Heads Up: Abby Merk

Abby Merk

I've watched Abigail "Abbypoker" Merk YouTube videos before. The algorithm of poker shorts just pops up regularly on my feed, and then one day I saw her move up in the poker video world by being one of the commentaries on the "No Limit" documentary about WSOP Paradise 2024. There were a few episodes aired on YouTube before it got cancelled/postponed due to some technical issue scandal that involved using AI to create fake voiceovers of Alan Keating. Anyway, she did mention in her IG that she would be playing the Asian Poker Tour Championship Taipei 2025, and I certainly didn't want to pass up the chance to get an interview with her. 

At that time, I was still working as the lead writer for Life of Poker and asked if I could do an interview to publish at their site. The owner agreed and even said he'd give me a bonus on top of my salary for the exclusive. Long story short - I never go the bonus, while they had their exclusive on their site. 

Anyway, I'm putting it here. This interview from was when we got to hang out briefly during APT Championship Taipei 2025. She wasn't 5 minutes in the venue, lining up for registration, when I immediately asked for a selfie. Then, also told her that I'd message to schedule a proper interview. So we did one night. But prior to the the interview, Abby messaged me, "I'm playing the Atomic Pineapple, I'll let you know when I bust." 

To which I replied, "And please be positive. Let me know when you win it."

She eventually did win it and was happy to be part of her winner's circle photo. However, the APT did send me a memo to not pose in pictures with players in the winner's circle because it makes it look bias and as media reporters, we are not supposed to hold any bias, even if they are friends or relatives. Well, it wasn't just me, there was also APT livestream commentator Kyle Ivanich, who also got the memo. Nevertheless, proud moment for Abby.

And due to celebrations and other more important life experiences, our interview had to be rescheduled to an online Q&A. This was the conversation we finally finished on December 7, 2025. 

The photo that gave me and Kyle a memo

INTERVIEW PROPER

Abigail "Abby" Merk is a poker player, a poker content creator and vlogger, a poker ambassador for BetMGM and can now also call herself an Asian Poker Tour title holder. Currently, her videos are focused on her road to 25K (USD 25,000) and the road has taken her to various places around the world in the pursuit of the goal of reaching USD 25,000.

How'd you learn to play poker? Apart from NLH, what else can you play? 

I learned how to play NLH from my old boss, but I can play a ton of other mixed games. The list would be too long to say, but i'm always down to try a new game.

When did the road to 25K start and what are the most interesting places it has taken you?

The road to 25k started a few months ago. i had just finished my 10k challenge and wanted to one up myself. Since then, I've gone to some really cool places like my favorite casino MGM National Harbor and Borgata for some poker tournament series out in the east coast. As well as South Africa for the Shuffle Up series there and Taiwan for the Asian Poker Tour.

What is the biggest prize you won?

So far, in my tournament endeavors, my biggest cash has been around USD 12,000. I wasn't vlogging or making any content at that time and was purely focused on poker. The grind was real, and i got a lot better during that time so i was really happy to see it translate into a nice score.

With Abby Merk

What do you miss about Austin, Texas?
I definitely miss Austin as, in many ways, it is a poker hub. The Lodge livestream is always fun because it's such good action. But i also just have a lot of good friends and family down there so i miss that too. My lifestyle is very busy which i LOVE. Don't get me wrong, but i do enjoy some downtime too.

 What's the end goal after 25K?

25k is my current goal but I’m also ready to move on from that goal. I’m definitely more profitable when i play cash and I haven't been able to play much recently so the challenge was a bit stagnant until i went to APT and won the atomic pineapple tournament. That was so special to me because i hadn't seen a ton of notable tournament success. It felt really great to get that win under my belt.

Which players do you look up to?

I look up to Kristen Foxen a lot. I like the way she carries herself and her self confidence is admirable. She is a classy crusher. I love watching her play.

What's the end goal with the vlogs?

My goal with my vlogs is to tell stories about my life. That's really it. It's like my diary and my memories. Maybe i will start a challenge in the future but for right now i am really happy to just create for the sake of creation.

What's in your poker bucket list?

The next goal for me is to win a BetMGM tournament. They always get so many runners and a ton of money for first place so it would be really special to have success there partially due to how often I play them and partially due to my relationship with BetMGM. I want to make them proud.

What's in your actual bucket list?

As far as my actual bucket list, I really want to go base jumping. I saw it in South Africa and in Hong Kong and it looked like so much fun! I thought I would be afraid of heights, but it didn't look scary and i want to push myself.

You can follow Abigail Merk at her Instagram @abbypoker and subscribe to her YouTube Channel

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