Updated on 22 Feb 26 by
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Pius Heinz: Taking it in His Stride

Laid back German pro Pius Heinz refuses to let the November Nine phase him. Find out more about the 22-year-old online sensation, nicknamed "MastaP89", here.

Pius Heinz: Seat 7, 16,425,000 in chips

phil hellmuth
 Pius Heinz going for the Phil Laak look

Pius Heinz epitomises the fearlessness of youth. Shortly after he cemented his place at the coveted final table he told ESPN, "I don't feel any pressure at all. My tournament went pretty smoothly for the most part and I'm just happy to be here. Whatever happens, happens".

Heinz warmed up nicely for his Main Event run with a 7th place finish in a $1,500 NLH event for $83,286. His online exploits include victory in the Full Tilt Sunday Mulligan in July 2010 for $61,000, as well as the PokerStars $150k Guaranteed for $29,000.

Heinz is currently taking a sabbatical from his university studies, and has spent the four month interim period partying with friends and travelling the European poker circuit. He won a side event at the EPT Barcelona, the €1,000 Turbo Bounty, for €17,450.

Despite being on the verge of poker super-stardom, Heinz is a realist when it comes to the financial implications. He sees poker as primarily "business", and would jump at second place and $5.4 million.

Heinz showed his ruthless streak by breaking down 21-year-old Andrew Pateychuk throughout Day 8, single-handedly taking all his chips and demoralising the young Russian.

Surprisingly, Heinz becomes the first German to occupy a November Nine slot. Fellow countryman Max Heinzelmann, whose unorthodox play has triggered endless discussion amongst forums circles, made a deep run but was ousted in 155th place.

The aptly named Pius will be hoping the poker Gods shine favourably on him as he seeks to clinch the elusive Main Event crown.
 

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