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As the final of the Poker Race Trophy on November 29 draws ever closer, here's your chance to get to know the finalists.

Marky_Crash (Scotland)

Poker Race Trophy Brands Hatch/England

Marky_Crash managed to qualify for three VIP weekends and finally took victory at Brands Hatch.

Q: The third time was the charm for you, as far as winning a semi-final tournament to get to the finals. Did that make it easier or harder for you when you did win?

A: Yeah, it certainly was a factor on my mind that I didn't want to be the guy who kept getting close but couldn't finish off the job!

I really didn't feel like luck was on my side in the first two semi-finals, though. I managed to get off to a good start and get the chip lead in both of the first two. I really wanted to keep the pressure on before the blinds got too high and luck became such a big factor, but I hit some incredible card dead spells and, even though I tried to make a couple of moves, I just didn't have the cards to back anything up. I had to take on two coin flips and lost both to the eventual winners of each semi.

I decided that if I hit such a card dead spell again in the third semi, I would still mix it up before the blinds got too big. I feel I managed to do that, although I hit some very bumpy spells and went from chip leader to the short stack after losing with a few big hands. But unlike the last two semis, when it really mattered, the cards did run a bit better for me this time.

Q: Any thoughts on how the payout structure might affect the play at the finals in Vienna, since more than half of the guaranteed $500,000 in prize money goes to first place?

A: I think with the amount of money at stake it will be a tight game in general but then again as you say with such a high percentage going to first place, people may take a few chances to go for the win.

Q: Any special plans for what you'd do with the winnings? Obviously it depends on where you finish, but do you have a trip planned or your eye on car or anything like that?

A: With the final still quite a bit away I've had plenty time to think it over. When I started playing full-time several months ago I didn't have the proper financial backing in terms of bankroll and freedom to play what I wanted.

Even though I'd steadily made a nice profit since going full time, the profits have to be cashed out to pay for everyday life so I still don't have the freedom to play the tourneys I want to. At the very least this problem will be sorted after the finals and the first thing I will do is boost my online bankroll.

If I finish fourth or better or ideally third or better, I plan to spend a lot of time in Vegas at next year's WSOP and play as many events as I can fit in, mainly the side events. I'm not too worried about the Main Event but I would love to play a dozen or so of the side events.

If I win then obviously I'll be able to do all of the above and a bit more.

Q: Have you kept in touch with any of the other qualifiers from the various trips you were on? Are any fans going to make the trip to Vienna with you to root you on at the finals?

A: Yes, I've kept in touch with quite a few and have firm plans to meet up with some of them soon and probably stay in contact via Facebook etc. with almost half the people I've met on the trips.

There have been some really nice people on the trips and a few I count as very good friends now. As for the final, my partner Zoe will probably accompany me; she went on her first poker trip to Brands Hatch and enjoyed it so she's looking forward to Vienna. She proved a good luck charm at Brands Hatch so here's hoping.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?

A: I'd just like to thank everyone for their hard work around this event.

When you're away on these trips it hits you what a huge logistical job it is pulling an event like this off and just how many people are involved.

Also on the trips the PokerRoom representatives are tireless in their work and do everything to make sure you're happy from staying out most of the night clubbing to sorting out missing luggage.

One example which I think shows their dedication was during a night out in Colchester and we were refused entry to a certain nightclub because half of us wore sneakers. One member of the PR team who was having a good night out literally took his shoes off and gave them to one of the players so he could stay and have a great night.

PokerRoom really does go the extra mile to ensure the players' happiness on these trips!

Eurosport