Intro to Online Poker Star
In the world of online poker, few names resonate more than Joshua Hoesel, better known by his online alias, slayerv1fan. From Chicago to Mexico, from Supernova Elite to Twitch Partner, Hoesel’s journey is an inspiring tale for any aspiring poker player.
Born in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Hoesel quickly garnered attention in the world of online poker, thanks to his exceptional skills and unmatched dedication. Specialising in various formats of hyper-turbos, Hoesel quickly rose to prominence, earning the esteemed Supernova Elite status on PokerStars and becoming a Twitch Partner.
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Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Hoesel’s journey began in Chicago, Illinois, where he discovered his passion for poker. His skills sharpened over time, allowing him to specialize in multiple formats of hyper turbos. His be1st formats included the 6-max single table hyper sats and the 16-man double shootout hyper sats, followed by 6m 25bb hyper turbos and 6m 25bb SKO hyper turbos.
Hoesel’s skill and dedication soon led to recognition. He became a Supernova Elite on PokerStars, a status achieved by only a handful of players. His consistency was evident as he maintained this status every year from 2012 until the end of the program in 2015. This feat placed him fifth on the all-time VPP list, trailing only behind poker legends like jorj95, pokerinpb, scossett, and shabalinvlad.
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Hoesel: “I believe I’m the only player in the top 10 or 15 that is still in their 20s.”
Hoesel takes immense pride in his SNG graph since the release of Spin&Gos in November 2014. Many players saw this period as the end of an era for SNG grinders. However, Hoesel’s consistent performance and achievements in this period are still relevant and noteworthy.
Despite the decrease in high-stake volume, Hoesel continues to play a wide range of games on Stars, even as low as $10 games. His lifetime profit stands at an impressive figure. Although he doesn’t have an exact amount, he has made approximately $1.5 million in RB on Stars alone and is up about $2-$2.5 million lifetime. Additionally, he has made significant earnings on other platforms like Merge, Party, WPN, and Bovada/Ignition.
Notable Appearance
Hoesel’s prominence in the online poker world led him to be a guest on the RYE podcast with the legendary bencb. You can catch the entire episode on this link.
Humble Beginnings
Despite his high stake earnings and accomplishments, Hoesel remains grounded. He continues to play games across a wide range of stakes, demonstrating his love for the game.
Hoesel’s game specialities are diverse. He was a regular in the $500 Spin&Go games, and now he plays 5CARD PLO and Tournaments. His versatility and adaptability are key aspects of his game that have contributed to his success.
Hoesel’s journey is a testament to his skill, dedication, and love for poker. His story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring players and showcases the exciting opportunities that online poker can offer.
Life Beyond the Tables
Hoesel’s approach to poker extends far beyond just strategy and statistics. He maintains a well-balanced lifestyle, focusing on mental clarity and discipline to sustain his long-term success.
He follows a structured daily routine with dedicated study sessions.
Fitness and mindfulness play a crucial role in keeping him mentally sharp.
Hoesel often speaks about emotional resilience, teaching players to manage downswings and avoid tilt.
For him, success in poker isn’t just about making money—it’s about mastering decision-making under pressure.
Building a Modern Legacy
As an established figure in online poker, Hoesel continues to contribute to the game’s evolution. Through platforms like Twitch and social media, he shares knowledge, reviews hands, and discusses poker theory with his audience.
His Twitch streams blend education with entertainment, giving fans a closer look into professional gameplay.
He encourages adaptability, helping players shift from traditional sites to private apps like ClubGG, PokerBros, and X-Poker.
Hoesel’s guidance has inspired countless grinders who now view him not only as a pro but as a mentor.
His influence shows how an online poker star can impact the community beyond just results.
Inspiring the Poker Community
One reason Hoesel stands out is his openness. He’s known for sharing both the highs and lows of a poker career, making his journey relatable.
Many players appreciate his honest discussions about variance, mindset, and recovery after losses.
His focus on patience and long-term perspective helps new players build realistic expectations.
Hoesel constantly reminds his followers that poker mastery takes years of consistency and study.
By promoting balance and self-awareness, he sets an example for how to grow sustainably in poker.
The Evolving Path of an Online Poker Star
Even after years at the top, Hoesel’s hunger to improve hasn’t faded. He’s currently exploring new poker formats and challenges that keep his skills sharp.
Recently, he’s been diving into 5-Card PLO and advanced tournament formats.
He continues to collaborate with other pros to share insights and refine his strategies.
Hoesel also aims to expand into teaching and developing training content for aspiring grinders.
His adaptability ensures that his name remains relevant, even as the online poker world continues to change.
Inspiration for Future Players
Hoesel’s journey teaches valuable lessons for anyone dreaming of becoming an online poker star. It’s a blend of dedication, self-discipline, and passion that fuels his continued success.
Consistency beats talent when it comes to long-term poker results.
Learning from mistakes and embracing new formats keeps players competitive.
Above all, humility and love for the game are what sustain a career like Hoesel’s.
For rising players, his path proves that poker success isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about growth, patience, and staying true to the grind.
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