In episode 43 of the Mechanics of Poker podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Mario, who started playing poker at the young age of 13. Mario shares his unique strategies for bankroll management, how he handled the pressures of high-stakes poker, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his first big win and the shocking realizations about his game. We also discuss the personal side of Mario’s life—why he decided to leave professional football, the challenges of separating his identity from his former career, and his views on long-term success in poker and beyond. We cover the role of networking in poker, the darker side of being a high-performer, and his approach to creating a more sustainable and enjoyable poker journey. Finally, Mario reveals his thoughts on transitioning into the business world, the lessons learned from working with solvers, and how his poker skills have translated into new ventures.