Up Close: Dean Pettersson

By Ryan Lytle

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Dean Pettersson, of Sterling, had the opportunity to do what many people only dream of doing: The 28-year-old DJ recently played the annual World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas.

Not only did he participate in the event, but he also placed and went home with $23,000.

In an e-mail interview with LoudounExtra.com, Pettersson talked about his experience in Vegas, playing poker in Loudoun and changes he has seen in the area over the years.

Q: How did you get the opportunity to play in the World Series of Poker Main Event?

A: I entered a tournament online for $69. I won that tournament and got a seat into another tournament and the top 150 [players remaining] in that tournament got a $12,000 prize package to go to Vegas and play in the World Series Main Event.

Q: What was the most memorable part of the experience?

A: Probably meeting tons of celebrities and poker pros. It was also my first time to Las Vegas, which was also great.

Q: How far did you get in the tournament?

A: I finished in 560th place out of 6,494 entrants.

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Pettersson at the World Series of Poker

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Pettersson (left) and poker pro Phil Hellmuth at the 2009 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. (Dean Pettersson)

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Pettersson (left) and actor Ben Affleck at the 2009 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. (Dean Pettersson)

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Pettersson (left) and actor Matt Damon at the 2009 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. (Dean Pettersson)

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Pettersson (left) and poker legend Doyle Brunson at the 2009 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. (Dean Pettersson)

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Pettersson (left) with poker pro Daniel Negreanu at the 2009 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. (Dean Pettersson)

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Pettersson (center with black hat and white and black shirt) during the World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas. (Dean Pettersson)

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Q: What did your poker buddies think about your opportunity?

A: The night before I left for the tournament was a Tuesday. Every Tuesday, we have a poker group that gets together and plays. We have been playing for over two years together, now. That Tuesday, it was my girlfriend’s birthday and after I went to dinner with her we went over to the house where we usually play to say goodbye to everybody. They [my poker group] surprised me and my girlfriend with a birthday cake for her and a "goodbye poker package" for me that each person put a special item in. It was very meaningful to me and I kept the items with me while I played poker, even putting some next to my chips on the table as a good luck charm. My poker friends and my mom have been very supportive of me playing poker. My mom actually came out to Vegas and watched me play in the main event. That really meant a lot having her support like that, and it actually changed her view on poker and how much of a skill it is rather than just gambling.

Q: When did you begin playing poker and why did you start?

A: I started playing poker in 2003 when it began to boom all over the world. I started playing out of curiosity, I guess, and then it just turned into a hobby over time.

Q: What have you done to improve your game, especially before leaving for the tournament?

A: I just keep playing a lot against different types of people. They say that poker takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master. This statement is so true. I look back on how my game was two or three years ago compared to how I play today and I can see an enormous difference. You just have to keep playing and learning from your mistakes. Before leaving for the tournament, I talked with all of my poker buddies and each of them gave me advice. I pretty much took bits and pieces from each of them and planned a strategy for how I was going to play in the tournament.

Q: Poker is different from many activities where amateurs have a greater opportunity to play against some of the famous professional players. What was it like seeing and playing along with some of these professionals?

A: That experience was probably my favorite. I was in shock the first time seeing them. I had to get out of that mindset, though, and stay focused on my own game. That was the hardest part, trying to stay focused.

Q: Do you see yourself playing in this event again in the future?

A: If the opportunity presents itself, definitely!

Q: What is it about poker that you think makes it such a popular, mainstream event?

A: I think the fact that it’s so easy to learn and anybody can play it. In 2003, when amateur poker player Chris Moneymaker won the main event I think it sent the message that even a small-time amateur poker player can make it in the big leagues, and that's what caused the boom.

Q: Outside of the poker world, what do you do for a living?

A: I am currently a DJ.

Q: You've lived in Loudoun for almost 20 years. What has been some of the most defining changes you have seen in the area?

A: Wow, that's a very good question. How much time do you have? The biggest change I have seen in Loudoun County is the overcrowding. Traffic has become an issue anywhere you go, whether it’s Route 28, Route 7, or even on Waxpool Road in Ashburn. People I have known for a long time in the area are moving further out west because of the overcrowding. I won't get into a rant about politics or anything so doen’t worry! These are all things everybody already knows about Loudoun.

Q: When you're not working, what do you enjoy doing in the Loudoun area?

A: Obviously, playing poker. There are tons of games going on whether they are in a bar or at someone’s house. Every night you can go somewhere in Loudoun and play poker. I love it! Other than that, I like to go out and see cover bands perform and just have a good time.

Q: What is something about yourself that your friends would be surprised to know?

A: Huh, that would be a perfect Jerry Springer surprise moment like saying, "Well, I was actually born a woman." But, alas, I really have no secrets. If people could hear the conversations we have while playing poker they would die. There are no secrets with us!

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