Online Chat: Liviu "0Human0" Ignat on Playing Online Poker, Moving Up in Stakes, and More

July 24, 2012

On July 25, Liviu Ignat turned 26. Although that’s certainly young by most standards, this birthday makes him a veteran in the online poker realm. Better known as “0Human0” online, this poker pro from Bucharest, Romania, has been making his presence known on the virtual felt over the past couple of years while developing a reputation as one who is willing to give action to get action.

Ignat is currently the 52nd biggest online poker winner currently tracked by HighStakesDB, with $1,136,071 in profit since December 2010, coming over 336,340 hands. According to highstakesdb.com, Ignat’s biggest outright win came in $100/$200 PLO on February 23, 2012. In the hand, action was five-handed when “MaiseE” ($50,291.26) opened for $400 under the gun, Ilari “Ilari FIN” Sahamies ($99,135) three-bet to $1,700 from the cutoff and Ville Wahlbeck ($19,120) four-bet $6,000 from the button. Ignat ($37,925) made the call from the small blind, both “MaiseE” and Sahamies came along for the ride, and it was four-way action to the A♠9♥J♠ flop.

Ignat was first to act and checked, opening the door for “MaiseE” to fire out $13,300. Sahamies got out of the way, Wahlbeck called off his remaining $13,120 and Ignat woke up with a check-raise all in for $31,925. “MaiseE” made the call and the board completed 10♣ and 5♥ on the turn and river respectively. Ignat rolled over K♥Q♣10♥4♣ for Broadway, and it was good enough to pull in the $101,245 pot.

In addition to playing online, Ignat has padded his résumé with $183,376 in live earnings and appearances on PartyPoker’s Big Game, a 48-hour cash game that is broadcast on the Internet.

Liviu “0Human0” Ignat’s Live Tournament Results

PokerNews caught up with Ignat to talk about his start in poker, progressing through the stakes, and more.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you learn to play poker?

I live in Bucharest. I studied three years of civil engineering at university and then postponed my last year because of poker, although I will try to finish my studies soon. I learned to play poker by myself. I think that by playing a lot, and thinking about the best lines in every hand the moment you play them, not just having some standard lines every time, is the best way to improve your game.

When did you start to play online? What stakes and games did you start with and how did you progress and end up playing high-stakes?

I started playing poker about four years ago. At the end of 2007, I deposited $250 at Full Tilt and lost it. Then I deposited $250 at PokerStars and began playing $0.10/$0.25 no-limit hold’em and moved up in stakes using standard bankroll management.

In January 2008, I was playing $0.50/$1.00, then in the summer $2/$4, and by the end of the year $5/$10. In 2009, I started playing $10/$20 NLH and then $25/$50, and in 2010 and 2011 I played any stake at NLH I could. I even started $25/$50 pot-limit Omaha too.

What’s the most you’ve ever won in one day playing online? How did it make you feel? Did you do anything to celebrate?

The most I have won in a day is around $180,000. It felt great. After a long and good session, I try to relax myself. I just try to have great time when I’m not playing poker, like spending time with my friends, traveling, etc.

What’s the most you’ve ever lost in one day? How do you deal with big losses online?

The most I have lost in one day is around $150,000. I don’t care too much when I have a big losing session, in fact I think it's a strength of my game. I don’t tilt or if I do, it won’t affect my game. I just feel bad if I am losing, but I still play my normal game.

Are their any players online who you highly respect?

There are many players that I respect. All of the high-stakes players that have proven themselves over the years and that are constant winners are great and deserve respect.

You said that you had played on Full Tilt Poker? Do you have any money stuck on the site? If so, how much is stuck and do you think you’ll ever see that money again?

I did play on FTP and had $160,000 there. I don’t know if we will get the money back, but I sure hope we will.

How important has bankroll management been to your success?

Bankroll management is very important, but I believe too that to be successful at high stakes you must take some shots out off normal bankroll management if a good game takes place.

You recently played the PartyPoker Big Game VI, where you were the fourth biggest winner of the game with a €33,075 win. What was it like playing in that cash game? Why do you think the other players voted you out?

I really enjoyed playing in the Big Game because it was deep stack NLHE, which I think is my best game. I think they all knew who I was online so they realized I had a lot of experience in deep-stack ring games.

_{Check out Ignat's eviction from the big game:}

What is the poker scene like in Romania? Are there many professional online poker players?

Poker in Romania is starting to grow really fast. There are many very good tournaments players, as well as some good cash game players. I won’t name names so I don’t forget someone.

You often play on the EPT? Do you like playing live? How do you chose which live events to play?

I really like playing the EPT's. I try to play most of them, it’s like a nice holiday, and something else different from the daily routine.

Why did you choose “0Human0” as your screen name?

Just a random pick.

_{*Lead picture courtesy of the PartyPoker Blog.}

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PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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