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Shaun Deeb Battling Coronavirus

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Shaun Deeb COVID-19

One of poker’s most polarizing characters has COVID-19. On Monday, Shaun Deeb revealed that he has COVID and has even been hospitalized with symptoms. He has been battling the infection for the last two weeks and now has a completely different perspective on the illness.

Ever the grinder, his COVID battle has not stopped him from grinding online poker. Despite being in a Mexican hospital for COVID, Deeb has been grinding WCOOP events over at PokerStars. Fortunately, he appears to be on the mend but has been enduring a tough battle.

Shaun Deeb Has COVID-19

Four-time WSOP bracelet winner Shaun Deeb made an announcement Monday that he has been battling COVID-19:

In a year that has already taken Mike Sexton and Darvin Moon, this is not news any of us want to hear. Showing the changes in his priorities over the years, Deeb had a tough decision to make:

Fortunately, it does not appear that he needs to be put on a ventilator. However, that doesn’t change how rough this has been on him:

However, earlier this morning, Deeb is reporting that he is showing improvement:

With the fever broken, he will hopefully start to show significant improvement in his breathing. Regardless, this is good news.

COVID Hasn’t Stopped the Grind

So what does one do while they are being treated for COVID? Do they rest? Read a book? Watch Netflix? If you’re a professional poker player, apparently you grind. At least that is what Deeb is doing while in quarantine.

Remember where I said that Deeb’s priorities have changed? Obviously poker is still at the top of the list. However, you can’t really blame him. If he has some free time and is feeling capable of playing poker, why not pass some time.

However, it does appear that he is struggling to play. Deeb says that he is sleeping during every five-minute break. Why is he choosing to play despite needing to rest? Apparently, he has a few side bets that are motivating him to play on.
While Deeb hasn’t added any WCOOP titles to his resume during his illness, he’s had a few deep runs. He finished 6th in WCOOP-69-L on Saturday and 9th in WCOOP-64-H this past Thursday. He’s cashed three times per day over the weekend. However, none were more than $3,000.

Deeb has over $4.8 million in online poker tournament earnings over at PokerStars for his career according to PocketFives.

The Pandemic is Real

Deeb has admitted that his illness has really changed his perception of COVID-19 and even pain in general. He tweeted the following on Tuesday:

Deeb has also given some thought to quarantine and products that can help people through their own bouts with the virus:

Perhaps showing some personal growth, Deeb has even stated that he will discuss the pandemic and his own experiences to show people that the virus is no joke:

Deeb is part of the growing list of people in the poker community that is or has battled coronavirus. Norman Chad had to battle it a few weeks ago and is doing much better now. Unfortunately, it appears that the virus is not slowing down and we could be in for a long winter.

Personally, I don’t recommend following Deeb’s example and grinding while sick. If you’re sick, focus on getting better. However, if you’re on the mend or just on quarantine, online poker is a great way to pass some time and maybe make some money.

Please do what you can to protect yourself and others. Coronavirus is not a scam or “just another flu.” People continue to die worldwide and we can all take some steps to help prevent the spread. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, stay home if you’re sick, and wash your hands. These alone will help to slow the spread. I know that you’re tired of hearing that line, but if more people would listen, this would be over with a lot sooner.

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