QUALIFIERS - Steve Ekin

What's your home town?
Vero Beach, Fla.

Where did you go to school?
High school in Mount Vernon, Ill. and college at Southern Illinois University.

What's your marital status?
Married. My wife's name is Marji.

What do you do for a living?
Finance manager for Vero Beach Toyota.

Any kids?
I have one daughter and two granddaughters.

How long have you been playing poker?
Forty years.

What or who inspired you to start playing?
My father.
 
How long have you been playing at Bodog?
I think nine months.

Tell us about your best poker win…
My biggest win was an online event for $32,000. I have also won my way onto four of the Party Poker Cruises when it was part of the WPT.

How did you win your seat?
Bought into the Player's Choice Semifinal. Didn't run through the neighborhood at 1:30 a.m. but did wake my wife up!

What do you think your chances are of winning the WSOP*?
As good as anyone else with my experience.

Who is your favorite poker player?
Phil Hellmuth.

Anything else?
I have been a square dance caller for 31 years. Hence the name “SQDNCALL.”

What would you do if you won?
Retire.
 
How much would you need to win to make you quit your job?
Probably $500,000. Then I'd travel with my wife and play tournaments.

What would your tagline be if you turned pro?
Have never had a nickname.

What single story best defines you and your life?
Things always happen for a reason. You just have to figure out the reason.

How will you spend your time off in Vegas?
We love the shows.

What type of player are you?
Tight-aggressive mostly, but you have to play all styles depending on the situation.

Have you been to Vegas before? If so, any good stories? If not, what are you expecting?
This will be my third time at the WSOP*. I have not cashed in the Main Event but have been close. However, I have always qualified for my seat somehow. I have made close to $40,000 in other tournaments during my time at the World Series.