MagicNinja: From Poker Tables to Rock Stages

Martin 'MagicNinja' Bradstreet, a renowned poker player, has made a bold move from the poker tables to the music stage. His journey began when he watched a Muse concert on TV and was inspired to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a rock star. Bradstreet, who was one of the most successful players in the world of pot-limit Omaha, decided to take a risk and transition into the music industry.

Bradstreet's first steps into music involved practicing guitar and singing. He played his first solo concert at Burritoville, a local bar. He then started looking for musicians to form a band, comparing the level of musicians to the stakes in poker. Currently, he considers himself a grinder at the lower limits, drawing parallels between his poker and music careers. He explains that while in poker you can immediately play against top players like Phil Ivey if you have the money, in music, you have to work your way up from the bottom.

Bradstreet's band, Alexei Martov, has played several concerts and even performed the Canadian national anthem before a hockey game in Montreal. They have also recorded their first small album, which is available online. Despite the challenges, Bradstreet remains optimistic about his future in music, comparing it to his poker career where he always believed in his ability to rise through the ranks. He sees his transition to music as a calculated risk, one that brings him happiness and fulfills his lifelong dream.