Xuan Liu: The Poker Queens' Journey
Delving into Poker, Customs, and Self-Development: Xuan Liu on "Tutor with Saya"
Take a deep dive into the captivating life and career of Xuan Liu, a trailblazing figure in the world of poker, on the latest episode of the Learn with Saya podcast. Host, Saya Ono, welcomes her longstanding friend and poker prodigy, Xuan Liu, for an intimate conversation about their journeys in poker and the challenges they've faced as women in a male-dominated industry.
Poker Roots and Cultural Influences
Born in Tianjin, China, and raised in Canada from the age of five, Liu's introduction to poker came early. Inspired by the Hong Kong action-comedy film, God of Gamblers, she developed a passion for the game that fostered during college when the "Moneymaker Boom" unfolded.
"I played anything from $1/$2 limit poker to $5 sit-and-go's online, to high rollers, and now High Stakes Poker," Liu reminisces. "I've definitely come a long way."
Her friendship with Ono, established shortly before the pandemic, flourished over shared cultural similarities and common experiences shaping their paths into poker.
"It's rare to find a girl who naturally loves gambling and revels in the strategic part of the game," Ono admits. "I'm one of those. I'm obsessed with the game and truly enjoy the competitive aspect."
Flirting with Millions
The conversation transitions into Liu's impressive performance in 2024, a year that brought her close to the elusive $1 million profit mark.
"I was very close," she admits. "Unfortunately, the last bit of the year didn't go so well. But it's probably my best year. I've had tournament years where I've cashed for more, but when you factor in buy-ins, this year comes out ahead."
"It's easy to earn low six figures, but it's really hard to go far beyond that"
Liu attributes her recent success to a mix of luck and strategic game selection. With the increasing popularity of poker thanks to content creators and learning tools, she believes that the chances of the average grinder making significant money are slim but not impossible.
Transcending Survival Mode
For Ono, poker has been a complex journey. While it brought her success, it also influenced her perception of others and the challenges that come with a male-dominated industry.
"For the most part of my career, I was perceived as a little abrasive at the table," she confesses. "I think that's because I grew up feeling distrustful. Some of my experiences in poker reinforced that feeling. Not everyone is your friend."
Now, she aims to change her perspective and focus on building strong relationships instead.
"I want to embrace who I really am. I want to change my mindset, forget about the bad experiences, focus on the good, and love myself and everyone around me."
Liu acknowledges that a degree of toughness was necessary in the past to survive in the poker world. However, with increased stability and confidence, the focus has shifted towards relaxation and emotional growth.
"Now that I'm more comfortable, I can stop being in survival mode all the time. How can I be softer, kinder, and more loving?"
The Quest for a Bracelet
Despite recently focusing on cash games to "win as much as possible without going crazy," Liu acknowledges that tournaments will always hold a special place in her heart.
"It's been a while since I've won a live trophy. I play 25 tournaments a year, but when I play them, I take them seriously. In the future, I definitely want to trophy-hunt and win a bracelet, but right now it's still mostly cash games."
As the 2025 WSOP creeps closer, who knows if Liu's dreams of a bracelet may become a reality?
Based in the United Kingdom, Will joined the PokerNews team in 2019 as Managing Editor. He graduated from the University of Kent with a B.A. in German and holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.
Insights
Since the discussion broadcast, Liu has continued to make a name for herself in the poker world. In 2027, she claimed her first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in the $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold'em event following a heads-up deal with fellow player, Kenny Sterle. By doing so, Liu broke the record for most Women WSOP bracelet wins, surpassing the previous record held by Barbara Enright.
Xuan Liu's career spans over a decade, with impressive achievements including multiple EPT and PCA final tables, as well as consistently high live tournament earnings of over $2.4 million. Her successful journey, marked by resilience and dedication, serves as an inspiration for aspiring female poker players.
- Xuan Liu's journey in poker, a male-dominated industry, is discussed in detail on the recent episode of the Learn with Saya podcast.
- Liu, born in Tianjin, China, was inspired to play poker at a young age by the Hong Kong action-comedy film, God of Gamblers.
- The increasing popularity of poker, thanks to content creators and learning tools, has made it possible for the average grinder to make significant money, according to Liu.
- Despite focusing on cash games, Liu still harbors a desire to win a WSOP bracelet, having first tasted success in the 2027 WSOP $1,000 Seniors No-Limit Hold'em event.
- The discussion also touches upon Ono's complicated relationship with poker, revealing her past struggles with perceived abrasiveness and feelings of distrust.
- In the sports-betting realm, trends indicate a growing interest in casino-and-gambling related news, alongside traditional sports news, such as football or basketball.
