From Reporting to Playing: The Journey of Tyler Warken

Live reporting a poker tournament is often a thankless job, characterized by long hours and relentless pressure. Just like the players, reporters are beholden to the tournament clock, with fewer breaks and an equally demanding schedule. Many enter the field fueled by their passion for the game. While they might prefer to be seated at the tables instead of behind them, financial realities often dictate otherwise. However, for former PokerNews live reporter turned poker pro Tyler Warken, that balance has shifted.

A New Chapter Begins

At 29, Warken is now a player, actively participating in major tournaments, including the CAD $3,500 buy-in, CAD $1.5 million guaranteed World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship. It’s a notable transition for someone who once chronicled poker events from the sidelines. Originally from Medicine Hat, Alberta, and later a resident of Calgary, he was introduced to poker during family gatherings, where card games were a staple of the festive atmosphere.

“I think we first played poker when I was like 10,” Warken recalls. His early experiences included play money games until he turned 18 and transitioned to real money online poker, where he began honing his craft.

Pursuing Passion: Reporting for PokerNews

Warken’s journey in the poker world took a significant turn in the summer of 2019 when he applied to join PokerNews as a live reporter for the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP). Eager to immerse himself in the action, he succeeded in landing the position. “That was my first event reporting. I did that for about a year, and then COVID happened,” he explained. When live events ground to a halt, Warken found himself at a crossroads. As tournament play resumed, he seized the opportunity to fully embrace his identity as a poker player, leaving behind the reporting role.

Building a Career on the Felt

Since then, Warken’s poker career has flourished. According to statistics from Hendon Mob, he boasts nearly $275K in lifetime tournament earnings. Notably, he achieved a career-best finish of 6th place in Calgary’s 2018 DSPT Championship, where he took home $33,705. His recent performances are no less impressive, notably finishing third in the 2024 Aria Poker Classic, securing an additional $21,654.

“I haven’t really had a home in three years,” Warken admits, sharing the challenges of a nomadic lifestyle typical for many traveling poker pros. Early in 2023, he opted for a change of scenery, exploring the vibrant poker scene in Asia, including tournaments in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Life on the Road

Warken’s time in Asia was marked by adventure and success. “I toured Asia all over Cambodia,” he described, mentioning how he reconnected with fellow Canadian travelers while hopping from one poker stop to another. Despite the difficulties in finding consistent cash games, he successfully cashed in several tournaments, underscoring the thriving tournament scene in that region.

After a whirlwind journey, Warken returned to Canada, settling down in Montreal. “I kind of put a halt to traveling for the time being. I’ve been living in Montreal for two months now and probably will stay for four to five months,” he explained. This new base allowed him to fully invest in his local poker venue, Playground, where he regularly plays six days a week.

A Homecoming and A Major Tournament

The decision to enter the WPT Playground Championship was a natural one for Warken. “It’s the biggest tournament of the year here,” he noted, emphasizing the convenience of playing in a familiar venue. With the tournament in his backyard, he is poised to make a significant run.

For those eager to follow his journey and see how he fares in the WPT Playground Championship, live updates can be accessed through the WPT’s official website, offering a glimpse into his aspirations as he competes in the high-stakes environment.

The Future Awaits

As Warken charts his path forward, he remains focused on his poker career, fully embracing the challenges and excitement that lie ahead. Gone are the days of reporting from the sidelines; he is now living the life he once chronicled, immersing himself in the thrill of the game. For Tyler Warken, the journey from poker reporter to player has not only been a career shift but a reaffirmation of his passion for the game he loves.

To connect with the evolving world of Tyler Warken and for more updates on his journey, follow his social media and the ongoing coverage from PokerNews. As always, the poker world serves as a reminder that every player has a story, and every tournament is a new page waiting to be written.