Olga Iermolcheva was one of the stars of GGPoker's recent breakout TV show Game of Gold, and finished second in the 2022 WPT Ladies World Championship. She also caused a brief Twitter storm when she appeared on the cover of Rounder magazine. We caught up with her ahead of the WSOP to find out her plans, what really happened with that cover, and what Game of Gold was like behind the scenes.
If you had to pinpoint a breakthrough moment in your poker career, what would it be?
Olga Iermolcheva: It was definitely after I finished second in the WPT Ladies Championship at Wynn in 2022. I have had bigger scores before and some TV tables too, but the production there was at the top level. I still get positive feedback after my performance over there.
Part of the appeal of a poker career is being responsible for your own results and not having a boss. Yet women in professional poker are often expected to represent their community in ways men aren't. Are those expectations difficult to manage?
OI: It's not difficult because I don't put any tags on myself. I just want to have a good time at the table, and I don't worry about my image in the community or what other people think. I’m just trying to be me and enjoy the moment.
Do you think the exposure you got from Game of Gold, or that you've had recently with the magazine cover, has changed the way people perceive you at the table?
OI: Definitely, yes. People love to play more hands with me. They expect some crazy moves, and I am giving them the show. For me, poker is not just the game itself, it is also about the community, friendship, and the fun stories that come with it. After the show, a lot of people have been coming to say hi, to ask for pictures, and to say nice words. I appreciate this a lot!
What was your favorite part of being involved with Game of Gold? And did you expect it to be as big as it was?
OI: Meeting the players, some of them living legends, was the best part of the show. There was one story with Jungleman that happened after the first two episodes had been made. Me, Kyna [England], and Nikita [Luther] were sitting in the hotel lobby drinking wine when Jungleman arrived and joined our table. He was speaking mostly to Nikita, and then he turned towards me and asked, ‘Who are you?’ I knew the show would be a blast, and I wouldn't be surprised if it got even bigger.
The Rounder magazine cover caused a big stir on Twitter, with some women saying it was empowering and others saying it was demeaning. Where do you stand on that, and how did the cover come about?
OI: The Rounder team offered to put me on the cover; I liked the idea, and that's it. The cover shouldn't hurt anyone's feelings – it's just a picture, which I liked.
What are your plans and ambitions for the WSOP this summer?
OI: I'll be playing from start to finish. I want to play the best I can, and hopefully it will lead to some nice opportunities.
In your opinion, what does poker need more of? And what would you like to see less of?
OI: I think we need more bright personalities, and when we see them, we should promote them in a nice way. We should show less of the dull personalities who are not entertaining to watch.
And finally, what are your plans for the future? All poker, or have you got any side hustles that might become your main career path?
OI: I'll be concentrating mostly on poker, but for me, poker is more of a lifestyle than just a game. I enjoy my life outside the tables. I have some exciting trips planned, and I am looking forward to them.
Images courtesy of WPT
