In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show podcast, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Adam Hendrix, Anchorage native and world-renowned poker professional, to unpack his extraordinary journey to a sixth-place finish at the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event—netting him a $1.9 million prize and recognition as Alaska’s all-time top tournament earner.

Adam shares the intense mental and physical preparation behind the nine-day tournament, the evolving nature of professional poker—from napkin math to AI-based solvers—and how success in the game depends not just on theory, but also on reading people and adapting to unpredictable stress. He reveals how growing up in Alaska and early exposure to poker on ESPN sparked his passion, and discusses the role of family, discipline, and lifestyle in sustaining a career built on calculated risk.

The conversation also explores his aspirations beyond the poker table, including a potential foray into fashion and entrepreneurship. Adam offers candid advice to aspiring players and voices concern over a pending federal tax policy that could undermine the future of professional poker.

This wide-ranging conversation offers insight not just into the world of high-stakes competition, but into resilience, character, and the American entrepreneurial spirit.