Pius Heinz Hoping To Immortalise Famous Name At WSOP 2011 Finals

The name Pius is a Latin word meaning ‘dutiful to gods, state and family,’ and has been used by 12 popes from Pope Pius I (140 to 155) to the wartime Pope Pius XII (1939 to 1958), pictured right.
It isn’t a name, however, that has been associated with any WSOP Main Event Champions of the past, although that may be about to change as German player Pius Heinzreturns to the Rio All Suites and Casino, Las Vegas at 9pm EST tonight, with just three players remaining.
Up for grabs is a chance to be forever immortalised in poker history as the winner of tournament poker’s ultimate accolade, as well as a certain $8,711,956 first place prize awaiting the eventual winner.
Pius Heinz starts tonight as the chip leader (107,800,000), ahead of Ben Lamb (USA) on 55,400,000 and Martin Stszko (Cze) on 42,700,000. He also managed to achieve his enviable position despite some initial jitters at the November Nine final table, in which he sunk to 9th place before mounting his impressive comeback. As Pius Heinz explains:
“For the first 30 minutes I was actually really nervous which I didn’t really expect beforehand. I was really surprised that I actually was nervous. After that I was really comfortable just playing my game and everything went my way. I wasn’t intimidated or anything like that.”
The newly recruited member of Team PokerStars Pro continues to be relaxed ahead of his date with destiny, and said he enjoyed a good night’s sleep last night. Heinz will now carry the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he strives to become Germany’s first ever WSOP Main Event Winner.
The self-confessed ‘feel player’ even sought out the advice of maths whizz Mike “Timex” McDonald ahead of the November Nine final table to ensure his game was well-rounded enough to give him the best edge. As he explains: 
“We went over some things, discussed some things, especially the ICM aspect of the game when you’re at the final table…I wanted somebody that has a lot of big live final table experience. ..He’s really good about the math aspect of the game which wasn’t a big part of my game, I was always more of a feel player basically, not that much of a math player.”
Pius Heinz’ preparations seem to have paid of handsomely, and he will now be hoping to clear the final hurdle on his way to claiming the coveted WSOP Main Event title.