Shane Schleger - shaniac

shaniac Poker Player Profile

Before the life of a poker pro beckoned, Shane Schleger had set out to be a writer. While still in high school he had a couple of pieces published in the NYPress, an alternative weekly newspaper in the Big Apple, but he was unable to pursue his writing career successfully. In his early twenties he also worked as a bike messenger, busboy, waiter, and in customer service, before poker took his interest full-time. Shane was in the right place at the right time to ride the wave as poker exploded, and he’s carved out an impressive career since.

Shane’s first big score came back in 2005 when he recorded a six-figure cash on the biggest stage of all, the World Series of Poker* in Las Vegas. He final tabled a $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event for $132,110, eventually finishing in 5th - a result that proved his skills to the world and gave his bankroll a solid base. His live record since has been equally impressive, with another $1,000 NLHE WSOP* final table in 2007, good for $111,455, while his biggest result to date came with a 4th place in the same year at the Bellagio Cup Main Event for $232,490. Shane’s online game is just as strong, and he specializes in PokerStars larger buy-in tournaments, winning $109 rebuy events numerous times, as well as deep finishes in $215 rebuy tournaments and a 6th place in the Sunday Million. The highlight of his online career so far came in 2011 when he won his first World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) bracelet, taking victory in a $320 2-7 Triple Draw event for a cash of $21,771.

When he’s not playing the big events in LA and Vegas, Shane likes to keep very active and spend as much time as possible outdoors. He plays tennis, enjoys water-skiing and cycling, and is hoping to take up kite-surfing. He’s also interested in music and movies, and considers himself a pizza expert. Joining the team at PokerStars is a dream job for Shane, and he sees the move as the next big phase of his poker career. He’s looking to avoid earlier mistakes, work on his game, and pass on his experiences through his blog. And of course, take down that big tournament win that is well within his grasp.

Follow Shane by reading his blog: shaniaconline.