While hundreds of poker players are competing in the various tournaments here at Grosvenor Casinos Reading South poker room as part of this week’s 888poker-powered UKPL stop, two in particular can’t help but stand out, namely Josh Manley and Nick Eastwood. The pair of UK-based streamers have amassed large audiences primarily on Twitch and they each proudly wear the 888poker patch as Stream Team Ambassadors.
I caught up with Josh and Nick as they prepared to enter the series’ Main Event, and peppered them with eight questions meant to gauge their thoughts on live versus online poker, tournament strategy, the UKPL, and more.
You’ve each attended multiple UKPL stops throughout the year. Now we’re here at the penultimate stop at Grosvenor Casino Reading South. What have been your overall impressions of the new 888poker-powered tour?
Josh: It’s been an amazing series of events for the UK poker scene. The buy-ins are reasonably sized for recreational players, and we’re reaching parts of the country that we hadn’t been to before. It’s been great to see.
Nick: I’ve attended all the stops except Coventry, and it’s been really cool to visit different UK cities. Reading, in particular, is special because it’s where I first started playing poker back in university. It feels great to come back here.
Which has been your favorite stop, and how have you fared overall at UKPL stops?
Josh: Edinburgh, definitely. It was my most profitable stop because I had 10% of Nick’s min-cash in the Main Event, so that put a few extra quid in my pocket! But seriously, it was a great experience to visit the city for the first time and spend quality time with Nick.
Nick: Edinburgh as well, mainly for the same reasons, and it was actually the only UKPL stop where I managed to cash.
Had a delightful conversation w/ @888poker Stream Team ambassador @joshmanleypoker here at UKPL Edinburgh.
His inspiring words: “with enough hard work, anyone can find a modicum of success in this industry!”
Hope you enjoy the read, on @PokerLifeMedia.https://t.co/krrKY7JlLJ
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) February 16, 2024
Both of you primarily play online. What do you enjoy most about playing live that online lacks, and what do you enjoy most about online poker that live poker doesn’t offer?
Josh: I love the interaction and table talk you get when playing live; you don’t get that online. Plus, it’s nice to physically handle the chips and cards. Online, the biggest perk is that when you bust a tournament, you’re already at home—no walk of shame or having to be surrounded by people still in the game.
Nick: Watching what happens when Josh inevitably busts out live is always amusing—he’s quite the character! Jokes aside, I think live tournaments are much softer than online ones. I mostly play cash games, and live stakes are often higher than online, which makes it exhilarating when you start accumulating chips.
What adjustments do you make in terms of pacing yourself in live tournaments versus online, and why are these adjustments important?
Josh: I tend to call less on the river in live tournaments because I feel like people bluff less frequently live compared to online. Online, I have notes on regular players, but live, you have to give more credit to opponents, which requires a different approach.
Nick: I’m a lot more patient in live tournaments. The slower pace means you see fewer good spots, so it’s essential to wait for the right moment. I also focus on picking up physical tells and adjusting my play accordingly.
Starting Day 2 of the 2024 UKPL Edinburgh Main Event with 15BB and a dream, @888poker Stream Team Ambassador @eastyyy22 already feels like he’s freerolling.
Not only this event, but life on the whole. 😃
Hope you enjoy our interview, on @PokerLifeMedia https://t.co/yw0IjhzA0k
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) February 18, 2024
Tournament breaks are often underrated in their importance both online and live. How do you utilize your break time, and what would you advise other players not to do during their breaks?
Josh: It’s crucial to clear your head. Get a drink, grab some food, or talk to someone. Nick and I often discuss hands during dinner breaks, but sometimes it can be exhausting. I’ve been trying to work on taking a mental reset during breaks.
Nick: I usually spend my breaks catching up on vlogging hand histories so I don’t miss any details. I also use the time to eat and reset. The main thing is to use the break to recharge so you can stay focused when play resumes.
For players looking to satellite into higher buy-in tournaments on the cheap, what advice would you give?
Nick: I’ve never played a satellite, so I don’t have specific advice, except to hold tight in the later stages and be selective about playing hands.
Josh: Look for good value in satellites, especially online. My first satellite success was for an $8 buy-in that got me into a $550 888poker live event. It’s all about finding the right opportunities.
Many players who satellite in are happy just to make the money, but playing for the win is also important. How do you balance these principles of tournament play?
Josh: If your goal is to min-cash, play tight and aim to survive. I’ve always played to win, even though it hasn’t worked out for me on the UKPL tour so far. It’s all about finding the right spots to take risks and build a stack.
Nick: It depends on your financial situation and what the money means to you. If it’s significant, then ladder up; if not, go for the top. When I cashed in the 2022 WSOP Main Event, I did everything possible to ensure I made the money because it was a big deal for me.
What tournaments are you planning to play in this festival, and what are your goals for this UKPL stop in Reading South?
Josh: I’m aiming to win the Main Event, and if I don’t make it to the final table, I’ll play the Big Shot and the Closer. My main goal is to play my best, eat well, and stay healthy, which is something I’ve been working on.
Nick: I’ll be playing the Main Event and the Closer. The Closer is always fun because everyone’s just shoving chips in, trying to make some money back after a week of grinding. My goal here is more about revisiting my old university days and reliving some great memories in Reading.
Conclusion
Nick and Josh’s passion for poker shines through in their responses, highlighting the unique dynamics of live and online play, their approach to poker strategy, and the camaraderie they share on the UKPL tour. With their sights set on making the most of the Reading South stop, both are not just competing for titles but also embracing the full experience that poker offers—from reliving old memories to connecting with fellow players. Their dedication to the game, both on and off the felt, is a testament to why they continue to be standout ambassadors for 888poker.
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