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It has been about 10 months since the World Poker Tour first broke the news about the WPT Voyage, poker’s all-new Spring Break event. As the months have gone by, excitement has grown throughout the poker world for the excursion, with the Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady to set sail full of poker players from March 31-April 6.
Here at Cardplayer Lifestyle, we’ve not only promoted the WPT Voyage and previewed what you can expect on board, we’ve also had the privilege of giving away a prize package for it as part of our sixth Mixed Game Festival proceedings. The inaugural WPT Voyage promises to be action packed, and based on the buzz – which is reaching a fever pitch as embarkation day approaches – we wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up becoming a “must-attend” event on the yearly poker calendar.
Just daydreaming about how in 2.5 weeks’ time I’ll be cruising the Caribbean is an incredible feeling, but there’s plenty more that I’m specifically looking forward to. In fact, there are at least 10 things!
Home life is great, but it’s always a little tough coming down from the high of a poker trip.
That’s why having “that next thing” to look forward to is SO huge and mentally helpful.
And, dang, the @WPT Voyage is going to be special.
Can’t wait! 😃🔥https://t.co/QubJTTWTQh
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) March 8, 2024
I’ll have a few hours post-flight before boarding the WPT Voyage, so that means there’s time to do a little sightseeing in Miami. The city is full of plenty of possibilities for exploration. I’m thinking a hop-on-hop off tour bus might do the trick and expose me to many of the popular areas and neighborhoods. That’ll be a nice warm-up to the week-long adventure that awaits.
Kicking off the festivities aboard the Valiant Lady, the World Poker Tour has scheduled a Pajama Party Meet-Up Game. Anyone who has attended a WPT-hosted MUG knows that they’re dreamy affairs, and I expect this upcoming one to be no different. Except, of course, that everyone will be in their pajamas.
What better way to get everyone acclimated onboard a poker cruise than getting into your coziest sleepwear and gathering around the felt for an evening of $1/3 and $2/5 cash games?!
Plus, win or lose during your cash game session, everyone playing will have the chance to win a seat into the $5K WPT Voyage Championship event!
From musical sets by world-renown DJs to stand-up sets by multiple popular comedians and even a mentalist act, the World Poker Tour has arranged for a bevy of talented performing artists to join us aboard the ship. I’m admittedly not much of a party animal, but I’m all-in on comedy routines and I’m eager to hear new material and laugh until my sides hurt.
And for those of you who prefer to get your groove on at the dance floor, it’s a no-brainer that popping music will be the soundtrack to your WPT Voyage.
Sure, No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha are great, but you know what’s even greater? Mixed games! 😊 All kidding aside, anyone who knows me or has followed my work in the poker world knows of my deep affection for mixed game poker.
I’ve asked around among some of my poker media buddies who will also be onboard the ship and they’ve expressed a shared desire to get a low-stakes mixed game going. So, folks, it’s going to happen (hopefully on multiple occasions)! And if you’re a mixed game lover like me who will also be on the WPT Voyage, please search out our cash game table and join us; we’d love to meet you!
I’ve been on a Mediterranean cruise once before, but it was a smaller vessel, accommodating a couple hundred passengers. This is the first time I’ll ever be on one of those “mega cruises” and from everything I’ve heard about Virgin Voyages, the ship and everything it has to offer will be absolutely spectacular.
While in the strictest sense, the ship is the mode of transportation, the Valiant Lady is the destination in and of itself. From all-inclusive gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations to thrilling activities and breathtaking views, every moment onboard is sure to be an adventure. I’m eager to discover all the wonders that await.
Prior to any poker trip, I always make the appropriate preparations for being able to maintain my kosher diet. Unfortunately, this isn’t offered by Virgin Voyages, but pretty much every dining outlet onboard – there are almost two dozen of them, and ALL are included in the cost of the cruise! – has vegan options available. That basically gets you 98% of the way there if you keep kosher, like me. So, I’ll be venturing slightly out of my comfort zone, and am looking forward to trying an abundance of vegan dishes.
