Patrik Antonius

Patrik Antonius, is a Finnish poker player. Unlike many other successful poker players, he had no plans for a career in poker as a child. He wanted to play tennis professionally instead. Unluckily, he was unable to pursue this career due to an injury, so he turned to poker instead. He was part of the now defunct Team Full Tilt Poker.

Patrik Antonius: Early Life

From a young age, Patrik developed a fondness for playing the game of Poker. His initial foray into the game involved playing for coins at the tender age of ten. What began as a casual interest has now evolved into a significant and integral part of his life. During the subsequent years, Antonius engaged in poker sessions with friends who were predominantly tennis players.

He was used to working hard from a young age because his family wasn’t wealthy. Even worse, he was forced to pursue a different line of work when it became clear that he would not be able to realize his dream of playing tennis. He tried many different jobs over the years, including being a model and a telemarketer.

Patrik Antonius: Poker Career

In 2005, Patrik’s breakthrough moment arrived as he showcased impressive performances in a series of significant poker tournaments. His major opportunity came at the Pokerstars Caribbean Adventure main event, where he secured the 12th position, marking a promising start to the year. This achievement not only earned Patrik $34,600 but also set the tone for his remarkable journey throughout the year.

A few short months later, Antonius won $40,000 after finishing in 15th place at the Bay 101 Shooting Stars of Poker. Another impressive performance, but as the year went on, Patrik’s fortune got better.

In the second half of 2005, Patrik really picked up the pace. He began by winning the Ladbrokes Scandinavian Poker Championship for $66,261. Then finished third for $145,068 in the EPT Barcelona main event.

Despite already experiencing a fantastic year in 2005, Patrik Antonius continued to achieve remarkable feats with two of the most substantial cash wins of his career. In October of that year, he triumphed in the EPT Baden Classic, raking in an impressive $343,366. A mere two months later, Antonius extended his success with another impressive performance at the Las Vegas Five Diamond World Poker Classic, securing a second-place finish and a substantial earnings of precisely over $1,046,970

A star was born thanks to Patrik’s Model looks, table presence and his outstanding performance in 2005.

Conclusion

Patrik garnered widespread admiration as a poker player. Despite the potential risks, some players couldn’t resist offering Antonius advice due to their recognition of his immense talent. Over the subsequent two years, Antonius adeptly balanced his presence in the high-stakes games of Las Vegas and the big online tournaments.

Just like his old full Tilt team mate Tom Dwan, Patrik has also made a return to the high stakes poker scene over the last few years.