Winter brings tough choices for poker players: the allure of bracelets in The Bahamas, the prestige of the WPT World Championship in Vegas, or the charm of snowy Prague for the EPT. For Jesse Lonis, the frontrunner for the 2024 Global Poker Index (GPI) Player of the Year, December is all about maintaining his lead and closing out a phenomenal year.

A Year of Stellar Performances

Lonis, a two-time WSOP bracelet winner, has had an extraordinary 2024.

• WSOP series highlights: Fifth in the $50K Eight-Max ($496,000), runner-up in the $50K NLH ($1,358,633).
• EPT Barcelona: Fourth in the $100K event for $507,714.
• Triton Monte Carlo: Won the $50K Seven-Max for $1,502,000 and cashed in three additional events for a total of $2,354,000.

These results have put Lonis on track for the coveted GPI Player of the Year title, but he knows the work isn’t done yet.

December Plans: The Bahamas First

Where are you headed in December?
I’ll start in Florida for the WPT Seminole Hard Rock, playing the main event after Thanksgiving. Then I’ll head to The Bahamas for the WSOP Paradise series.

What events are you playing?
I plan to play the full schedule in The Bahamas, including the $25K Super Main Event, the $100K, and several side events. I don’t plan on playing the Triton million-dollar invitational, but that could change.

Balancing the WPT and WSOP

What about the WPT World Championship?
It depends on the scheduling. The WSOP Paradise main event might overlap. If I can, I’ll fly to Vegas afterward to play as many events as possible.

What do you think of the WPT’s $5M freeroll?
It’s an amazing opportunity for newcomers. For many, this could be their first live tournament, with a shot at a million dollars. If I had that opportunity starting out, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.

Reflections on Last Year

Where did you play last December?
I started in The Bahamas, then made a last-minute trip to Vegas for the WPT World Championship. Unfortunately, I only had one flight and didn’t make it past Day 1.

Thoughts on the event clashes?
I wish the events were scheduled further apart. Poker is thriving, but having them two weeks apart would allow players to compete in both, rest, and deliver better numbers for each series.

Keys to a Breakout Year

What’s behind your success this year?
It’s about putting in the reps. The more you play, especially at higher levels, the more comfortable you become. I’m playing the same game I played at lower buy-ins, but now I trust my instincts more at higher stakes.

What role has family played?
My family keeps me grounded. Spending time with my wife and two daughters away from the tables is a blessing. I’m incredibly grateful for my opportunities in poker and my personal life.

Closing Thoughts

Jesse Lonis is on the brink of a career-defining moment. With his sights set on solidifying his GPI PoY lead, he’s navigating a jam-packed December schedule with focus, gratitude, and a game plan to end 2024 on top.