Robert Clarke Turns a Freeroll Into an 888poker LIVE London Main Event Shot
Summary
Robert Clarke, a teaching assistant and youth worker in special educational needs (SEN), turned a series of online freeroll satellites into a seat for the £1,250 888poker LIVE London Main Event (£250,000 GTD). Balancing two demanding jobs, Clarke finds the patience required in his day job transfers well to poker. Earlier this year he also finished second in a $109 PKO Main Event for over $7,000. At London he bagged a 90,000 stack after a key hand versus Geore Gergely (pocket tens hitting a set on the turn), made Day 2 but ultimately exited near the money bubble. Clarke strongly recommends freeroll satellites as an affordable route to live events for players on a budget.
Key Points
- Clarke qualified for the 888poker LIVE London Main Event via freeroll satellites, securing the £1,250 seat.
- He works two jobs in SEN education and youth work; he credits patience from that work for helping his poker game.
- Earlier in the year Clarke finished second in a $109 PKO Main Event, cashing for over $7,000.
- A decisive pot on Day 1b against Geore Gergely saw Clarke’s pocket tens improve to a set on the turn, boosting his stack to around 90,000.
- Clarke bagged for Day 2 but was eliminated on the money bubble; he still urges players to try freerolls as a pathway to live tournaments.
Context and relevance
This story is a straightforward human-interest piece that highlights how tournament satellite structures — particularly freerolls — can open doors to major live events. For recreational players or those with limited bankrolls, it underlines a practical, low-cost route into big-field live tournaments and showcases the crossover of life skills (patience, reading people) to poker success. It also provides a snapshot of the grassroots side of the 888poker LIVE circuit.
Why should I read this?
Want a quick, feel-good poker read? This is your lot — bloke works two jobs, grinds freerolls, wins a live seat and tangles with pros. Short, upbeat and proves you can land proper live shots without breaking the bank.
Author
Punchy: Not a seismic industry story, but a tidy reminder that freerolls can actually pay off. We read the detail so you don’t have to — good inspiration if you want to try your luck the cheap way.