 By Harmon Leon | Ok, so you wrangle some press credentials to cover Pokerstars.net’s Euro Poker Tour in Monte Carlo. Soon you find yourself thrust into the French Riviera-- playground of the filthy rich --rubbing elbows with poker stars and celebs while living on a on a Top Ramen budget. |
Monte Carlo is the kind of city where they local website recommends helicopter (as in helicopter) as the best mode of transportation to get to the locale via the Nice airport. Passing up the helicopter option, I opted instead for the 16 Euro bus ride.
So how do you cover a poker tournament at such an exclusive place as the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort with an empty wallet?
Here are a few pointers:
1) Don’t assume anything is free—you could be greatly surprised.
This is the only Monte Carlo that you are probably familiar with, I'm guessing.
This goes from everything from the peanuts at the bar to a wake up call. (“But monsieur, you used a wake-up call. We have to charge you for that!”) The ultra-rich stay rich for good reason.
2) Be prepared to be stared at.
I’m not saying in a good way. Sure, everyone likes extra attention. But the fine citizens of Monte Carlo will stare at you more in a way you would stare at a chimp wearing people clothes walking down the street, with a look that says, “How cute! A poor person!”
3) Learn Not to Go Apeshit
When you interview the 19 year old kid, who last year was addicted to Warcraft and now is a poker star who makes over $160,000 a year by playing poker online, learn not to completely lose your shit at life’s cruel joke. Note that if there were homeless people in Monte Carlo, they would look a lot like YOU!
