By Sean Chaffin
Brian Altman (pictured) knows his play at the table can have completely contrasting results. So far in Season XVIII, this WPT Champions Club member has led the field a few times early in tournaments but hasn’t quite found the finish he’s been hoping for. Altman is the chipleader heading into Day 3 and hoping to buck that trend here at WPT Maryland.
“It feels good to have chips going toward the end of Day 2 and close to the money,” Altman said during the final break in the action. “I play a style where I play a lot of big pots and put a lot of pressure on people, so sometimes you end up with a lot of chips and sometimes you end up with zero.”
Altman has more than $3.6 million in live tournament winnings. Of that, $1.2 million have come on the WPT. He added his name to the Champions Cup in Season XIII in the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open where he topped a field of 1,027 for $723,008.
There have also been a few nice finishes this year including taking sixth in the PCA Main Event in January for $297,000. He also scored two titles in events at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown in April for a total of $86,100, and then won a $1,100 event at the Venetian in May for $90,905.
With a packed schedule full of tournaments, Altman rarely taps the brake. He loves playing and that includes every WPT possible.
“I try not to miss any WPT events,” he says. “I really like the stops and the structures. The staff just run great quality tournaments. I’m happy to be a patron.”
How badly does he want to become a two-time WPT champion?
“I really want to win a second title,” he says. “I’ve come close a couple times and it’s just tough. You’ve got to play good and run good, and hope things fall your way.”
When he does get away from playing, fitness and nutrition occupy much of his time. He also enjoys visiting breweries and shares his visits and latest beers via Instagram.
“I like trying new stuff,” he says. “I guess you could say I’m a sampler. If I have some time off on a poker trip, I’ll check out some local breweries and try some beer that otherwise I couldn’t really try where I’m from.”
That included a trip to Diamondback Brewing Company in Baltimore on Sunday after bagging on Day 1a. The beer company was founded in 2016 and offers five ales and lagers in its taproom. It’s earned some reviews among beer drinkers and Altman gave the brewpub thumbs up as well.
With play approaching the money at Live!, Altman planned to apply more pressure on his opponents with hopes to keep the chip accumulation going. Even if things turn south, he’s always happy to be at the table.
“I play a lot and put in the volume,” he says. “It just doesn’t seem like work – it’s fun.”
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.