High Stakes Poker Pro Michael Rocco Looks to Trade Cards for Crops After 2024 WSOP

Key Takeaways

• Michael Rocco, a high stakes poker pro, plans to shift focus from poker to farming after the 2024 $10,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em Championshipn in live earnings over his 15-year career but feels drawn to farming due to his passion for health and nutrition.
• Despite his successful poker career, Rocco's interest in the impact of food on health has led him to this significant life change.

In an unexpected twist during a chat that was meant to delve into his numerous close calls in poker, Michael Rocco revealed his plans to make the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) his last full series for the foreseeable future. The reason behind this career pivot is as surprising as it is inspiring.

Caught up during a lull in Event #94: $10,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em Championship, Rocco shared with PokerNews that he's recently taken the leap into agriculture, having purchased a farm last year. This new venture, he says, will soon take precedence over his poker career.

For someone who's pocketed more than $6 million in live earnings over a 15-year span, this move might raise a few eyebrows. Yet, Rocco's decision is deeply rooted in a decade-long journey exploring other passions, notably health. His dive into the world of farming stems from a robust interest in understanding how food and nutrition fundamentally influence human well-being.

Rocco outlined his motivations, highlighting a critical issue: the intersection of pharmaceutical influence and food production. "It all stems from health," he emphasized, pointing out the detrimental cycle of using synthetic chemicals in agriculture that deplete soil minerals essential for human health. This insight has propelled him towards embracing farming, aiming to contribute to a healthier future.

While discussing his poker career, Rocco reflected on the highs and lows, including his nine WSOP final table appearances. Despite not clinching a major title, he remains philosophical and positive, focusing on continuous improvement.

As the 2024 WSOP looms, Rocco is still a contender in the $10K 6-Handed Championship, with the potential to secure his first bracelet and a significant prize sum. This accomplishment would be a fitting farewell to a remarkable poker career as he embarks on a new journey in farming.

Rocco's story is a testament to the evolving paths life can take. From the poker tables to the farm fields, his transition is a bold move towards pursuing a passion for health and nutrition. As he steps away from the spotlight of the poker world, his future in farming holds the promise of not just a personal transformation but also a contribution to a broader discourse on health and sustainability.