I still have many items I need to check off my poker bucket list. For instance, in part because I rarely play tournaments (under 20 lifetime), I unfortunately still haven’t cashed in one and, as such, have no HendonMob profile. It’s time to change that.
Plus, while I’ve attended many WPT events in a media capacity, I’ve never had the good fortune of actually playing in a WPT tournament. It’s time to change that, too.
Looking at the tournament schedule, I see the $660 HORSE event calling my name… Giddy-up, it’s time to snag myself a winner’s photo!
I can’t wait to soak up the sun and enjoy the tropical paradise that awaits us on the WPT Voyage. I’m not yet sure if I’ll be partaking in any official excursions on shore, but I certainly plan to disembark at the two ports of call — George Town in the Cayman Islands, and the Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas. Warm sunrises and sunsets, with every color of the rainbow greeting me from dawn to dusk… Yeah, I’m ready for it; bring it on!
One of the highlights of any big poker event is the opportunity to reconnect with friends from around the world who share a passion for the game. Whether it’s swapping stories about past tournaments, discussing strategy over drinks, or simply enjoying each other’s company, there’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of the poker community.
On the WPT Voyage, I’m looking forward to catching up with familiar faces and making new friends — perhaps some people who’ve won their trip aboard via ClubWPT or WPT Global — as we embark on this unforgettable journey together. From late-night poker sessions to leisurely strolls on deck to fun-filled beach/pool parties and and shared meals, I can’t wait to share in the WPT Voyage experience with the amazing people who make this community so special.
Is the WPT Voyage all fun and games? Well, yeah! But for me that comes with a teeny asterisk, as it’ll be a working vacation. For those of you unable to join us onboard but eager to participate vicariously, I’ll be sharing some of my own experiences via social media, and will be writing up a couple of features that I hope capture your imagination.
All that’s left to do is pack my bag and get ready for the poker spring break of a lifetime. Bon voyage!
Guessing you just clocked 18 years, or you are new to gambling. Whatever the case, the goal of gambling at online casinos is to win. With online casinos evolving, you need to understand how to beat them and win. If you understand the principles, winning at online gambling sites is not difficult. Importantly, gambling at online casinos shouldn’t be a job but a pastime activity.
Unfortunately, newbies get carried away by the promotions and bonuses offered by online casinos. Read and learn the tips to win while playing at some of the best online casinos.
Almost all online casino games have free demo versions that you can play without depositing real money. The demo version of the game offers an insight into what to expect. Also, the demo version shares tips and tricks to win. Remember that the winnings on the demo version cannot be withdrawn.
With so many online casino platforms springing up daily, it may be difficult for a new Gambler to identify the best. One of the peculiarities of a good online casino platform is that it’s licensed. The beauty of a licensed online casino platform is that the licensing authority monitors the activities. Also, if you make any complaints to the licensing authority, the online casino license can be withdrawn. Check the bottom of the online casino website, and you may find the licensing authority.
Some online casino platforms have more than 1,000 games. The urge to play these games is always high, especially if they offer huge rewards. However, don’t play games that you are not familiar with. Opt for online casino games that you understand and know how to maneuver. Remember, some online casino games have a huge house edge.
Any online casino gambling strategy that suggests you should bet with huge sums is not ideal. Start your gambling journey with small bets and increase when you start winning. Meanwhile, taking breaks when you’re winning or losing is important.
A gambling budget helps you to gamble responsibly and also reduce your expenses. Without a gambling budget, you can get carried away and stake all your money. Bet only when you have funds that will not affect your bills.
Reading an online casino review before you register can save you a lot. A review offers an insight into word order gamblers experienced while on your preferred gaming site. Find out how other gamblers felt about your preferred online casino before you register.
Gambling is fun when you keep winning. Remember that there is no guarantee that you will always win at an online casino, whether it is licensed or not. Bet with spare money and ensure that you watch out for signs of addiction. Don’t be in a hurry to win a jackpot, or you might lose all your money to gambling at an online casino. Finally, stick to the tips on this short piece and keep winning.
