Daniel Colman Won $15.8 Million, Then Hurried Out the Door without Doing Interviews
When Daniel Colman won the 2014 Big One For One Drop event at the World Series of Poker this week, it made him the 4th-highest money winner in the history of tournament poker. When he declined to do a post-event interview, Colman raised more than a few eyebrows.
Such actions create a mystery and a buzz, but they also create resentment. In the 24 hours after his snub of the poker media, Daniel Colman has been portrayed in several ways: a reluctant celebrity, a recluse, a “rich scrub”, a rude millennial, and a weirdo.
23 Year Old Poker Celebrity
Whatever the truth might be, Daniel Colman is the newest poker celebrity at the age of 23. He outdueled gambling superstar Daniel Negreanu in heads-up action to win the $15.8 million prize. After the event, he raised the Big One For One Drop trophy over his head, refused to smile, and would not speak about his victory. He headed out the door with his $15.3 million, making no apologies.
Reports state that the WSOP officials had to persuade Colman to pose with the winnings and his bracelet, the sign of a World Series of Poker win all professional poker players hope to win. Caesars Entertainment officials, who own the the Rio Casino, were the only ones to receive satisfaction.
ESPN Broadcasters Snubbed
ESPN’s broadcasters were unable to convince the young poker prodigy from Boston to discuss how he outlasted 41 other poker players to win the exclusive event. Colman, who was flanked by his bankrollers, Olivier Busquet and Haralabos Voulgaris, headed out of the Rio’s Amazon Room 5 minutes after winning the biggest event of his nascent career.
As they approached the door, microphones picked up Colman or one of his entourage saying the champion had “no interest in promoting poker“.
Poker Media Offended
That one particular snub seems to have caused a lot of bad blood. Several online op-ed pieces today, including the Las Vegas Sun’s online portal, lambasted Daniel Colman for his actions (or lack thereof). It was pointed out he refused to promote the industry which had made it possible for him to win fifteen millions dollars, and that desperately needs young and fresh faces to promote it.
Las Vegas Sun Op-Ed Piece
The Las Vegas Sun article stated, “Not having the dignity to mumble out a few words for the sake of poker wasn’t the surprise, though. There are self-absorbed types in every profession. The jarring part is that Colman concurrently came off as having an anti-Machiavellian streak with no interest in promoting himself either. He could have lined himself up for any number of sponsorships or endorsements just by acting decent.”
The article went on to compare the young champ to longtime professionals like Antonio Esfandiari and Daniel Negreanu, who have become successful promoters of the sport, while also promoting their own interests. Daniel Negreanu (who won $8.3 millon for 2nd place) stayed around for 30 minutes afterwards, answering any and all questions by the poker media.
Daniel Negreanu Praises Colman
For his part, Daniel Negreanu had no problem with his opponent avoiding the cameras. He stated the people have different styles. “I respect it completely,” said Negreanu. “To each his own. If it’s not something he wants to do, then I think we should all give him a break.”
The 2nd place finisher added that Daniel Colman is going to win many other tournaments. Negreanu praised his opponent’s tournament skills, saying, “I love the way he plays. He’s got a perfect style for tournament poker. He’s going to win a bunch more. I promise you that.” If so, then Daniel Colman could snub many more gambling officials and media members in his career.
It might be wise to take the kind of measured approach Daniel Negreanu did. Colman had won the biggest event of his life, so he might have been overwhelmed with the attention. If he needed a stake to raise the $1 million entry fee (and he certainly needed staking), then Colman might have been anxious to leave the casino and settle accounts. Or maybe he simply is socially anxious. This particular poker celebrity should be an interesting one to follow.
Big One For One Drop
The Big One For One Drop quickly has become the second-most anticipated event of the year, behind only the World Series of Poker Main Event. The One Drop Foundation, started by poker enthusiast and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte, hosts the tournament to raise money and awareness for its goal to bring drinking water to the 7 billion people of Earth.
The event has a whopping $1 million entry fee, which is why only 41 players entered the event this year. In the case of newcomers and poker legends like Daniel Negreanu, most of the professionals have a corporate sponsor or bankroller pay most (or all) of their entry fee. The winner each year takes their place among the Top 10 in money finishes in poker history.
