or were you a success right away?
When I was 18, I deposited $50 online a few times. After being in for under $200, I had a bankroll over $100,000.

What style of play do you use at the table?
I play a loose aggressive style.

Are you a better cash game player or tournament player?
I specialize in tournaments. I rarely play cash games, but I am getting into them more lately.

Do you model your game after any other pros - past or present?
After learning and talking different strategies with close friends and younger guys I met online, I was able to evolve my game and go my own route. I don't model my game after any famous professionals.

What's your favorite tournament and why?
My favorite tournament is by far the WSOP main event. Among being the most prestigious event that only happens once a year, this tournament has the best structure of any poker tournament known to man.

What are your thoughts on the growing size of the WSOP Main Event?
The bigger the better, the more the merrier. The bigger the field, the more prestigious the victory is for someone. I hope it continues to grow and more people get involved. A larger field is definitely great for the game.

What do you consider the most significant differences to be between online and brick and mortar play from a strategic point of view?
Online play is tougher because you can't read people as well. Online you are playing multiple games whereas at a brick and mortar, you are focusing only on one game, which is easier.

How does your tournament strategy differ between online and real world play?
I play the exact same way online as I do live. As stated before, it is even easier playing live.

Which of your poker skills do you rate as the most important?
I think that being able to play post flop against your opponents is the most important, and I feel that I excel in that area.

Who is your greatest role model and why?
My father: He has taught/exemplified hard work more than anyone. Being taught this throughout my life has enabled me to achieve many goals including my poker success.

Which famous person has left the greatest impression on you?
Michael Jordan. This man had failed multiple times in his life and questioned his abilities. To overcome this he practiced more and more each and every day to become one of the best in the world today. This applies to poker so much. You have to fail to succeed in this game and have to bring yourself above the times of failure and defeat to become a better player.

What do you think you'll be doing in 20 years time?
I will still be playing poker professionally and traveling the world due to successful playing and investments.

What one possession could you not do without and why?
I can't go without my iPhone. I love being able to access the internet anywhere and check my email spur of the moment.

What is the trait you most deplore in others and why?
I dislike people who aren't confident. Confidence shows someone's true character and is a trait I look for in a person, especially when I date women.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Chase your dreams.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
Be your own person.

What is the one thing you'd like to do before you die?
Skydive.

What top three tips would you give to amateur poker players hoping to make it as a poker professional?
1. Find a great mentor
2. Use proper bankroll management
3. Put in as much volume as possible to get experience

What would you be doing if you were not a poker professional?
I would be managing a chain of restaurants or hotels.