The best hands on the table and the cleanest trick on a skateboard: Red Bull Poker SKATE is touring right now – combining poker luck and skate skills. We talked to the winner of the Nuremberg stop, Tobi Fleischer, about skating in Germany and skipping breakfast.
Tobi, can you explain the concept behind Red Bull Poker SKATE?
Sure – actually, it’s quite simple: local skaters gather around a poker table and decide if they want to match the bet or fold, just like in real poker. Only, at Red Bull Poker SKATE, every card represents a skate trick – the more difficult the trick’s level, the higher the card’s value. In two rounds, each player has to decide on two cards out of his hand and proof that he can pull off the trick on his board right beside the poker table.
And how did you perform?
Even though I’m a very inexperienced poker player, I managed to gain the highest sum in landed tricks. The chips were piling up to four high towers around me. It was incredible. Within 30 minutes, I had everybody else dropping their pants, it was highly enjoyable!
Who else was on your table?
Herbie König, the King of Skate 2008, Titus Teamrider David Piening and a couple of guys from the Nuremberg Skateshops. After I ran out of luck and left the table, Herbie made the rest of the gang eat dirt, heavily. [Laughs.]
You are one of Germany’s up and coming skaters – how do feel about the scene in your country?
It’s gratifying to see how the sport is evolving and staying true to its roots. Skateboarding in Germany is basically concentrated in two cities – Stuttgart and Berlin. Stuttgart is home to a lot of talented riders, and Berlin is the centre for media connected to our sport. Talking about the Big B, I should also mention stars like Jürgen Horrwarth, who gives the German scene a reputation that transcends national borders.
Where are you from, originally?
I hail from Munich, in Bavaria. My posse is mainly to be found around spots like the Olympia Park, Petuelring, Skatepark Kirchheim, Messestadt and the infamous Elferstufen.
Does the name Philipp Schuster ring a bell?
Of course! Philipp is from Vienna and we have crossed paths occasionally at street competitions, the last time in Basel, Switzerland. In streetstyle he is invincible – he can land the sickest tricks with ease and grace.
Who are your international heroes?
Let me think... I’d say Geoff Rowley, Andrew Reynolds and Jamie Thomas.
Favourite skateboard movies?
I like epic movies like Fallen’s Ride The Sky [featuring Jamie Thomas among others] or Zero’s New Blood.
What style of music do you like?
I like all kinds of genres, but late-1960s blues rock (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones…) is what really hits home with me.
That’s a cool choice for a guy of your generation! Respect! Do you do any other sports except skateboarding?
I enjoy snowboarding. Favoured spots: Spitzing and Steinplatte at the border with Tyrol.
What does Tobi Fleischer have for breakfast?
I never have breakfast, actually. It’s in the early afternoon that I start to get hungry.
Red Bull Poker SKATE 2009 tour
Stuttgart, September 26
Münster, October 17
© Red Bull Photofiles
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