The RunGood Poker Series Graton makes a return visit May 2-12 to California’s Wine Country, while Graton Resort & Casino’s poker room plays host to 11 days full of action with 18 ring events, plus new activities including a five-tournament Mixed Game Championship.
Due to popular demand, the price tag for mixed games during this RunGood Poker Series Graton stop increases to $500 for Big O, Omaha 8, HORSE, TOE and 2-7 Triple Draw. The top finisher for the five combined events will earn the title of RunGood Mixed Game Champion alongside a championship trophy.
There’s a $500,000 Guarantee on the $800 Main Event taking place May 10-12, with two starting flights per day May 10 and 11, and the Day 2 Final on the closing day of the series.
Graton Poker and RunGood kick off the 11 days of fun with a $400 buy-in, five-flight $200,000 Guarantee Mega Stack that begins with one evening flight on May 2, and wraps up with the Day 2 Final on May 5.
Every RunGood tour stop’s Ambassador Bounty event – the Graton version taking place the night of May 8 – shows locals how to remember if we’re not having fun, what are we all doing playing poker? It is calling ‘playing,’ after all, amirite? There are prizes awarded for knocking out a RunGood Graton Ambassador, and $100 black-chips for every tournament elimination.
No-Limit Hold’em events on the schedule include Black Chip Bounty, Six-Max, Seniors, Bomb Pot, Super Stack, Black Chip/Ambassador Bounty, and an $1,100 Purple Chip Bounty event on the final day of the tournament series.
Satellites offer great value during RunGood Graton – with a $185 Package satellite awarding seats to both the Main Event and Mega Stack, plus $200 cash; and even a $550 satellite awarding seats to the 2024 $10,000 entry WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.
Many series offer a nightly smaller buy-in tournament, and RunGood Poker Series Graton is no exception, albeit with a fun twist. Win any on the $135 Nightly tournaments and you receive an entry into a winner’s-only single table where both 1st and 2nd place in that single table earn a Main Event seat.
Tournament competition at Graton takes place in The Event arena where indoor concerts also take place. Tournament Director Jordan Cutter brings in a team of dealers and coordinators from across the country to manage the 80 tournament tables in one of the country’s premier setups.
An adjacent registration room offers multiple cashiers and the ability to obtain (or replace) your player’s card while registering for any of the 18 RunGood Poker Series Graton events. Multiple bars are available exclusively for tournament players, breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings are available at the rear of the tournament area, a separate direct entrance from the rear parking area is open for players … and the concert stage plays host to several tournament final tables, with action broadcast on large screen monitors in the room so everyone can watch final table action.
The Graton Resort & Casino is in the early stages of a $1 billion (yes, that’s a 1 and 9 zeroes) expansion, adding a second hotel tower and pool, more restaurants, more casino floor space, and the poker room is also set to expand from its current 22 tables. Speaking of restaurants at Graton, do NOT miss Tony’s, an offshoot of Tony’s of North Beach in San Francisco, 12-time World Pizza Champion winners.
Traveling to any around Graton showcases some of the most spectacular parts of the California countryside at your fingertips – from redwood forests as you travel north, to the internationally-acclaimed Napa/Sonoma Wine Country with vineyards mere blocks from the casino when heading west, a 30-mile trek east to grey whale sightings in the Pacific Ocean at Bodega Bay, to slightly more than an hour’s drive south in to San Francisco.
Nearby off-site activities include world-renowned breweries such as Russian River (known for Pliny the Elder, recognized year-after-year as one of the world’s best beers) to the original Lagunitas Brewery facility and much more. Parliament Brewing is within walking distance for those who depart the tournament area via the rear parking lot, with a nice selection of crafted beers and different food trucks nightly.
