PokerCoaching.com is proud to announce that Alex Livingston—an elite mixed game pro, WSOP Main Event final tablist, and lifelong student of the game—has joined our coaching team. Known for his strategic depth, adaptability, and love for variety at the tables, Alex brings a wealth of high-level experience and insight to the PokerCoaching community. As our new mixed games coach, he’s ready to guide members through the rich and often misunderstood world beyond No-Limit Hold’em and master mixed games.
From Phil Ivey Fan to Final Table Finisher
Like many modern players, Alex’s journey began around the kitchen table during high school poker nights with friends. But unlike most, his passion nearly got him expelled from boarding school for gambling. Inspired by watching Phil Ivey dominate on TV, Alex’s fascination with poker never wavered.
Years of disciplined study and competitive spirit eventually led Alex to one of the most coveted accomplishments in poker: a third-place finish in the 2019 WSOP Main Event. Reflecting on the experience, Alex described it as “as good as it gets—the absolute dream for any professional poker player.” That deep run didn’t just provide financial security; it propelled him into higher stakes and gave him the freedom to fully pursue his love of the game.
Hooked on Variety: The Rise of a Mixed Games Grinder
While many players stick to Texas Hold’em, Alex found himself drawn to the diversity and mental agility required in mixed games. His first taste came in an impromptu 27-hour session at the Aria, where he caught fire and won a massive pot in Badacey holding the elusive “#1 #1.”
“I enjoy the feeling of having to change your mindset between the games,” Alex shared. “Playing mix gets you out of autopilot pretty quickly.”
Now a regular in high-stakes mixed game lineups, Alex’s preferred format is the 10-Game Mix—a balanced blend of stud, flop, draw, big bet, and fixed limit formats. He finds games like Stud Hi particularly fascinating for their depth and nuance, and he’s eager to help others explore these less-traveled roads in poker.
Teaching, Coaching, and Staying Sharp
Alex brings more than just poker results to the table. He has a deep love of teaching, previously coaching chess and even volunteering at a preschool and orphanage in Rwanda. “Coaching brings structure to my life,” he says, “and it helps me stay disciplined in my own study.”
When it comes to coaching style, Alex prefers a collaborative approach: “I like working with players who take initiative and come to sessions with questions and ideas. I want coaching to feel like a dialogue, not a lecture.”
As a student of many poker formats, Alex emphasizes that mixed games don’t just stand apart—they connect back to Hold’em in surprising ways. “Studying mixed formats will improve your overall poker game,” he explains. “Poker games are more connected than people think.”
Mindset, Growth, and the Long Game
For Alex, poker is a vehicle for both professional excellence and personal growth. He credits an optimal poker mindset with teaching him emotional stability and resilience—traits that serve him just as well in life as they do at the table. Whether it’s keeping an even keel during downswings or entering “flow state” during a major tournament, Alex values process over outcomes.
“I’m motivated by the competition. Poker still fascinates me—especially the psychological elements of live play and adjusting to different player types,” he says.
Looking ahead, Alex plans to stay active in high-level mixed and Pot Limit Omaha events, continue coaching students, and expand his role as a poker commentator. Legacy matters to him, but not in the usual way. “Being seen as someone who contributed to the game’s growth is just as important as winning bracelets.”
A New Era for Mixed Games at PokerCoaching.com
With mixed games gaining popularity and attracting a new generation of players, there’s never been a better time to explore new formats. As our new mixed game coach, Alex Livingston is here to help you navigate that journey—whether you’re a curious Hold’em player looking to expand your horizons or a seasoned grinder chasing an edge in unfamiliar territory.
Welcome to the team, Alex.
