It’s a road to recovery.

Not a leap, not a stroll, but a long, hard road that’s easy to fall off of.

Erick Lindgren, a professional poker player, went to rehab in late 2012 for problem gambling. Part of Lindgren’s woes and debts were made public on 2+2 when several players came out saying that Lindgren owed them money. 

His hole was deep, seven, possibly eight figures.

Then Lindgren cashed for more than $1.3 million in 2013 and won his second WSOP bracelet. But even seven figures in one year wasn’t enough to get Lindgren out of the hole he’d amassed in gambling debts.

“You know, [I’m] chipping away the best I can,” Lindgren said. “I built quite a hole but I feel good about things.”

Lindgren Walks Rio with a Smile

Other players and pros stop him every few feet to say hi, congratulate him and his wife on their upcoming child or to introduce their friends.

Last year Lindgren felt like his comeback started, now he has to keep it going.

Lindgren focused specifically on No-Limit Hold’em last WSOP and studied younger players who seemed to have been taking the series by storm.

It worked for Lindgren as he took down the a tournament that young, aggressive players tend to dominate, the $5K 6-max.

The victory gave Lindgren his second WSOP bracelet and $606,317. That was Lindgren’s second six-figure cash of the year.

Just one month before winning his second bracelet, Lindgren came in second at the WPT World Championship — losing out to David “Chino” Rheem heads-up — and earned $650,275.

Since then, Lindgren has laid back on poker a bit and focused on his other passion, his family.

“We’ve been making another baby,” Erick said as he rubbed his Erica Lindgren’s stomach. “We have a boy coming in September.”

Lindgren Seeks Balance in Unbalanced Poker World

The Lindgrens already have one child, a two-year-old named Jake. The new child, who’s still nameless, will bring the number of Lindgrens up to four. According to Eric, the balance between work and family is essential for his recovery.

“It’s all about good Balance. Good family life and hopefully some good work.”

When it comes to work, Lindgren is approaching this WSOP differently than last year.

“To be honest I haven’t played that much poker since [last] series ended,” Lindgren said. “Been watching taped final tables of the last series to catch up and get back in the mindset.

“I’m not specializing in anything. Just gonna see how it goes.”

Despite that, Lindgren still has high hopes for the summer.

“I’m shooting for three final tables this year. Optimistic. It’s doable,” Lindgren said. “Just compete every day and not look forward to any event and just stay in the moment and just play through the day.”

Erick and his wife Erica both made their WSOP debut in the $1k PLO. The tournament drew 1,087 entrants and has become the largest non-NLHE field the WSOP has had.