The Mechanics of Poker Podcast

In Episode 68 of the podcast, we sit down with Raúl Mestre, a pioneer of poker coaching and founder of EducaPoker, the platform that helped shape an entire generation of elite Spanish poker players. Over the past two decades, Mestre has played a central role in building one of the strongest poker ecosystems in the world.In this deep conversation, we explore how Spain quietly became one of the most dominant forces in modern poker and what it actually takes to develop world-class players. Mestre shares the story behind the early days of structured poker coaching, how collaborative learning environments accelerated the development of players like Adrián Mateos, Juan Pardo, and Sergi Reixach, and why community-driven study changed the trajectory of professional poker.We also dive into the evolution of poker strategy before and after the solver era, the balance between intuition and theory, and what separates good players from the elite in high-stakes competition. Mestre explains how analytical thinking became the backbone of modern training, why emotional control during downswings is one of the most underrated skills in poker, and how many talented players fail not because of strategy, but because of psychology.The conversation also covers Mestre’s own journey from high-stakes online grinder in the early EPT era to building one of the first large-scale poker coaching communities in the world. He reflects on the challenges of scaling EducaPoker, the responsibility of mentoring hundreds of players, and why helping others succeed ultimately became more meaningful than his own results at the tables.

In episode 68 of the podcast, we sit down with high-stakes tournament pro Sam Greenwood, creator of the popular Substack "Punt of the Day" where he publicly dissects his biggest mistakes. In this deep 3-hour conversation, we explore the evolution of poker strategy, the mental game of high-stakes competition, and the challenge of building a sustainable life around professional poker. We chat about why documenting mistakes is more valuable than celebrating wins, how the solver revolution transformed tournament strategy and separated natural skillsets, the reality of risk management and the costly lessons from COVID-era online poker, what separates elite players at Triton-level competition beyond pure theory, managing performance under pressure across grueling live poker stops, and redefining success from "best in the world" to sustainable excellence with family and balance.

Sergio "Donk Orleone", a high-stakes online cash-game pro and former competitive card-game player, champions intuition, simplicity, and mental-game training. He argues poker is hard but not solver-complex. Short focus beats over-study. Learn why self-awareness, deliberate routines, and confronting fear shape long-term progress.

In episode 65 of the MOPP we chat with high-stakes MTT player Seth Davies to break down what it really takes to survive and thrive at the highest levels of poker. We talk about resilience, composure under pressure, winners tilt, physical training, solvers, lifestyle, and the hidden skills required to move from mid-stakes to high-stakes poker. Seth shares how his sports background shaped his mindset, why self-awareness matters more than most players think, and how elite players adapt in today’s high-roller environment. This is a deep conversation about performance, preparation, and staying calm when the stakes are highest. Enjoy!

In episode 64 of the MOPP, we chat with freshly crowned cash-game world champ Pedro "Biluzin" Toledo about his rise up the stakes and his epic performance that took down the championship

Justin Saliba, a high-stakes MTT poker player noted for his remarkable performances at Triton and WSOP, joins to share his mental strategies for success. He introduces his concept of 'war mode,' a mindset that sharpens focus during critical moments. Justin discusses the importance of recovery, structured routines, and balancing technical skill with mental performance. He reflects on his journey from soccer to poker, navigating challenges, and learning from failures, all while underscoring the value of belief and small wins in achieving long-term success.

In this captivating discussion, a group of mid-stakes cash-game competitors share their insights. Competitor A emphasizes blending theory with player tendencies for maximum EV. Competitor B champions smart bankroll management and the joys of maintaining balance outside poker. Competitor C discusses the power of a redline exploitative style and one-sizing, while Competitor D reflects on the mindset shift from fun to serious play. Lastly, Competitor E highlights the role of creativity and physical fitness in enhancing poker performance.

In this second part of the The CGWC special, we continue chatting with five of the top competitors from the challenge. We cover the road that got them here. From the lowest points in poker to the confidence, motivation, and skills it takes to go compete in the cash-game world championship, this episode covers it all. We talk early challenges, big downswings, risk-taking, tournament vs. cash game dynamics, and how goals and fulfillment evolve over time. Packed with insights any aspiring or seasoned player can learn from.

In this special edition of The Mechanics of Poker Podcast, we sat down with five of the top competitors from the Cash-Game World Championship Mid-Stakes edition. Together we dive into the preparation, pressure, and mindset needed to battle through one of the toughest online arenas. From adapting to new formats, handling mistakes, and staying sharp in a reg-heavy field — to the routines, surprises, and lessons learned along the way — this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to compete at the highest level. Whether you’re grinding mid-stakes yourself, aiming to move up, or just want to learn from players who put it all on the line, this episode is packed with insights you can apply to your own game.

This week’s guest is Vlastimil Pustina, a Czech high-stakes NLH cash-game player known for his profound journey into self-awareness. He discusses how poker serves as a mirror for personal growth, exploring emotions like fear and perfectionism that can sabotage performance. Vlastimil shares insights on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and managing dopamine to enhance focus. He also highlights the importance of recovery routines and setting boundaries, making connections between poker strategies and life lessons that resonate beyond the table.