Jason B (OldsCoolJay) brings a deep-rooted love of poker and a laid-back Midwest vibe to the Phenom tables. A 20+ year poker veteran and longtime SNG specialist, Jason has recently been diving headfirst into PLO5/6 and PLO8 cash, where the action stays spicy and the edges stay sharp. When he’s not grinding from his favorite poker room, his basement, in pajamas, hoodie on, cold drink nearby, he’s balancing life as an Account Manager in Appleton, Wisconsin, hanging out with his three cats (Minerva, Millie, and Ghost), and soaking up everything from world football to classic rock. Competitive, nostalgic, and all about making the game welcoming for everyone, OldsCoolJay is the kind of player who plays for the love of it and wants you to love it too.

Jason “OldsCoolJay” Ballwahn

Name: Jason B.

Screen name: OldsCoolJay

What do you specialize in: I have always considered myself a SNG guru, but currently am enjoying PLO5/6 and PLO8 cash.

Occupation: Account Manager

City residing in: Appleton, WI

Pets: I’m a cat dad. I have 3 cats. 2 girls (Minerva & Millie) and 1 boy (Ghost).

How long have you been playing poker: 20+ years.

What drew you to poker: The ability to earn a small side income while being competitive and trying to beat others at a card game.

Favorite poker game: On Phenom, Double Board Bomb Pots. Outside of Phenom, I really enjoy all of the Omaha variants.

Favorite starting hand: Pocket 7’s (7 clubs/7spades specifically).

Live or online: Online 95% of the time. But playing a Live home game with my mates always makes me feel super nostalgic.

Favorite poker room: My basement, in my pajamas, with a hoodie on and a cold drink next to me.

Poker Pro you admire most: Phil Galfond. I admire him for being the gold standard of what it means to be an ambassador of poker. Honorable mention to Jason “RUNITUP” Somervile.

Biggest poker win: I won an “animal” trophy on a competitor site for over 1k. I’m about as micro stakes as they come, so that meant a great deal to me to get a trophy besting over 500 people.

Best poker experience: Winning a Live poker donkament of about 45 people at the Flamingo Poker Room in Las Vegas.

Poker pet peeve: You can tilt me pretty easily by saying “Nice Hand” after beating me at an all in and scooping the pot in front of me.

Phenom Nemesis (all in fun): None yet, but I am always open to a friendly rivalry.

What brought you to Phenom: I am always curious to see what new online rooms offer. What kept me is the software, mixed games, ability to access my money at any time, the fun real-life avatars, and the ability to grind tokens for real long term financial opportunities.

Hobbies outside of poker: I am in love with World Football, Coffee, music of all kinds, and board games.

Favorite sports teams: USMNT (USA soccer), Liverpool, Green Bay Packers.

Favorite types of music and bands to listen to: Love classic rock. CCR is probably my favorite band of all time. I have a deep soft spot for a 90s/2000s pop punk band MxPx as they helped me shape me late teen/early 20’s. Sublime, 90s rap, most things from any FIFA soundtrack.

Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad, That 70s show (minus last two seasons).

Favorite meal: Italian Sausage Pizzaz on a Thin crust, a good steak, or a fresh made pasta dish.

What are you usually doing when playing online: Listening to music, always. Sometimes Youtube, sometimes spotify… but trying to find what puts me in the best mindset.

Any final words: Poker is one of my life’s passions no matter how bad I am. Poker is for everyone. Let’s do everything we can to make people feel comfortable at the tables. We all want to win, but we should be doing everything we can to get more people to the table, and make them fall in love with the game like we all did.

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