Bodog.com’s Tatjana Pasalic plays in some of the biggest events in the world and can be seen hosting videos and web shows on CalvinAyre.com. Ante Up Ambassador and CheckRaze.com’s Mike Owens had a chance to chat with her recently.
Where were you born and where do you call home? I was born in Yugoslavia, in a part that is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, but moved to Zagreb, Croatia, when I was 3 months old. Where do I call home? Huh, in between terminals. I feel like Tom Hanks. I am trying to live in London, but I kinda have clothes in between Croatia, London, L.A.
How did you first get involved in poker? I lived in Denmark when the poker boom started and by chance went to Las Vegas for the WSOP. When I first entered the Amazon Room and heard the chips shuffling I knew I had to be a part of this incredible world. I went back and started working in PR for a poker room.
Later on, I decided to start blogging and playing and helped with the poker boom in Croatia back in 2009. After a few years of coverage and traveling, I got offered a job as a TV host. With great support from Kara Scott, I decided to step in front of the camera. Today, I am proud to say I have hosted some of the coolest shows and video blogs in the industry.
Which do you enjoy more, cash games or tournaments? Ugh, I am still a cash rookie. I love tournaments because they give me more freedom, more time and I can relax and learn the game. After all, I am still new at the felt, my poker knowledge comes from interviewing players, not playing against them, but I am working on it.
What’s your favorite game? Definitely no-limit Texas Hold’em. It’s fun, engaging and let’s me be whoever I want every time I change tables. Tight, aggressive, silent, loud; it’s like acting.
What’s the worst pickup line you’ve heard? I rarely get pickup lines, not many boys come up to me. It’s a bit intimidating when I stand around with a microphone and surrounded by cameramen, so if they come up, they usually have good ones. I do get an occasional creepy one like a guy that messages me on Facebook every now and then offering me massages.
What do you hate the most about being on the road and traveling? Not being able to cook. I’m such a passionate cook and eating out does me in. It’s nice to go to restaurants and get served, but there’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal and the satisfaction you get when you sit down and enjoy something you made yourself.
What’s the perfect night out for you? Beer, burgers and Chinese poker. I know it’s unhealthy, but everyone deserves to have a break now and then.