Go slightly further – by car or foot – past Parliament to Café Mimosa a breakfast spot where you are likely to see poker players every day of the series. Be quiet, though, this is a secret destination for the poker community and locals, don’t tell anyone about this amazing find!
Thursday, May 2
Friday, May 3
Saturday, May 4
Sunday, May 5
Monday, May 6
Tuesday, May 7
Wednesday, May 8
Thursday, May 9
Friday, May 10
Saturday, May 11
Sunday, May 12
*Image credits: Hayley Hochstetler, for 8131 Media
The high-stakes tournament action returns in March on PokerGO, with the PGT Mixed Games being livestreamed for the first time.
Following that will be the PGT PLO Series, and among these two PGT series will be continued episodes of High Stakes Poker and No Gamble, No Future.
The brand-new season of High Stakes Poker continues with a new lineup of players to open the month.
The $200/$400 No-Limit Hold’em game will include the return of Jean-Robert Bellande, Vivian Yang, Santhosh Suvarna, Justin Gavri, and Andrew Robl from the opening two episodes. Chino Rheem will join in the mix, as does Nik Airball.
Making his return to High Stakes Poker for the first time since 2011 is Phil Laak who will take the seat that was occupied by his partner-in-crime, Jennifer Tilly. This lineup will play three episodes before a new wave of players will take a seat in Episode 6 and include Brandon Adams, Stanley Tang, and Charles Yu to go along with Suvarna, Gavri, Airball, and Robl.
Watch Season 12 episodes of High Stakes Poker every Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
The PGT Mixed Games returns from February 28 to March 8 with a ten-event schedule. Buy-ins range from $5,100 to $25,300 and the series will culminate in the crowning of the PGT Mixed Games champion, who will capture the PGT Gold Cup and $10,000 PGT Passport.
For the first time in PGT Mixed Games history, several of the final tables will be livestreamed on PokerGO. Event #1: $5,100 H.O.R.S.E. and Event #2: $5,100 8-Game will kickoff the livestream schedule and will be followed by Event #3: $10,200 H.O.R.S.E. and Event #4: $10,200 8-Game.
In February 2023, Dan Zack was crowned the inaugural PGT Mixed Games champion, while in October 2023, Chino Rheem topped the leaderboard.
Watch PGT Mixed Games final tables from February 29 to March 2.
The highly successful PGT PLO Series returns for the third installment from March 20-29 with a ten-event schedule. Buy-ins range from $5,100 to $25,200 and the series will culminate in the crowning of the PGT PLO Series champion, who will capture the PGT Gold Cup and $10,000 PGT Passport.
The final tables from the first nine events will be livestreamed on PokerGO, concluding in the $25,200 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship.
In March 2023, Lautaro Guerra was crowned the PGT PLO Series champion after winning three events, while in October 2023, Daniel Geeng took the top honors after winning the $25,200 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship.
Watch PGT PLO Series final tables from March 21-29.
Season 4 of No Gamble, No Future concludes this month with the final two episodes that feature the return of Nik Airball, the Professor, Charles Yu, and Brandon Adams. They will be joined by Jean-Robert Bellande for the first time this season, and also Eric Wong and Matt Kirk who make their No Gamble, No Future debuts.
These seven players will be playing $200/$400 No-Limit Hold’em/Pot-Limit Omaha rotation – the first time a hybrid cash game has been spread in No Gamble, No Future history.
Watch Season 4 episodes of No Gamble, No Future every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
A plethora of events took place on PokerGO in February with the talking point being the premiere of Season 12 of High Stakes Poker.
No Gamble, No Future continued with Season 5 action, and it included some big names such as Jennifer Tilly, Eric Persson, Matt Berkey, Brandon Adams, Justin Young, and Phil Hellmuth.
The Celebrity Poker Tour Invitational II featured content creators, poker pros, sports stars, and many more. It also produced the front-runner for one of the craziest hands of the year in an event that saw Princess Love rise to victory.
