A True Grinders Tale. How Ryan LaPlante Navigates Life As A Player, Coach & Entrepreneur.

Come Play Poker with Us & Get a 150% Deposit Bonus!

Sign up here: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1

OR... come play with us in Las Vegas at Table 1: https://table1.vegas

Episode 99: Ryan LaPlante

In this episode of The Table 1 Podcast, Art Parmann and Justin Young sit down with renowned poker pro Ryan LaPlante for an unfiltered deep dive into the grinder’s life.

Ryan opens up about sneaking online poker sessions as a teen, the “Moneymaker effect,” and how dropping out of college set him on the path to poker stardom. He discusses moving across North America to chase the dream, overcoming challenges growing up gay in a traditional environment, and building community through forums and coaching.

You’ll hear candid insights into tournament swings—odd jobs, finding stable internet, and bankroll variance. Ryan breaks down the backing model, why coaching became both passion and safety net, and why multiple income streams matter for today’s pros.

The conversation gets personal: being an openly gay figure in poker, balancing business ventures and mentorship, and future aspirations beyond the felt. We close with goals for the next chapter, inside stories about his bracelet win, and advice for grinders navigating an ever-changing industry.

Show Notes

• 00:00 – Some Early Podcast Reminiscing & Finding Poker
• 07:52 – Early Bankrolls & Part Time Poker
• 12:30 – Dropping Out of College & Meeting His Future Husband
• 17:07 – Black Friday & WSOP #1
• 22:44 – Five Years of Travel & Coaching
• 27:50 – Staked Life & Spin n Go’s!
• 35:53 – Ryan’s Coaching Style & PLO!
• 40:12 – Grinding Without a Massive Breakout Year
• 43:37 – Consulting With Poker Operators
• 47:47 – Ambassador vs Business Relationships
• 50:15 – The Big Beautiful Tax Bill & Ryan’s Exact ROI Stats!
• 58:06 – The BRACELET! (And its Bittersweet Runout)
• 1:04:11 – Future Goals & Some Business Ventures
• 1:16:35 – Socials & Outro

Ryan's Links

• https://learnpropoker.com
• https://instagram.com/everybodyspokerleague
• https://instagram.com/realprotential
• https://x.com/protentialmn

Table 1 Links

• What is Table 1? https://table1.vegas
• 150% Deposit Bonus at Phenom Poker: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1

Art's Links

• Rounders To Founders – https://rounderstofounders.com
• SlotMaps – Beat Slots with AI (seriously) https://slotmaps.com
• PokerHQ – Run your home game like a pro: https://pokerhq.io
• https://x.com/artparmann

Justin's Links

• https://x.com/justinyoung07
• Play poker with Justin on Phenom: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=JYPoker