After over a dozen years as probably the most recognizable faces of Workforce Winamax has introduced her departure. Gaëlle Baumann joined the roster 5 months earlier than the 2012 WSOP, well-known for her narrowly lacking out on the November 9, and departs virtually 13 years in a while good phrases with “solely good recollections”.
“I’m very completely satisfied to have lived this complete journey,” she advised Winamax. “I solely have good recollections of all these years. I used to be 26 once I joined the Workforce. A lot has occurred!”
Winamax Professional Workforce Supervisor Stéphane Matheu thanked Baumann for her work as an Ambassador, and stated that everybody will keep in mind her 2012 WSOP efficiency.
“She’s an emblematic determine of the Workforce […] and has left a really massive mark on the professional circuit and for Winamax,” stated Matheu. “Everybody remembers 2012. This instantly established her as probably the most vital and most publicized members of the staff.”
Deep WSOP Predominant Occasion Run
Baumann’s rise started in July 2012, when she got here heartbreakingly near turning into the primary lady to succeed in the ultimate desk of the World Collection of Poker Predominant Occasion. Ending tenth from a discipline of 6,598, she narrowly missed the enduring November 9 however earned world recognition and a $600,000 payday.
“I did not perceive what was occurring to me,” she advised Winamax. “It was all of the extra sophisticated as a result of, coming from money video games, I wasn’t used to taking part in and coping with strain for therefore lengthy.”
She advised PokerNews earlier this 12 months that it left indelible moments in her reminiscence as a part of her poker profession.
“[The WSOP Main Event] is the most important match on the planet and the one which crowns the World Champion of poker,” she stated. “It has extra visibility than all different tournaments, so I really feel that the final lady standing can encourage loads of ladies to step into the sport and present that they will compete on the highest ranges.”
The next 12 months, Baumann admits, was “utterly loopy” with the normally reserved and shy participant confronted with poker followers recognizing her in all places — in taxis, supermarkets and even in practice stations.
“As quickly as I arrived in Vegas, my taxi driver glanced in his rearview mirror and stated one thing like ‘I acknowledge you… Oh sure, you play poker!’. It nonetheless occurs every so often, which freaks out my associates who aren’t into poker in any respect. That is while you understand how many individuals are taking part in.”
The 2012 efficiency cemented her as a family title, garnering consideration from followers and media alike. Cameras adopted her each transfer at future Predominant Occasions, the place she repeated the feat of Final Lady Standing in 2016, ending in 102nd place for $49,108.
A part of Workforce Winamax
After studying to play poker in Australia within the mid 2000’s, Baumann was a founding member of Workforce Winamax and usually competed on among the greatest phases poker has to supply. From the Winamax Poker Open and SISMIX to the brilliant lights of the European Poker Tour and, in fact, the World Collection of Poker.
Nevertheless, Baumann advised Winamax that she progressively misplaced the enjoyment of poker.
“It’s my determination, and every part ends on good phrases”
“Being a part of a staff like Workforce Winamax means loads of obligations. I’m utterly OK with that, any job comes with its share of constraints, however it actually ended up weighing on my motivation,” she defined. “I’m relieved to depart, as a result of it’s not what I preferred doing anymore. However I’m fortunate to have chosen my departure: it’s my determination, and every part ends on good phrases.”
Gus Hansen Returns to Poker Highlight because the Nice Dane Joins Workforce Winamax
Throughout her lengthy profession as a part of Workforce Winamax, she was joined by the likes of Gus Hansen, Adrian Mateos, Davidi Kitai, Mustapha Kanit, Leo Margets and Joao Vieira, as Winamax sought to create probably the most gifted rosters of poker expertise of any website.
“As we speak, the Workforce is on the high,” says Baumann. “However at one time, we had been clowns — everybody did no matter they wished! We had been partying within the membership the day earlier than an EPT Day 2, that form of stuff. Now, you do not see that in any respect.”
Whereas she leaves the Workforce on the high, Baumann is trying to the longer term and embarking on a journey specializing in household, new ventures and rediscovering the enjoyment of poker on her personal phrases. As a mom, she balanced poker and private life, however now she appears to be like ahead to pursuing tasks in actual property and exploring buying and selling.
Whereas she leaves the skilled circuit, Baumann hasn’t dominated out making occasional appearances.
“I’ll most likely play the Winamax Poker Tour finale or take pleasure in a match or two at SISMIX. I’m not nostalgic as a result of I don’t really feel like I’m absolutely leaving.”
Response
Workforce Supervisor Matheu was effusive along with his reward for the long-standing member of the Winamax steady, saying Baumann will go away a mark not solely within the staff however in Winamax itself.
“She’s an emblematic determine of the Workforce,” he stated. “After Davidi [Kitai], she was the second oldest. Clearly, it appears like a web page is popping.”
“I’ve loads of good recollections with Gaelle; the adventures once we had been younger and carefree, then the stage once we each grew to become dad and mom. She’s calmed down a bit with age, however she’s at all times saved her little contact of insanity and this want for enjoyable in her life! All the time up for philosophical discussions accompanied by a bit of drink, then a second, till dusk if vital.
“I’ll miss all that, however I am certain we’ll see one another once more very quickly!
In the meantime fellow Winamax Workforce Professional member Pierre Calamusa stated he’ll miss Baumann being his teammate.
“It is a legend of the sport who’s leaving. After I consider her, my head is stuffed with recollections. It’s with nice disappointment that we see her go. I additionally lose a pal, she was most likely the individual I used to be closest to within the Workforce. I’ll miss her.”
Will Shillibier
Managing Editor
