To run one of the richest poker tournaments in Europe it takes nerves of steel, so who else was Ladbrokes Poker going to get than 'Mad' Marty Wilson, a pro poker player who, as a teen, earned his nickname by jumping into a polar bear pit to avoid rival football fans. Fortunately he escaped unscathed, or his nickname might have been 'Lefty.'

Holdemback: 'Mad' Marty Wilson, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions about the Poker Million V! Please tell us a bit about yourself and your role with Ladbrokes.

'Mad' Marty Wilson: Hello. I've been working alongside Ladbrokes for about a year now, A role which has progressed from initially being invited onto the poker cruise last January to being a host for their online qualifiers at the WSOP 2006.


HB: Heralded as the richest prize in European poker history, the Ladbrokes Poker Million V is no home-grown pub tournament, where the worry is as much on having enough crisps on hand as enough having enough chips. How do you get picked to manage such an important job?

'Mad' Marty: Having been fortunate to have been involved with televised poker for a few years, including the poker million, I then became tournament director for Matchroom, the production company involved with poker million. It was a huge honor to be asked to be tournament director for the poker million.


HB: With a prize pool of over $4 million, live Sky TV broadcasting, a private "box" for family and friends of the final table players and a series of exciting semi final and final rounds, it should be safe to say that this fifth installment of the Ladbrokes Poker Million was the best, and you were the captain of the ship- how does that make you feel?

'Mad' Marty: There is so much hard work involved in the final production, to say I was captain feels like a huge overstatement. Everyone gave 100% and special credit must also go to the dealers, Amanda and Samantha.


HB: Nine months and a field of over 25,000 lead up to 72 players at televised stages of the competition. Were you involved from the very beginning, and if so, what was it like as it got closer and closer to the payoff?

'Mad' Marty: It really is an exciting event to be involved in. I can only imagine how friends and family of the players felt as the live semis and final approached. The Poker Million has always been a special event. Having played in it myself I understand what it means just to gain a seat in the first round.


HB: The final event was broadcast live from Sky's studio to, reportedly, over 100 million viewers around the world. Quite a heavy burden, then, to make sure things go off without a hitch, right?

'Mad' Marty: A lot of planning goes into ensuring a smooth run.  While Ladbrokes look after the players, I feel a part of my role is creating the personal touch. Some of these qualifiers were away from home, never having played a live game before let alone in front of the cameras. I like to sit with the players, telling a few stories, hopefully putting them at ease, which in turn helps the game.


HB: Can you talk about managing online elements vs. live elements vs. the things that go into making sure the event comes off (coordinating with Sky and Marriot, who is in charge of making sure the players show up, security concerns, how do you know you have enough chips and cards, etc.)

'Mad' Marty: With a set structure, and also knowing the number of runners, you know how many chips will be in play and also what values are needed. Security is a priority, with a million dollars added to the prize pool, the chips can only be signed for by myself and the dealers with all of us present.


HB: What's the next big project you are involved in, or are you still enjoying a well-earned holiday?

'Mad' Marty: I'm looking forward to going to the Aussie Millions with Ladbrokes. With a lot smaller number of online qualifiers than at the WSOP hopefully this will mean a more personal involvement with each of the players


HB: Think you are on Rajesh Modha's Christmas card list?

'Mad' Marty: I've played a few online events with Rajesh since his win, chatting online. He had such a wonderful support from his friends and family I look forward to seeing them again.


HB: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us, and best of luck in the future!