Are there people who watch the World Poker Tour shows and are completely indifferent to poker? Yes, there are. But why the hell they do it? Well, the answer is simple: because of the WPT lovely host Shana (not Shawna, Shauna or even Shanna Hyatt - there are perverts who spell it like this) Hiatt.
Her Non-Poker Past
Since her childhood Shana wanted to become a TV reporter and travel around the world. She would sit in front of the TV for hours, watching newscasts and analyzing the broadcasters.
However, she enjoyer a lot of other things in life. In high school she was a champion lacrosse and field hockey player, not to mention the hottest school cheerleader. After graduating school Shana enrolled in New Jersey's Burlington County College and began modeling part-time.
Before becoming a WPT host she proved to be an excellent dancer, was crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic USA in 1995, starred in several films and was a guest host on the very popular television show, E! Entertainment's "Wild On" series.
“Poker Was So New To Me”
In 2004 she debuted as the WPT host. “It was a fun experience, because poker was so new to me,” says Shana. “I was thrilled to get the job so that I could learn more about the game."
Now she understands the game but does not play poker very often. She enjoys other aspects of her job: “My favorite part [of the job] is traveling to so many beautiful locations, including Paris, Aruba, Costa Rica, and the many casinos in the United States. Costa Rica offered the most diverse scenery of all of the locations we visited with its rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and a live volcano.” So her dream has come true!
Being asked about her favorite poker player miss Hiatt never names someone particular. Not even her spouse (yes! she does have one!) James Van Patten who is a poker player and the brother of the WPT co-host Vince Van Patten, who makes commentary to the show together with Mike Sexton. “I love them all,” she says about the tournament participants.
Hobbies
In her free time Shana enjoys active rest. “I’ll go for a run, do yoga, ride my bike, walk my dogs, or play softball with my friends," she boasts. She also continues working as a model. Her picture was on the cover of several popular magazines, such as Muscle Media Magazine and Playboy not to mention other numerous magazines, which issued her photos.