The 5th Annual Global Poker Awards took center stage at the PokerGO Studio with 29 trophies presented throughout the evening to poker players and industry members. Watch the full show here:
Connect with PokerGO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Watch daily poker clips on the PokerGO YouTube channel. Join the conversation on the PokerGO Discord server.
In the vibrant tapestry of poker, there are players whose stories unfold like intricate hands, each card revealing a new chapter of their journey. Among them stands Nick Eastwood, a rising star in online poker content creation and an 888poker Stream Team Ambassador.
During the 2024 UK Poker League Edinburgh stop, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nick for this interview. As we delved into his journey over a 20-minute conversation (and at least another 20 minutes after that that went unrecorded), it became evident that his path to poker prominence was not just about cards and chips but about embracing the essence of the game and transforming it into a captivating narrative through his content creation.
At 32 years old, Nick’s love affair with poker spans over a decade and a half, tracing its origins back to his early years. Before he could legally partake in the game, Nick found himself drawn to the strategic depth and competitive allure of poker through shows like Premier League Poker, which was broadcast on terrestrial TV in the UK.
Back in the era before YouTube was a thing, the popular poker program held the attention of Nick and his high school mates, who played poker for Skittles and loved watching poker legends such as Andy Black, Phil Hellmuth, Dave “Devilfish” Ulliot, Tom Dwan, and Daniel Negreanu ply their trade at the felt. That ignited a spark within him and planted the initial poker seed.
Raised in Essex, Nick’s journey to poker was anything but conventional. A student of Philosophy at Redding University, he initially treaded a different path, working in the family business managing a hair salon for eight years.
Variance struck hard when the pandemic hit in 2020. Nick suddenly had little to do and “was very lazy, just felt useless, wasn’t doing anything productive; couldn’t think of anything stimulating.”
But he had poker.
Faced with idle hands and a restless mind, he turned to YouTube as a means of documenting his online poker journey for study purposes and to hold himself accountable for thought processes. What began as a personal endeavor to study his gameplay soon, improbably, blossomed into a thriving channel, resonating with viewers hungry for authentic content in an increasingly digital landscape. He didn’t think anyone would end up watching, but behaved himself and refrained from going on tilt “just in case someone COULD end up watching those recordings”.
Nick’s ascent in the world of online poker happened with relative speed. He admittedly also realizes the good fortune of his timing, saying that “back then, nobody was creating microstakes online cash game content”. Over the course of many months, with dedication and perseverance, his channel amassed a loyal following, eventually paving the way for collaborations and sponsorships, including a coveted partnership with 888poker.
Now boasting over 15,600 subscribers on YouTube as well as 7,200 followers on Twitch, Nick’s content now reaches far further than he could initially imagine.
After securing the sponsorship deal with 888poker, Nick remained committed to producing excellent videos, enlisting the help of his trusty editor, Dan Harrison-Zeshan, to elevate the production quality of his content while allowing him to focus on what he does best – playing poker and engaging his audience through that gameplay.
Yet, for Nick, success isn’t merely measured in numbers or accolades. It’s about the journey – the experiences, the friendships forged, and the memories made along the way. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the neon-lit casinos of Las Vegas, Nick’s poker odyssey has taken him to the far corners of the globe, enriching his life in ways he never thought possible.
🤷♂️ Is @eastyyy22 too used to getting coolered?
👀 Watch as he wins a big pot early on Day 1B of the 888poker LIVE Main Event! #poker #livepoker pic.twitter.com/66nMdW6U7A
— 888poker (@888poker) January 26, 2024
As Nick looks towards the future, he remains grateful for the unwavering support of 888poker, expressing his excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. For him, poker isn’t just a game; it’s a journey – one defined by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. And for Nick Eastwood, the cards will always be dealt with a sense of optimism and determination, guiding him towards new horizons and endless possibilities.
As my conversation with Nick Eastwood draws to a close, it’s clear that his story transcends the confines of the poker table. From his humble beginnings in Essex to his rise as a YouTube content creator and 888poker Stream Team ambassador, Nick’s journey epitomizes the transformative power of passion and dedication. He has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. As we bid farewell, it’s clear that his passion has not waned and that he has much more that he wants to give to this poker industry that has given him a true sense of purpose and fulfillment.
