We caught up with Martin Walsh aka LaticsBlu in the aftermath of his freeroll victory.

How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 45 years old and live in Oldham, Lancs.

How did you get started and how long have you been playing poker?
I started playing about 3 years ago, and like most of the new breed I got hooked by watching the late night poker shows.

What kind of poker and where do you play presently?
I mostly play Texas Hold ‘Em on Betfair and VC poker and in my mate's weekly home game which is a £5 rebuy.

What's been your biggest win so far?
My biggest win so far has been a couple of hundred dollars at the $50 sit & go tables. I can be usually be found at the short handed $10 or $20 dollar sit & go tables, mostly because of the time factor.

How did you approach the freeroll?
I had no particular tactics in the freeroll. My plan was to try and play in all the freerolls and hopefully gain enough points to qualify for the live final.

Do you remember any key moments from the tourney?
To tell you the truth I can’t remember much about the final table, I’d done a 12 hour shift at work and logged on just in time play. I do remember getting my chips in and getting paid off with my good starting hands and inflicting some terrible suck-outs on a few players.

What do your friends and family think of your success?
My wife wasn’t that impressed until I woke her up after 1am to tell her the good news. Trouble is she’s just looking forward to a shopping trip to London next year. My win has impressed my two teenage sons the eldest one Kyle (20) plays on WPT online, and my friends at my weekly game.

How are you going to approach the Live Final?
As to the final I’m gonna play in as many tournaments as possible for practice and then play the final just like a big sit n go. Thanks again for a great magazine and see you all at the final next year.