Quite a few people are aware that you have been Lithuania`s Rubik Cube champion in your childhood. You were 11. Please, tell us more about it.
I don’t really talk about it! This wasn’t much of an achievement.
Your real name is Antanas Guoga. Why Tony G.?
Antanas means Tony in Lithuanian. Some people outside of Lithuania had trouble pronouncing Guoga so the G stuck. In reality, though it was when I was in Australia that the Tony G name stuck. I get called Antanas a lot more these days though as I spend most of my time in Lithuania. That said I have opened up my own holiday resort Tony Resort outside Vilnius so Tony is back again!
When did you get closer to poker and what was the reason to do so?
Over 10 years ago was when I really got into poker. I was playing and grinding away on the live circuit. Then I spotted a business opportunity in the business of poker – the game was about to boom.
Why did you move from Lithuania to Australia?
I didn’t really have a choice at the time – family went over there. Don’t regret it at all.
Which are your best memories as a poker player?
The big cash game wins – always fun to crush Hellmuth too and put him on tilt. I loved winning the first Asian Poker Tour event but I want to win a WSOP bracelet and WPT title. I am most proud to have become a sponsored player for PartyPoker.com as I do not regard myself as a professional poker player – I am a businessman who plays recreationally these days.
What about the unpleasant ones?
The bad beats – being so near yet so far. I sometimes don’t take them well and get a bit over zealous – I cannot help it – I just get caught up in the moment. I also think poker has become less fun recently and needs to look at itself to attract the more casual player. There are too many grinding robots and they are slowly killing the game.
In 2011 your poker winnings were close to $4 mil. What did you do with the money?
I put them into business ventures mainly. For example, Tony Resort in Lithuania.
I know you are doing many charity actions. Can you be more specific?
I prefer not to be specific but I have always thought it is essential to help if you are fortunate enough to be in the position to be able too.
Do you know any Romanian poker player? If yes, who is the closest to you and who would you consider the most dangerous rival?
I don’t know a huge amount about Romanian players though I absolutely love that video where the Romanian Cristian Dragomir has the blow-up with Hellmuth – legendary – he got under the Poker Brat’s skin – good man! I am familiar with Mihai from early PartyPoker events. I would have liked to have been at the WPT Bucharest that time when Adrian Mutu’s agent blew up. He makes me look quiet and reserved!
You are known as an agile, sleek and aggressive poker player. How do you consider yourself?
I wear my heart on my sleeve, probably too much at times. I think I am an effective cash game player in a variety of games. That is where I am most comfortable.
What kind of advice would you give to the ones who aim to reach your level?
Don’t turn into a robot – have heart and remember we have to make the game fun for it to grow.
You own one of the most popular poker websites -Pokernews.com, Pokeraffiliateworld.com and Pokerworks.com. Why do you think they have such a great success? What is the secret for succeeding in your business?
Good people full stop. They are dedicated to poker – it is there passion and they are the best.
In February 2010 you have established the Lithuanian Poker Federation in Vilnius. Please tell us more about this accomplishment.
Felt there was a big potential for poker to grow as a social game, not necessary to play for real money all the time – bonding and social. Poker should be fun!
You are not only involved in this sport of the mind –poker, but you are also actively involved in another successful sport-basketball. At the same time, you are the Vice-president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, the Manager of the National Team and the Sponsor of the Lithuanian Federation. Impressive! Why did you choose basketball and when do you find the time to handle all of these.
I love basketball and know it is very important to the country too. I made time for it – to be at the Olympics and at the opening ceremony in particular was an honour. It is a highlight of my life.
How does a common day in Tony G`s life look like when he`s not playing poker in life tournaments?
I have meetings at Tony Resort and then I go walking in the woods with my dog Nordas three to four times a day come rain, shine or snow. Tony Resort is in the middle of a big pine forest – I like the countryside and the solitude.
Where do the “The Mouth from Down Under” and “The Australian Airbag” nicknames come from?
Think mainly poker commenators from events where i previously got a bit too excited!
TONY G ABOUT WPT PRAGUE
Wpt Prague is going to be massive – I never made it last year and hope to get involved this year – I heard the cash games are legendary.