In the vast and dynamic landscape of poker, every player’s journey is unique and compelling. Among these narratives, the story of 34-year-old Josh Manley stands out as a testament to passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of opportunity. From his early forays into play money poker to his current role as an ambassador for 888poker, Josh’s odyssey is a captivating exploration of dedication and growth.
I had a lovely conversation with Josh at the 2024 UKPL Edinburgh stop to learn more about him, his goals within the poker sphere as a player and ambassador, and his overall outlook on the game.
A proud son of Brighton, England, Josh’s journey began at a pivotal moment in his teenage years, when he first encountered the thrill of play money poker at the age of 17. In the midst of online poker’s heyday, he found himself drawn to the virtual tables, where freerolls offered an enticing introduction to the game; so he then began to play poker for real money.
With each hand, Josh’s fascination deepened, fueled by the adrenaline rush of competition and the promise of potential winnings. Even the smallest victories, like claiming a single $1 prize, served as milestones on his path to poker proficiency.
As Josh’s confidence grew, so did his ambitions within the poker world. Starting at the micro-stakes with humble $1 tournaments, he gradually honed his skills and expanded his bankroll to a few hundred dollars. Even so, the game ultimately remained a hobby. He studied Literature at university and went on to have jobs in the field of logistics. While preoccupied with the responsibilities of making a living as the Chief Import Manager for Peroni in the UK, Josh’s passion for the game remained steadfast.
Then, variance hit strong. Upon some company acquisitions, Josh’s role was relocated three hours away from home, to London. Not wishing to move away from his home in Brighton, Josh started looking for other employment. This was in Q1 of 2020. After the pandemic hit, suddenly nobody was hiring anymore.
Enter Brooke, Josh’s partner and confidante, whose insight and encouragement would prove pivotal in shaping his poker destiny. Recognizing Josh’s untapped potential as both a player and a content creator, Brooke suggested he explore the world of streaming on Twitch, so he started his channel there.
This bold leap of faith, combined with Brooke’s savvy marketing instincts and copywriting abilities, caught the attention of 888poker. Recognizing Josh’s potential, despite a relatively small audience at the time, they invited him to join as a member of their Stream Team. With Brooke’s unwavering support, Josh embarked on a new chapter of his poker journey, armed with newfound opportunities and a platform to share his poker passion with the world.
Joining the ranks of 888poker ambassadors marked a transformative moment for Josh, as he stepped into a role that blended his love for the game with his desire to inspire others. As a representative of 888poker, Josh found himself with the opportunity to promote inclusivity and accessibility within the poker community.
From hosting live streams to engaging with fans on social media, Josh embraced his ambassadorial duties with zeal, championing the notion that success in poker is attainable for players of all backgrounds and skill levels.
In his personal quest for mastery of the game, Josh embraced the principles of coaching and continuous learning, recognizing that growth is an ongoing process fueled by dedication and self-reflection. Under the guidance of his coach and mentor Pete, Josh delved into the intricacies of poker strategy. In particular, he’s also a fan of poker books like The Mental Game of Poker and everything and anything written by Dara O’Kearney. “It’s so exciting every time he releases a new one, because it’s just gold!”
From dissecting hand histories to studying the psychological nuances of the game, Josh’s commitment to improvement served as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
As Josh’s journey continues to unfold, his ambitions reach new heights, fueled by a passion for both poker and content creation. With plans to expand his digital footprint through the relaunch of his YouTube channel, Josh aims to provide a platform for education, entertainment, and community engagement. Whether he’s sharing insights from the virtual felt or documenting his adventures on the live tournament circuit, Josh remains committed to inspiring others and leaving a lasting impact on the world of poker.
