Jon 'Apestyles' Van Fleet: Poker Pro Reveals Career Highs, Lows, and Future Plans

Jon Van Fleet, known as 'Apestyles,' has had a remarkable journey in the world of poker. His path to becoming a professional poker player is as unique as his larger-than-life persona. Van Fleet started his career with a passion for music but quickly realized he wasn't very talented at it. He then turned to chess, a game he loved but knew he couldn't make money at without being one of the best. It was during this time that he discovered poker.

Van Fleet's entry into poker was humble, starting with $5 games with friends. Despite being terrible at first, his friends' teasing motivated him to improve. His background in chess gave him an edge, as he knew how to study and learn the game. He bought a ton of poker books and threw himself into the game, lucky enough to start during the Moneymaker-boom. This period saw a surge in poker's popularity, and Van Fleet was fortunate to meet other pros who taught him how to approach the game professionally.

Van Fleet's journey as a poker pro has been filled with both highs and lows. He became an ACR sponsored pro after writing a proposal to the company, highlighting his big American audience and love for the night schedule. The best things about being a poker pro, according to Van Fleet, are the freedom and the ability to do something he enjoys for a living. However, he also faces challenges with misconceptions about the profession, especially when dealing with banks or trying to get mortgages. Despite these challenges, Van Fleet appreciates the life he has built around poker.