Interview of Josh Arieh
Jon Eaton
April 29th, 2005
Full Name: Joshua Arieh
Nickname: “Speedwagon” or “Atlanta Josh”
Date Of Birth: 1974
Birthplace: Rochester, NY
Now Resides: Atlanta, GA
Family: Wife Angela, Daughters Emily (3) and Sierra (12)
Favorite Poker Game: Pot-Limit Omaha
Started Playing Poker: 18 years-old
Major Accomplishments: WSOP bracelet in limit Hold ‘Em in 1999, 2000 Southern Poker Classic Champion, numerous final tables and over $3 million in career winnings
Q: You’ve gained a lot of media exposure in the past year from your WSOP final table. How have you adjusted your own game as people know more about you?
A: LOL, I HAVENT! That’s why I haven’t done any good. I just try to consistently learn at the table and try to play my best whether I think my opponent knows how I play or not.
Q: What do you feel is the biggest problem needing to be addressed in the poker industry?
A: Honestly the poker industry is a great place to be in right now and I don’t see too many problems that need to be addressed. I think that if some kind of players association was put together it would do some good. There is no reason why we should continue to pay vig along with the entry fees for tournaments (in most tournaments, the buy in is X amount that goes towards the prize pool, plus there is a vig that goes towards the house). I think that if an association was formed, this would be the first thing that would be brought up in a meeting, in my humble opinion.
Q: At what moment in the WSOP main event last year did you start feeling like you had a shot at winning the event?
A: Early on in day four I think, I was all-in with A-Q vs. Abe Mosseri's A-K, and the door card was a king… and I proceeded to catch Q-Q to stay alive. I went on a little run shortly after that and I really felt that the stars were starting to line up for me. A major advantage I hold at the table is the fact that I continue to stay positive at all times. I am very optimistic in all situations and I think the positive and confident vibes really help me through down times.
Q: With the increase in the number of tournaments over the past year, do you play in every big event or have you slowed down your schedule at all?
A: From a career standpoint, it’s important to get your name out there to solidify my third place finish. I have played a lot of events and continue to play every opportunity possible. I love the big fields and I love competing on a weekly basis. Therefore I will continue to play as often as possible
Q: Besides wanting to win the WSOP main event, what is your main goal in poker?
A: Winning a damn tournament! It’s been so long since I have won! Yes I have won a bunch of money, but I haven’t been the last one standing... no matter how much money I win, I will be completely unsatisfied until I feel victory!
Q: What players do you least want to see when you reach a final table?
A: Man, there are so many tough players these days it’s hard to single out a few… I would say I would hate to see John Juanda, Phil Ivey, Erick Lingren, and Daniel Negreanu. Yes I am very familiar with their playing styles, but they are the best in the world at mixing it up and confusing their opponents.
Q: Where do you like playing poker at the most?
A: Biloxi Mississippi without a doubt... It’s the first place I played poker away from Atlanta and gained the love and friendship from so many down there. I recently had to miss the Southern Poker Classic and it honestly hurt. I would have really loved to make it down there but conflicting schedules demanded my presence in Vegas. I hope to be able to make it down there soon... shoot, maybe I can have my own tournament there! We will just have to see!
