Poker News Daily: How did you get started in poker?

Makhija: I won a freeroll three years ago on a small site that no longer exists called Tropics Poker. I won $100, transferred it to PokerStars, and then grinded $5 sit and go tournaments.

PND: When did you realize that poker could become a career?

Makhija: That’s a tough question. It never really hit me at once. I always had done well at poker and was naturally pretty good at it, but I kind of just fell into it as a career. When I finished college, I was making a lot more money than I would have in a regular job. I decided to ride it out while I was young and could try.

PND: If you weren’t playing poker, what would you likely be doing?

Makhija: I graduated with a degree in finance and economics, but never really saw myself working a 9-5 job. It just isn’t something I’ve ever been interested in. I have always been interested in starting a small business and still would like to do something like that. I think I would have been looking into becoming an entrepreneur. I’m not sure though. It’s obviously not easy to start up a small business without some capital.

PND: You finished second in the 2008 World Poker Tour Legends of Poker event. What was it like playing in this televised final table?

Makhija: It was really surreal. When you start playing tournament poker, you dream about playing under the lights and cameras of the WPT and WSOP. I have been fortunate enough to experience both in just my first year playing live poker seriously. It was a lot of fun, but I wish I could have left the WPT table with the title. I thought I played very well and can’t even describe the disappointment of watching John Phan take the victory pictures with all of the money and the bracelet in front of him.

PND: Other players have described Phan as very aggressive. Tell us about his play in the WPT Legends of Poker.

Makhija: I think John played quite well overall and he is obviously a talented player. He can definitely be aggressive, but he changes gears as well as anyone. Overall, I was very impressed with his play. That being said, he ran by far better than anyone at that final table in many situations to get the win.

PND: What advice do you have for beginners just getting started in the game of poker?

Makhija: I think aside from the obvious aspects like bankroll management and game selection, people should always make sure that they are very open-minded. In poker, you have to adjust constantly and change your game to the way people are playing. It’s important to watch the top players play with an open mind. Try to figure out what they are doing and why they are doing it; it will help tremendously. People that are closed-minded and set in their ways will get passed up by the game time and time again. It takes a very special person to stay ahead of the curve for long periods of time. When you’re on top, it’s easy to get complacent while everyone else is getting better.

PND: After so much success, what keeps you coming back to the tables?

Makhija: It’s such a great game. There are so many levels to it and there’s no other game I’ve ever played that’s like it. I can’t think of another game that is both as complex and as simple as poker. It has the perfect mix of gambling and skill to keep the fish coming back and also to provide a solid consistent living for professionals.

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