Player Profile
Gillian Epp is a Canadian born High Stakes Pro and Poker author. She got her start in cards as a Poker dealer in a local casino.
Raised in a small town in the Canadian Rockies, she competed in skating, tennis, skiing and soccer. She was particularly gifted in soccer. Singled out by a boys’ Rep coach, Gillian was brought to compete as the only female in a boys’ competitive soccer league. Her teammates’ parents were not receptive to having a girl on their son’s team, which was quickly retracted after seeing Gillian shoot. With other aspirations Gillian did not pursue soccer after high school.
Gillian’s childhood was spent among a loving and supportive family. Judy encouraged Gillian’s card playing ability by playing games nightly with her daughter. Victor, a Math Teacher, tutored Gillian in mathematics and probability.
After studying multiple disciplines in University, Gillian didn’t find an academic career path that suited her. She left university on a self-discovery mission. While studying yoga in India, Gillian played Holdem’ against backpackers and tourists. Her hostel mates instantly recognized Gillian’s poker ability and offered to bankroll her online.
At 19, Gillian returned to Canada, with a love of poker and a desire to learn every aspect of the game. Gillian immersed herself in the game by dealing at a local casino, and studiously reading every poker book at the public library. She continued to play online while learning the fundamentals of poker from a dealer’s perspective.
Soon it became apparent to Gillian that she could make more money playing rather than dealing so she quit her job to play medium stakes poker full time. Encouraged by a fattening bankroll Gillian moved up levels quickly and within 2 years Gillian was playing high stakes cash games.
Regularly playing in tough cash games, Gillian is constantly studying and improving her game. “Playing against the best players raises your own level of play. I learn the most when I am put in challenging situations, the way I am against really good players.” says the young pro.
Gillian is a contributing columnist for international Poker Magazines.