What happens when you achieve the success you’ve worked towards, but struggle to believe you deserve it? In the second episode of Face Up with Ivy Teves, Xuan Liu opens up about becoming the first woman to win a Triton Poker Series title, the personal struggles behind her achievements, and finding her footing after years of uncertainty.
Beyond the trophy, Xuan reflects on the fear of success, the mistakes that followed her early breakthrough, and rebuilding her confidence after a toxic relationship. She shares how a painful breakup gave her the space to immerse herself in studying before her historic Triton victory, and why understanding who she is away from poker helped her stop being afraid of making mistakes.
The conversation also explores her changing relationship with the game: taking breaks without guilt, rediscovering her passion through teaching women, and choosing when to compete with full commitment. From exploring her Chinese family roots to becoming the role model she once needed, Xuan considers what she wants to leave behind. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled to rebuild your confidence, or tried to find an identity beyond your career, this conversation will resonate beyond poker.
In this episode:
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Becoming the first female Triton Poker Series champion
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Turning a difficult breakup into renewed focus
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Fear of success, self-doubt, and self-sabotage
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Rebuilding confidence and identity after a toxic relationship
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Taking breaks and rediscovering a love for poker
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Supporting other women and creating a meaningful legacy
Face Up with Ivy Teves brings you honest conversations with the people behind the poker results. Subscribe to SpadePoker for more episodes, player interviews, tournament coverage, and stories from across the poker world.
Read the accompanying article:
Xuan Liu on Face Up: A Historic Triton Title, Fear of Success, and Life After Years of Chaos
