The Secret Passion of Poker Hall of Famer Erik Seidel

Erik Seidel, a renowned poker player who sits fifth on the all-time money list with over $42 million in live earnings, has a lesser-known passion - and it is music. You might already know that Seidel is known for his success in poker and is a member of the Poker Hall of Fame. He is also tied with Johnny Moss, the fifth on the all-time World Series of Poker bracelet list.

You might be happy to learn that Seidel is also very passionate about music, particularly jazz and classical, as well as indie artists like Sparklehorse and Angus & Julius Stone. He says that his passion for music makes him feel as if he is capable of living two fulfilling lives in parallel.

Maria Konnikova, a writer turned poker pro and a friend of Seidel, describes him as having a comprehensive knowledge of the culinary scene, being a member of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and being willing to fly cross-country to see Dave Chappelle perform stand-up comedy. He is clearly more than meets the eye.

Seidel's passion for music can be traced back to his childhood when his mother, who had good taste in music, played music around him. His younger brother, Steve Seidel, also has good taste in music and turned him on to bands like Florence + the Machine. Seidel's playlist is eclectic and includes hip-hop, soul, classical, jazz, folk, rock, and pop. His interest in music is genuine and boundless, and he claims that listening to music is his Prozac.

According to PokerNews, Erik Seidel has always loved music. He grew up in a family where music was always present, and his mother significantly influenced his musical taste. She got him to listen to artists like Nina Simone and Paul Simon. Seidel's younger brother, Steve Seidel, is also really into music and has introduced him to many new bands, including Florence + the Machine, which Seidel got to see live in London before their album was even released in the US. Seidel's niece even runs a weekly radio show at the University of California at Santa Cruz titled "Music From My Dad," where she plays classic and contemporary artists recommended by her father and uncle.

Seidel's taste in music is eclectic and diverse, spanning multiple genres, including hip-hop, soul, classical, jazz, folk, rock, and pop. He even listens to obscure music that most people have yet to hear.

Seidel is an avid concert-goer and has attended many music festivals, including the 2018 "There's No Leaving New York" festival, which featured indie artists like The National and Phoebe Bridgers. Seidel expressed his admiration for The National, calling them the best band in the world.

Seidel's passion for music is evident in how he incorporates it into his daily life. He listens to music while playing poker, and his playlists are packed with jazz, classical, and indie artists like Sparklehorse and Angus & Julius Stone.
Seidel also attends Broadway musicals and folk festivals in Brooklyn when he's not playing poker, and he has a near-comprehensive knowledge of the latest in the culinary scene from Los Angeles to Manila.

Erik is a hard worker who is constantly grinding, but sometimes music becomes his top priority. He's the only high-roller player who has ever skipped a tournament to go to a blues concert. In October, he missed the EPT London High Roller to attend a performance by Mississippi musician Christone "Kingfish" Ingram at the Shepherds Bush Empire in West London. He thinks Ingram is an excellent blues guitarist who, at just 23 years old, is already being hailed as the genre's future.

Overall, this information paints a picture of Erik Seidel as a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and passions beyond the poker table. His love for music is a big part of his life, and it's something that he incorporates into his daily routine alongside his passion for poker.