Off the Felt: Mer "PeachyMer" Brit
Just this week, PokerStars announced 15 new members of Team PokerStars Pro. Mer "PeachyMer" Brit is one of them, and we recently sat down with her to discuss poker, staying away from the spotlight, and more.
How did you get started playing poker?
A guy I used to date played poker, so after about a year of him asking me to give it a try, I did! I have been playing pretty much ever since!
You've always shied away from the spotlight, with players, for a while, not believing you were female. Your Twitter account and PokerStars bio now has your photograph on it. What made you "come out of hiding" so to speak?
Well, I was never hiding per se, I just liked my privacy, and still do! I saw not being recognized as an advantage when I played live cash, so in the past, it had more benefits than downfalls. But with me playing more live in the future it was inevitable that I couldn't maintain the level of privacy I have, plus its kind of nice that the photos out there are by my choice!
Why did you shy away from telling people who you were?
There were numerous reasons I did this, some were personal, some were family oriented, but they were choices I felt were right. It goes back to the privacy thing, I didn't want my life totally invaded all at once. It never bothered me that people didn't know who I was, so it hasn't been an issue for me.
Are we going to be seeing you on the live tournament circuit more often now? What's your tournament schedule looking like this year?
Well, in regards to live tournaments, I am honestly hoping so! But currently my life is still a bit hectic here and my schedule is jam packed! If some things fall into place, I will try and fit some in later this year, so I'll look at the schedules then.
PokerNews Strategy and Team Online member Randy Lew is a good friend of yours. Did he introduce you to Team Online and do you give each other tips, him for cash games and you for tournaments?
Hrmmm, he definitely suggested it was a route I should consider, since he knows me a little more personally. [Laughs] Nope, no tips! Everything we talk about is pretty much nonpoker related, I don't do so well with "poker talk."
Tell us something the poker world doesn't know about you, but should?
Jeez, I have no idea what people do and don't know about me. I am absolutely obsessed with photography and adore traveling. Recently, my newest hobby is diving, which could become super time-consuming for me since it combines my traveling and photography. Saying I'm avid about it is an understatement. I'm always trying new things though, so I'm sure I'll add something else in the mix soon!
What's going to change in your life and in your poker career now that you're part of Team Online Pro?
Well, I get to be part of a team for my favorite site, so that's a huge bonus to me, bringing even more positivity into my poker. I love the company, and my teammates, so I can't think of a better work environment for myself! Hopefully it will also encourage other woman to give poker a chance. I am definitely looking forward to where things go from here!
Next week, Mer "PeachyMer" Brit will be a guest on the PokerNews Podcast, so stay tuned for that. Be sure to sign up for a PokerStars account to take her on at the tables, and as always, follow us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news.
