Category: Focus

The tension has been building for hours. Finally, two men climb into the ring. The sequins adorning their tight-fitting wrestling masks shimmer in the intense spotlight. As they brazenly raise their arms above their heads the din of the crowd intensifies.

It wasn’t so long ago that the word “poker” evoked images of smoke-filled, dimly-lit pool halls where shady characters with sweaty palms handled ruffled bills.

It’s the love of the game that drives the boys. It’s the love of the boys that drives the parents. It’s 6:15 a.m. on Sunday morning. The roads are empty. The sky is dark. The air is crisp and cold. At the edge of Centretown, four vehicles idle with their lights on in the parking lot of the Tom Brown arena.

It's 9 p.m. Their hearts beat fast. She's panting. He's sweating. For both of them, the night is the best time to work out.