Watching Yaser Al-Keliddar at the poker table, it’s difficult to tell whether he’s winning or losing.
The Virginia native is a gregarious personality at the table, constantly laughing and joking with his tablemates. Whether he’s up or down, Al-Keliddar likes the social environment of the game and treats it as fun.
“I like to have fun when I’m playing. Keep everyone engaged and talking. I think it just makes for a more fun atmosphere for everybody, especially for people who don’t play that often and just want to enjoy themselves. And I want to enjoy myself, too,” he said.
Al-Keliddar’s wisecracks and one-liners naturally fueled his hobby: stand-up comedy. He says his career highlight was once opening for Saved by the Bell’s Screech.
“I used to see a lot of stand-up comedy, and I still do. My friend said, 'You should try it, since you’re such a fan.' I make some funny observations and crack some one-liners, so that’s how that started,” Al-Keliddar said.
Al-Keliddar has poker cashes going back more than 20 years in a career that includes more than $1.3 million in live earnings and a WSOP bracelet back in 2018. While he had to rebuy twice already today, he recently celebrated a double up by rivering the nut flush.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’ve finally got it in gear and I have like 110,000, so I’m excited about that,” he said.
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Yaser Al-Keliddar
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