Tana Karn on Superstitions, Winning Awards & His Humble Beginnings | Ep: 49

If you’ve ever found yourself at a RunGood poker tournament or sporting one of their signature t-shirts, then you have Tana Karn to thank. The mastermind behind the apparel and live event brand sits down with Kara Scott for a candid exchange on his humble beginnings.

As a first-generation American born to Thai parents, he talks about his upbringing in his parents' restaurant and how that experience formed the foundation of his hospitality skills. His father’s advice of “build things to last” clearly stuck with Karn, as he launched RunGood when he was only 23. Though it wasn’t the powerhouse it is today, he shares how success early on meant “someone buying a t-shirt.”

Even though RunGood has become a three-time Global Poker Awards Best Mid-Major Tour winner, Karn still speaks of his superstitions and how he doesn’t like to show up for the beginning of a Day 1A “in case no one shows up.” Although it's hard to believe that would ever be the case, it's become clear that Karn is a man of the people and his infectious energy is what continues to bring people into the RunGood world.

Check out our interviews with earlier guests from The Heart of Poker, including Johnnie Vibes, Justin Bonomo, Mustapha Kanit, and Maria Ho.