Jake Mehmet

Jake Mehmet began his poker journey as a construction worker with a passion for the game. In 2019, he sought coaching from Brendon Rubie, a poker mindset coach, to improve his skills and work towards quitting his job to pursue poker full-time. His early career included cashes in WSOP Circuit events at The Star Sydney.

Mehmet has three WSOP Circuit cashes, all at The Star Sydney:

• November 28, 2017: Event #1: A$500 No-Limit Hold'em - A$500K Guarantee, 45th place out of 1,357 entrants, earning A$1,978.
• November 19, 2019: Event #4: $500 No-Limit Hold'em Classic, 44th place out of 1,132 entrants, earning A$1,722.
• November 24, 2019: Event #5: $1,100 No-Limit Hold'em 6-Handed, 16th place out of 242 entrants, earning A$2,973.

Total WSOP earnings: $6,673.

During the 2019 The Star Sydney Championships Main Event (A$3,000 buy-in), Mehmet was involved in a key hand on Day 1a. With a stack of 9,575, he shoved from the small blind against Jacob Horowitz's raise. His K♣J♣ flopped a pair of tens and improved to two pair, doubling up. He eventually finished in the money but the final result is not detailed in available records.

Mehmet was the first guest on the 'Rising Stars' series of the podcast The Australian Poker Mindset, hosted by Brendon Rubie. In the episode released August 2, 2023, he shared his experiences navigating the early and mid-stages of poker development, including the psychological challenges and the importance of mindset. He credited float therapy as a ritual that helped him maintain performance and used his poker winnings to invest in a float therapy business in Bondi Junction, Sydney (massagefloat.com.au).

Beyond poker, Mehmet has leveraged his winnings to launch a float therapy center. Float therapy involves sensory deprivation tanks for relaxation and mental clarity, which he found beneficial for his poker game. His business is located in Bondi Junction, Sydney.

While specific details of his playing style are not extensively documented, his shove with K♣J♣ from the small blind in the Main Event suggests an aggressive, pressure-based approach. His podcast appearance indicates a focus on mindset and continuous improvement, likely blending theoretical study with practical experience.

Jake Mehmet represents a growing number of Australian players who combine poker with entrepreneurial ventures. His journey from construction worker to professional player and business owner serves as an inspiration for aspiring poker players seeking to rise through the ranks.