Champions Of Change: Dan Cates

Introducing HIA #189 Dan Cates AKA jungleman12 or w00ki3z and world renowned heads-up No Limit Texas Hold 'em player.

From playing sleepless nights to pre-game meditation, this man is diverse in every sense of the word and has some insightful notes to share with us and we’re grateful to get to know the mind behind the poker face.

Hi Dan.

Hi Marcus.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that defined your path as an athlete?

Playing 72 hours, almost sleepless, in a 1 million buy in game. High stakes.

The Jungleman.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in sports or life, and why?

A friend of mine named Alvaro Nunez. He completed a desert marathon for charity with an extra 20kg’s of weight. A marathon where even top athletes failed.

What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Learn from other’s mistakes.

What does a typical training day look like for you?

I used to play obsessively, watch videos and use much software for each game to learn. These days I am focused on other things, but still use the software a lot. I value meditation more now.

What’s the strangest yet most effective training that's worked for you?

Teaching. Possibly because I learned things by accident as students would point out flaws of mine, flaws I otherwise might not have seen.

Do you have a pre-game ritual, song, or meal?

I don’t really, other than a good sleep and a massage. But when I’m in the gym I use more cinematic music like Hans Zimmer to get me going.

How do you stay motivated?

I do many interesting things, go to interesting places and have goals larger than myself.

What techniques do you use to stay focused and composed?

Meditation, yoga and regular breaks. I do suspect gym helps as well.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

I made a bad investment for a house that nearly bankrupted me. With a bit of luck, looking into the software, improving my game, and tapping into some good situations I set up long ago, I was able to survive. I did eventually have to refinance, sell the house and take a big loss.

What is it about your mindset that's enabled you to succeed in your sport?

To never give up really and keep trying. It helped to think I had something inside that made me better than everyone else.

Cheers for your succinct shares Dan, meditation must be key for keeping your cool in your games.

To follow Dan @thedancates