Poker Stories: Brad Ruben

Poker Stories

Brad Ruben is a rising star in the poker world who has exploded for four World Series of Poker bracelets in the last few years. As a result, the 36-year-old Florida native 'leads the decade' with the most bracelets won so far since 2020.

The mixed-games specialist got his first title in August of 2020 during the online series held during the pandemic, taking down the $1,500 pot-limit Omaha event for $220,160. His second bracelet also came in PLO, this time during the 2021 online series. Later that year, as the live series moved to October, Ruben added a win in the $1,500 razz event, even though it was one of the first times he had ever played the game. Then last summer, Ruben was the last man standing in the $1,500 dealer's choice event, joining a club of just 66 players with four or more WSOP bracelets.

Ruben donated a portion of the winnings from his last title to the Shields and Stripes organization, a charity that helps first responders who are suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues. It's a cause that is near and dear to Ruben, having had to overcome a very tragic and traumatic experience of his own.

Highlights from this interview include running good in Oklahoma, Miami to manatees, Walmart scavenger hunts, how poker paid for studying in Spain, France, and Italy, crushing South Florida PLO games, knowing when to apply pressure, avoiding razz tilt, getting the Phil Hellmuth speech, hypnotherapy, why his ex has one of his bracelets, how poker can battle PTSD, the dangers of trading crypto, being a violin concert master at age 10, developing a Whopper addiction, sounding like Antonio Esfandiari, lucky underwear, and appraising his Pokémon collection.