An Interview with Andy Mason: From winning a Jackpot Spin and Go, to Qualifying online for The Festival.
Andy Mason visited our live event in Malta last year, and despite busting the Main Event, he had a brilliant time on this shiny island and the Portomaso Casino. Thanks to qualifying online for the event, he had access to our hospitality events, which turned out to be one epic showcase of events. Let's take a look back on this amazing interview with Andy!
Have you visited one of our events? And have you experienced one of our hospitality events? Andy Mason managed to secure an online package through one of the many online qualifiers, and enjoyed himself during these side activities in Malta! A live poker event isn't just about poker, it is about getting to know one another and having fun as well!
The Spin and Go Sensation
The conversation kicks off with Mason telling us about entering a €10 buy-in Spin and Go tournament, which is known for giving away a jackpot once in a while. "I wasn’t expecting it at all," Andy recalls, describing the moment when the prize pool turned out to be €10,000. As the Spin and Go progressed, Mason found himself winning the full prize. It was a moment of pure excitement. "I was really excited, and my pulse was high," he admits. The victory was even more memorable as it happened on Christmas Day, which is, of course, a moment when some extra coins can be useful!
At the time, the Spin and Go format was still a mystery to many, with players not always understanding how the prize pool could multiply. For Andy, this great win was a life-changing experience. Though he kept his composure, as he was playing while sitting on the sofa next to his then-wife. Soon after he celebrated the win by treating himself to a well-deserved holiday in the Cape Verde Islands. "It was a really good holiday, a nice hotel, no expenses spared," he says with a smile.
A Decade Later: New Challenges and Big Events
Fast forward ten years, and Andy is still enjoying himself playing online poker, but this time, he came to visit a live event. He has joined the Festival Series, and was able to participate in the larger tournament of the week, namely the €550 Main Event. However, unlike his earlier days of playing Spin and Go tournaments, this time, he qualified through Bet365, not via a Spin and Go. "It wasn’t through a Spin and Go," Andy clarifies. He qualified through a special qualifier campaign available on iPoker, where you can grind your way up from as low as a freeroll, all the way up to the €100 Day 1 stage, and eventually grab a packing on Day 2 of the event. Even though he busted out of the main event, Andy had plenty of positive things to say about his experience.
"The hospitality has been first-class," Andy comments, highlighting the cool aspects of the event. "It’s been second to the actual poker for me," he says, reflecting on how the location, the people, and the experience have made this poker trip so special. It’s clear that, for Mason, poker is more than just a game—it’s about the connections and the unforgettable moments shared along the way. And that's exactly what we try to deliver to the audience with our Festival Series.
Exploring the Local Flavors
Beyond the poker tables, Andy took the opportunity to explore the local culture, thanks to the hospitality events, enjoying some exciting experiences outside of the tournaments. One notable adventure was the visit to a local brewery for a tasting session. "I preferred the trip to the brewery for the CISK brewery," Andy recalls. "It’s a good bit. I highly recommend it." While wine tasting wasn't quite his thing, which was also scheduled throughout the week, the brewery tour offered a refreshing change, allowing him to enjoy the local flavours and meet fellow poker players.
Looking Ahead: More Poker and New Adventure
As Andy reflects on his experiences, his plans for the future are clear. He is eager to qualify for more events, including the upcoming stops of The Festival Series. "I will be trying my best to qualify for the event," he says, enthusiastically. And if that doesn’t work out, there’s always another Spin and Go opportunity, where he can use his winnings to fund the next adventure. "Maybe another Spin and Go and use that money for entering a direct flight to the main qualifier".
Hospitality Events with The Festival Series
Online qualifiers are able to enjoy the side activities during The Festival Series, however, not all packages have it included. Check out the qualifier page, where you can find which operator is offering these hospitality events. We try and aim to make the events as diverse as possible, making sure the players will be able to enjoy the local culture as much as possible. Of course, we hope to see Andy Mason more often during our stops, as his personality is just the perfect example of which enthusiasts you can meet up with during these epic activities.
