I was interested to read about Richard Austin’s recent bracelet win in the $5k PLO event at the WSOP. Austin, apparently, immediately shunned all media requests for interviews following his $409,484 win. What makes it even more interesting is that he then shunned WSOP organisers and their requests for him to attend the bracelet awarding ceremony.
Forums are calling him ‘weird’ and a ‘freak’ but could it be that Austin just doesn’t want to spend any time in the poker limelight?
I think it’s fair enough if you don’t want media attention after a big win. The Lotto here in the UK has an opt-out of publicity box on tickets, presumably to protect the interests and security of big winners. Why not at the WSOP? Would you like to walk around Sin City knowing that thousands of people are aware of your brand new 400 large bankroll?
Personally I would keep the media happy, go through the WSOP ceremony, etc. simply to have that experience to look back on in later years. I would fly home immediately afterwards though and have a few quiet weeks away from publicity.
Of course to win a WSOP event you have to actually play in one! and, as it’s been three years for me, the worry of the aftermath of winning a bracelet isn’t exactly at the front of my mind.
