Telli Swift is Shooting for Victory at the Celebrity Poker Tour Felt

When the latest Celebrity Poker Tour Invitational XIII kicks off live on Friday, September 4^th at 6pm, many eyes might be on the newest celebrity recruits tasting poker in Las Vegas for the first time. Hotly tipped for success at the CPT felt, though, is former WAGS Atlanta star and CPT veteran Telli Swift.  We caught up with the reality TV star and businesswoman to find out how she plans on winning the latest CPT Championship Belt.

Using Her Experience

“Every time I sit down at the felt, I’m looking at it as a strategic investment. I want to make the best decisions possible.”

As a seasoned veteran of the Celebrity Poker Tour, Telli won’t be feeling nerves under the lights, only excitement. She knows what to expect when the cards are in the air and as ever, her aim is victory.

“My ambition is always to win,” Telli says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to make two CPT final tables, and every time I sit down at the felt, I’m looking at it as a strategic investment. I want to make the best decisions possible and give myself a chance to be there at the end.”

Telli has run deep before and wants to prove that she has what it takes to lift the title.

“I’ve played enough at CPT and have recently experienced playing the big leagues at WSOP now to know that anything can happen, but I also know I belong at the table. The goal this time is simple: to put myself in a position to win the belt.”

Telli has previously spoken about how her focus at the felt is one of her unique skills. She reads the player more than simply playing the cards or the odds in isolation. We wanted to know what lies behind her very human people-reading skills.

“A lot of it comes from life,” she says. “I’ve spent years around people, whether that’s through reality television, business, relationships or just navigating different personalities. I’m naturally very observant. I pay attention to how people communicate, how they react under pressure, and when their behavior changes.”

Everything is important at the poker felt, but Telli’s observation is that the motivations behind each decision push her to making the correct calls.

“Poker is obviously about the cards, but people are the ones making the decisions. I’m trying to understand the person sitting across from me , not just the hand they might have. My biggest advantage is probably being comfortable trusting my instincts while still making calculated decisions.”

A Star of Reality TV

“Reality television teaches you to read a room and recognize when somebody is putting on a front.”

Telli knows the world of reality TV better than anyone at the CPT felt. The show has that same feel of familiarity yet a unique edge to it. That comes from celebrities being placed out of their comfort zone for our entertainment. Telli believes the genre taught her lessons that now pay off at the poker felt.

“Reality TV taught me a lot about people and about myself,” Telli tells us. “Being part of WAGS Atlanta gave me an opportunity to meet strong personalities and understand how differently people behave when cameras are on them.”

There will be plenty of cameras on the CPT stars come September 4, and Telli knows that if she is her best self then she’ll have the best chance possible of success. The people she’s met along the way have helped her turn into that person.

“I’ve learned something from so many people I’ve crossed paths with, but I think the biggest lesson has been to stay authentic and understand that everybody has a story and a reason for the way they move. That has translated directly to poker. Reality television teaches you to read a room, recognize when somebody is putting on a front, and understand what motivates people. Those skills are incredibly valuable at the poker table.”

Bringing the Fire

“Sometimes I’ll let people see what I want them to see.”

Telli wears her heart on her sleeve and is known for being an intense personality. We wanted to know if that sometimes makes it more difficult to restrict those emotions at the poker felt and keep that ‘pokerface’ on show.

“Absolutely! I’m naturally expressive, so hiding my emotions is definitely something I have to work on,” Telli laughs. “I actually think that’s part of the fun. I’ve learned that being intense doesn’t mean you have to give everything away. Sometimes I’ll let people see what I want them to see. Other times, I’m completely locked in and trying not to give them anything. Poker has taught me that controlling your emotions is just as important as reading somebody else’s.”

Telli has achieved a lot in her careers, whether in reality TV, business or poker. But all those roles pale into insignificance against the greatest achievement in her life.

“My greatest achievement is my family and being present for my children. Career achievements are important, and I’m proud of everything I’ve built, but maintaining that balance while being a mom is what means the most to me.”

At the poker table and in her career as a whole, Telli clearly carries with her the ultimate responsibility – providing the best example she can for her children to follow.

“I want my children to see me pursuing my goals, taking risks, working hard and continuing to learn but also understanding that family comes first,” she says. “Even with everything I have going on, that’s the part of my life I’m most intentional about protecting.”

Taking on the Celebrities

“Everyone at that table is capable of making mistakes.”

Telli may not be a first-time at the Celebrity Poker Tour felt but plenty will be on September 4^th. We asked her what advice she would give to someone sitting down at a poker table for the first time.

“Have fun, but don’t forget that you’re actually playing poker! Don’t get intimidated by the cameras, the lights or the personalities around you. Everyone at that table is capable of making mistakes.”

Telli knows all too well that once the lights are on and the action is flowing, it’s easy to get lost in the moment of playing poker for thousands of dollars. But following the players and the patterns they display is her plan and something she’d suggest newbies try too.

“My biggest advice is to slow down, pay attention and watch the people. You don’t need to play every hand to make an impact. And don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. If you’re constantly worrying about how you look on camera or who you’re sitting next to, you’re going to miss what’s actually happening at the table. Most importantly, enjoy the experience. CPT is unique because you get the entertainment and celebrity element, but once the cards are in the air, it’s still poker.”

Should Telli made the final heads-up battle for the belt on September 4^th, she doesn’t have a reality TV rival she’d choose to be her opponent.

“Honestly, I’d want someone who makes me work for it! I’ve always said my biggest opponent is myself. I just have to play the best version of Telli. But if I had to pick someone, give me a player I’ve already faced and had the chance to read. I like the challenge of playing someone whose tendencies I know. At that point it becomes a real battle of strategy, patience and psychology.”

This optimal way of thinking is why Telli now plays World Series of Poker events too. There’s a real sense of hunger about Telli and she can’t wait to play on the Celebrity Poker Tour when it returns in a week’s time.

“If I’m heads-up for that belt on September 4^th, whoever is sitting across from me better be ready because I’m coming to win!”