Known by poker fans the world over as Spraggy, Ben Spragg has amassed a huge audience in recent years thanks to his popular Twitch streaming work and also as a part of Team PokerStars. Known for his sharp wit and entertaining persona, Spraggy has also been a success at the table and is almost always in the mix at WCOOP and SCOOP events. Heading into 2025, Spraggy is once again looking to make some major moves.

In this interview, Spraggy gives us an insight into his preparation for the big tournaments; from what to eat, and how he relaxes to how he gets his head in the game before the big moments. He’ll also share some keen advice for beginners.

At PokerStars Learn, we have many new players preparing for their first-ever SCOOP. Tell us about your very first time playing SCOOP? What was that like, looking back on it now?

Spraggy: I was a far worse tournament player then than I am now, firing off a few bullets here and there. I never really grinded a full series until about 6 or 7 years ago. It was exciting, getting to grips with a full schedule. I remember the nerves, the thrill of playing for life-changing money (which, spoiler, I did not win), and just the general buzz around it. It’s just so much bigger than a regular tournament grind.

Casting your mind back, what’s been your most memorable SCOOP moment or achievement so far?

Spraggy: It’s gotta be when I nearly won a SCOOP, I’m pretty sure I lost heads up for a SCOOP title 3 times, maybe twice. I think they’re so memorable because they’re so painful. Obviously the money cushions the landing but missing out on COOP titles is not a nice feeling.

What does a typical day look like for you during SCOOP? What are your pre- or post-session routines? And how do they help you stay sharp?

Spraggy: Wake up, immediately regret my sleep schedule, slam some coffee, and then pretend I’m going to be productive before streaming all day. Pre-session, I’ll review hands, try to eat something that isn’t just toast, and mentally prepare for the battle ahead. Post-session? Either celebrating with chat or off to de-tilt/re-tilt with some video games.

What’s the biggest difference between playing regular tournaments and playing in a big series like SCOOP?

Spraggy: It’s just bigger in every way—prize pools, field sizes, and heartbreak. The best of the best come out, but so do tons of recreational players, so the games are softer but also way more volatile. Also, the deep runs? They go late. If you’re making a final table, you’re in for a marathon.

SCOOP tournaments often have large player fields, attracting both professional and recreational players. From your experience, what can a beginner do to adjust their strategy when playing in such big, diverse fields?

Spraggy: Patience. You’ll see a mix of absolute crushers and people punting stacks like it’s a pub game. Early on, play solid, let the other players make the mistakes. When you get deeper, start adjusting to player tendencies—some will be too tight, some will be maniacs, and you have to exploit that.

Many players – novice and expert – struggle with long hours at the table. How do you maintain focus and avoid burnout during such an intense series?

Spraggy: Drink water, stand up, stretch—basic stuff, all the stuff I don’t do. Also, accept that some days are just going to be brutal. If you’re playing for 10-12 hours, you need to take breaks and not tilt off your entire bankroll after one bad beat.

Many new players underestimate the importance of off-the-table preparation. What’s something non-poker-related that you do to help improve your performance during SCOOP?

Spraggy: Everything I don’t do isn’t optimal. Do as I say, not as I do. Exercise, eat well, study and review, be honest with yourself about how you’re playing! Also, mental game work—if you’re going to let variance get to you, you’re in for a rough time.

Do you have any advice for players who get discouraged after a tough run of bad beats or early exits in multiple events?

Spraggy: The classic Spraggy approach is to complain on stream for a bit, but in reality, you just have to accept that variance is part of the game. Bad beats are going to happen. If you play well and make good decisions, the results will come eventually. Just don’t let one bad session spiral into poor play in the next one.

SCOOP offers satellites to bigger events. Do you have any advice for a beginner who wants to qualify for a bigger tournament through satellites?

Spraggy: Satellites are all about survival. You don’t need to win chips, just accumulate enough to make it to the seats. So, avoid unnecessary risks, especially when you’re near the bubble. People will spew in satellites, so let them.

Late-game situations, like approaching the money bubble or final table bubble, can be tricky. What’s your advice for a new player on adjusting their strategy in these sometimes tricky spots?

Spraggy: A lot of people think about bubbles and final tables in the context of trying to survive or trying to make ladders but don’t forget it works in your favour when you’re the one with the chips. It’s very important to press the advantage and apply pressure when your opponents are in ICM sensitive environments. If there’s a high risk premium for calling, then put them to the test!

If you could offer one piece of advice to a new player who wants to make the most of their first SCOOP experience with a smaller/moderate bankroll, what would it be?

Spraggy: Play within your limits, use satellites to get into bigger events, and don’t fire everything in one go. SCOOP is amazing, but you don’t want to be broke by day three. There are plenty of lower buy-in events with great structures and prizes. Take shots, but be responsible.

Finally, what are your goals for SCOOP 2025, and how can fans follow your journey throughout the series?

Spraggy: Win a 1st SCOOP title, obviously. Or, you know, just not bust everything in horrific fashion. You can follow the journey on my Twitch stream, where I’ll be streaming the highs and inevitable lows every day. Expect lots of poker, hopefully some laughs, and maybe—maybe—a trophy by the end.