MARTIN STASZKO
AGE: 35
RESIDES: TRINEC, CZECH REPUBLIC
CHIP COUNT: 40,175,000
Hello, Mr. Chip-leader. Staszko turned a lot of heads late on Day 8 as he was able to maneuver himself into the chip lead without getting too involved in many big pots. His well-timed pressure seemed like a veteran style of play, but Staszko has been playing professionally for only a year. Regardless, the 35-year-old has already changed the perception of the game of poker in the Czech Republic and is just eight players away from putting the country on the map as the next poker powerhouse. Staszko cashed five times at the WSOP, with four coming in $1,500 events.
Since making the final table, he's played well on the live felt and earned an 11th-place finish in the 1,000 euro event at EPT Barcelona. While his recent live success is nice, Staszko's early success in freerolls online is what really changed his life. Never depositing a cent, Staszko won cents, then dollars, then much more. He won a SCOOP event in May and finished fourth in a WCOOP event in September. He may not look like the most intimidating player, but this chip leader has made it through the hiatus with the spotlight on everyone else, and that may be an additional advantage come November.
