I hate it when someone apologises for beating me

World Series of Poker bracelet winner Katja Thater is the subject of this week's turbo interview

Age 43

Where are you based? Hamburg.

What would you be doing if you were not a poker pro? If I wasn't in the poker world I would spend my time with horses. Training, breeding and selling.

Katja Thater: has no poker heroes

What triggered your interest in poker? My husband (Jan von Halle). He's played poker for years and I started by  watching him. One day he left me his stack, and his cards, in a live seven-card-stud pot-limit game. He said, "Have fun, honey. I'll be back later".

What is your nickname? I don't have one and I don't like them. Poker nicknames never sound too good.

How long have you been playing poker? I grew up playing pot-limit Stud. In 2005 Hold'em started to be played in German casinos, and now it's the big game in Germany. However, I still prefer to play other forms of poker.

What is your biggest win? As a lady I never talk about money.

What is your favourite casino? Casino Baden, Austria.

Describe your playing style It depends on the game. I can play tight-aggressive or loose-aggressive.

Describe your table image I try to dress comfortably. I never wear sunglasses but I sometimes I wear hats. If the table is full of familiar faces I chat a lot and I try to have fun while playing.

Any superstitions? None. I know people who drive back to a hotel to get some lucky clothing while the tournament is still is running.

Who is your poker hero? I have no heroes. I didn't even have a poster in my room as a child.

Favourite poker phrase I don't have a favourite, but I hate it if people apologise for beating me.

What's the best bit of poker advice given or received? Be yourself.

Name an up-and-coming player Well, there are a lot of very good players around. I have seen so many up-and-coming  players in the last few years. Some are still there, but some have been wiped out.

What do you do in your spare time? I love to spend time with my family, friends and horses. It's a totally different world. As a poker player you need an outside world to keep
your mind clear.