Mike “Fooz” Gano is a professional grinder residing in Canada. Between trips and sessions, Mike writes a popular blog and consistently streams his sessions on Twitch…and now, he’s making top-notch training videos with us! We asked Mike a few questions to help you get to know him better…
Poker-Coach-Mike-Gano-U

Where is your original hometown, and where do you call home now?

Texas originally. Then D.C., Chicago, Boulder, San Francisco. In 2006, I met this hot Canadian girl at Burning Man and chased her up to Vancouver Island, B.C. We winter in the Caribbean (http://pokerinabox.com/play-poker-living-exotic-destinations/)

Where specifically are we most likely to see you playing cards these days?

200NL SNAP games on 888poker

When and how did you start playing poker?

I played with my family as a kid. In my early 20’s, I ran a home game that grew pretty big. Then Indian casinos and eventually it was trips to Vegas every other weekend.

When and how did you decide to play poker professionally/seriously?

I was making a lot of money playing and getting more involved online: joined 2+2 in 2002. My g/f and I quit our jobs, cashed out the 401k, moved to SF, and I was suddenly a “pro”.

What do you consider your proudest poker achievements?

My poker strategy blog! I’m determined to deliver more value to my readers than anyone else out there, which is no small task. I put so much effort into it.

When and how did you start coaching others?

In 2008, I started getting coaching from “Nutedawg” previously with Cardrunners. After a few months working together, he suggested I try coaching. By the end of the year, I had a full roster of students and was also making videos for Cardrunners.

What is your coaching specialty? Do you consider yourself a ‘specialist’ in any games?

I primarily coach 6-max players in the 25NL to 400NL range online. The reason is because I excel in these games (7bb/100 at the 200NL level). I can teach a smart, hard-working student how to achieve the same success and income.

What is your goal in providing coaching through Red Chip Poker?

I love the game and love to share that passion with others. Poker has opened up so many possibilities for me and affords me a dreamy lifestyle. The more people I can help realize similar dreams the better!

Please share a coaching success story with us:

Here are a few: one student wrote me years later to say he was able to buy a house with his poker winnings and wanted to personally thank me for helping make that possible. Another is one of the top tournament pros in Italy and travels the world now as a total balla. Another is crushing 500NL zoom on Stars (one of the hardest games online).

Do you have a professional career/background outside of poker?

Not for the last decade. But before that I was a software project manager for the finance industry. I also have a rather dusty systems engineering degree.

What are your favorite hobbies and pursuits outside of poker?

As you’ll see on my live poker stream, I love to juggle and goof around on the slack line. Meditation has changed my life. I do an hour a day. I love scuba diving. My wife and I pride ourselves on being modern hobos: traveling constantly, working when we have to.

Can you link us to all of the books you’ve written?

Yes! I’m pleased to announce the release of my first ebook. It’s a complete guide to pre-flop strategy, the likes of which has never been published before.

Do you have any results on Hendon Mob, etc.?

I keep this page updated with my most recent results:

http://pokerinabox.com/results

Anything else?

I’m also a DJ/producer. I love to share my music and mixes. Please help yourself on my SoundCloud.

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