If Looks Could Kill: Behind Sean Winter's Stare

Squeezed in-between former World Series of Poker Main Event winners Greg Merson and Peter Eastgate, Sean Winter ranks 59th on the all-time money list with $11.5 million in career earnings. Can we possibly describe him as an unknown player with all that he’s accomplished? It’s hard not to, but what do you really know about Sean Winter and the best poker face in the game?

Some call him quiet and unassuming, while others think there is a hint of crazy sitting across the table. His stare is deep and intense, ripping through everything it comes across. Conversely, Winter’s personality could not be any different.

“Positive, good personality, humble, and a good person,” Winter speaks softly when asked to describe himself away from the tables.

Winter cracks a smile and laughs when his “serial-killer stare” is brought up and he’s eager to clarify its origins and the purpose it serves.

“It’s funny to me, I look like I’m crazy but there are no negative thoughts going through my head at all! I’m just like trying to figure out what they have and that’s it. Somehow I make weird faces in that process but I feel like it helps me a little bit.”

Married and based in Las Vegas, Winter focuses mostly on playing big cash games but he won’t let an opportunity slide by to compete against the best in tournaments. Prior to the start of the Event #2 U.S. Poker Open final table, Winter remains humble when asked about his skill level and approach as he focuses on the areas he can still improve in.

“I’m always working on my game in a bunch of different areas. Mentally as well, both at and away from the tables I’m trying to do the right things in life. Right now though, everything just seems to be flowing well,” Winter said in reference to his recent streak of massive scores.

“I still have a lot of room to improve and I’m not going to let the success get to me. There’s still a long way to go, both this week and in my career.”

When it comes to improving his game, Winter keeps to himself aside from getting some help with Pot Limit Omaha. With a clear vision of his future goals, Winter is not affected by his success and his lifestyle sees no changes relating to whether he’s in a good or bad stretch.

“Nothing changes for me no matter what success I have. I’ll treat my wife and me to a nice meal or vacation because I have a goal in mind for the future and this is all about building towards. That’s all there is to it.”

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity that I’m given to be here.”

Competing for the U.S. Poker Open Championship

Now, at the 2019 U.S. Poker Open, Winter is looking a big title with the added recognition that’s been missing from his resume to date. Starting the series of strong by finishing second in Event #1 to reigning champion Stephen Chidwick got him a head start, and just now he finished sixth in the $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha tournament to puts him firmly in the Top 3 after two events.

“It be would nice to get some respect for my peers, I feel like I’m still under the radar,” Winter said about the prospects of winning this event series.

“I enjoy doing my own thing, and that’s fine, but that extra $100k added is special and for the next week I’m not going to worry about getting sleep, I’m going to try to play as many events as I can. I will even play my first hands of Stud in my life!”

Winter laughed as he referred to the $25,000 Mixed Game event that’s on the schedule, having never played Seven Card Stud before. With enough points to be two big runs removed from laying claim on the trophy and the $100,000 first prize, Winter will leave no stone unturned until the conclusion of the $100,000 Main Event that closes out the series.

“I’m just trying to say present and focused. I’m a little bit sleep deprived but I’m trying not to let that get to me somehow. I’m just having a lot of fun, the PokerGO Studio is a great setup and I’m looking forward to the other events.”

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