SM Staking CEO – Erikas Laugzemys
To assess the quality of coaching, it’s all about the people who teach – the coaches. This is a very important role for the SMstaking, and we strive to provide the highest level of knowledge not only for the students, but also for the coaches. And that is what the head coach and founder of the school – Erikas Laugžemys – is all about.
How did your journey in the poker world begin?
While I was still at school, a classmate of mine managed to buy a car by playing poker. At that time, especially when I was still in my final years of school, I realised that this could be my field, where I could make a lot of money the easy way. Of course, it wasn’t as easy as I thought, but it became more profitable than I imagined.
How did you get into coaching?
Probably the fact that I graduated in medicine says that I am an academic person. I like to learn and improve myself, but at the same time I enjoy the training process. Therefore, my journey as a poker coach started when I started to show high results both at the school where I studied and on the global player market. This is what allowed me to start teaching others and within 2-3 weeks I had my first 12 students.
What can a student expect from you?
The knowledge I have gathered over the years and the application of my personal experience in the lessons. I try to create the right attitude in the player towards the situations, I encourage them to trust the process and believe in the long-term results, no matter how difficult it may be sometimes. Generally speaking, it is very difficult to go through it alone in poker and produce good results. Knowing this, I take responsibility to live through it together, to help the player to keep his hand in the difficult moments and to win.
What are the qualities of a good student?
SM Staking CEO advices: To be honest, a nolifer. They are the easiest to work with and the easiest to achieve results. I have seen many times that in the long run, hard work wins out over talent. Of course, you have to remember that the quality of the game is very important, but without quantity nothing will happen. Therefore, a player who is able and willing to devote a lot of time to the game and to improving himself has a much better chance of achieving good results than a talented person who does not devote the time.
Can you tell us about your coaching methodology?
I am very detailed and I like to go deep into the situations that I and my students face. I try not to leave situations unresolved because I know how precious they can be in future games. I try to keep the player steady – we deal with routine issues, downswing problems, psychological challenges. Because I try to work and improve myself every day, it allows me to keep the sharpest mind and be a professional in my field – Spin & Go.
What do you like most about playing poker?
I like the fact that poker is a constant exercise for the brain, you can always improve and it’s competitive. Who doesn’t like being a winner? Especially when you are rewarded accordingly. I also enjoy watching my students’ achievements, and I’m happy to see them reach a level where they can play against other top players in the world. And finally, I love the fact that the School community has become a very important part of my personal life – we celebrate together, we travel together and we grow together.
What advice would you give to a poker enthusiast?
Poker and downswings, they go hand in hand and no matter how well you do, you can never avoid downswings. You have to remember that downswings come and go, so always try to keep your faith in yourself and your learning process at the highest level. In this game, the most important thing is to take the long view. And remember – with value – go BIG.
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