Once Homeless Poker Player Set to Appear on Next PokerStars Big Game

After much debate, once homeless Jared Huggins got his spot on the next PokerStars Big Game in Las Vegas.

Jared Huggins giving out free hugs

Jared Huggins' previous life resembles that of many other homeless people. He has a college degree, but somehow ended up in a vicious cycle of illness, drugs and social problems. In the end, he found himself in his car - homeless.

Huggins worked two, later three regular jobs to pay for his past escapades and, he is an ambitious poker player. Under his nickname "RelaxedPrecision", he became well-known on 2+2, where he told others about his situation.

Help from the forums

A few cynical forum users suggested that he could make some funny videos in exchange for a couple of dollars. Even though the suggestion was just a bad joke, he did shoot the videos - including a rap video against alcohol or one where he dances for money. In one of his most famous clips, he shows us how to make the world a little bit better by giving out "free hugs".

After six months on the street, Huggins received unexpected help. He got a lot of attention from the poker community, who seemed to like this friendly and open-minded guy - he received good advice and even money from the members and with this, he was able to build a new life. He was offered jobs, rented an apartment and posted a 'thank you' video to his "new family".

Back to life with the community

Cardrunners instructor John 'JimmyLegs' Wray started a petition to get Huggins on the upcoming TV show "PokerStars Big Game". Many pros endorsed the idea, including Justin 'BoostedJ' Smith and regular contestant and Team PokerStars Pro Daniel Negreanu.

"This is a once in a lifetime chance", Huggins said in an interview with our Dutch colleagues at PokerStrategy.nl. "I'll play the best poker I can and try to give something back to the community."

He is even thinking about organising a freeroll with his own car at stake. In the future, he would also like to work as an actor and in the music business.

His advice to all poker players: "Ask many questions!"