As we reflect on Josh Manley’s remarkable journey, one thing becomes abundantly clear: his story is more than just a tale of poker prowess—it’s a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and possibility. From his humble beginnings as a play money player who barely understood how to play Texas Hold’em to his current role as an ambassador for 888poker, Josh embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the poker community. And as he continues to chart his course through the ever-evolving landscape of the game, one thing remains certain: the best is yet to come.
In the dynamic world of poker live streaming, Grosvenor Poker stands out as tops in the UK for its engaging and professional broadcasts. One of the beating hearts of this operation is longtime beloved poker commentator Phil “the Tower” Heald, who, along with a dedicated team, works tirelessly to deliver a seamless and entertaining experience for viewers worldwide. In this exclusive interview, Phil shares insights into the intricate workings of Grosvenor Poker’s live streams, from preparation to execution and beyond.
A featured live stream table at the 2024 UKPL Edinburgh stop
Collaboration and Communication: During our interview, Phil provided a comprehensive overview of the live streaming team, consisting of commentators, an action tracker, equipment setup personnel, and a supervising manager. He emphasized the fluid communication and coordination among team members, facilitated through platforms like WhatsApp.
Phil elaborated on the team’s roles, highlighting the importance of each member’s contribution to the smooth operation of the live stream. He shared anecdotes of successful collaborations and problem-solving instances, showcasing the cohesion and efficiency of the team. I was surprised to learn that the team consisted of only five members, but that just goes to show how slick and smooth an operation can be run when you’ve got the right talented professionals on the job!
Preparation and Security Measures: Phil delved into the preparation and security measures employed before each live stream. In particular, he explained the rationale behind the 20-minute delay, emphasizing its role in maintaining the integrity and security of the game.
Phil detailed the comprehensive checklist followed by the team during setup, ensuring that all technical aspects are in place for a flawless broadcast. He discussed the evolving nature of security protocols in response to emerging threats, underscoring Grosvenor Poker’s commitment to providing a safe and secure streaming environment for players and viewers alike.
Because everything is on 20-minute delay and live, the commentating team only really have 20 minutes to prepare on the regular. They’re often live for up to 12 straight hours, and the action doesn’t stop. Once play reaches final table action, it’s a bit different and because of the great database of information Grosvenor Poker has about most of the players, it enables the commentary team to talk more about them and provide some deeper storytelling and analysis, as well as mention some recent results some of them may have had while on tour.
The action-tracker station, where a skilled technician ensures a smooth feed and graphics display on screen
Engagement and Community: Building Phil highlighted the importance of audience engagement and community building in Grosvenor Poker’s live streams. He discussed the multi-platform simulcast strategy, which allows viewers to interact across YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook simultaneously.
Additionally, Phil shared insights into the active engagement with the audience, with commentators addressing questions and comments from all platforms in real-time. He emphasized the vibrant and supportive community that has grown around Grosvenor Poker’s live streams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging among viewers. No question is too basic for the commentary team, including simple poker questions about pot odds and even outside of poker about ice skating and rugby scores.
Expert Analysis and Innovation: In discussing Grosvenor Poker’s innovative approach to live streaming, Phil showcased the platform’s pioneering role in broadcasting 6-card PLO. He explained how this format, coupled with expert analysis from his co-commentator Jay Harwood, provides viewers with a unique and immersive viewing experience.
Phil shared anecdotes of memorable moments from 6-card PLO streams, highlighting the excitement and strategic depth of the game. He emphasized Grosvenor Poker’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, driven by a passion for delivering high-quality content to its audience.
Phil Heald (left) and Jay Harwood (right) getting ready for another day’s work in the booth
Community Bonding and Event Highlights: Phil also shed light on the unique atmosphere of Grosvenor Poker events, particularly highlighting the stop in Edinburgh. He described it as one of the nicest stops on the tour, where everyone knows each other, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment akin to a party.
READ MORE: Poker Room Review: Grosvenor Poker Room Edinburgh | The Maybury
Phil noted the significant turnout of locals, due in part to the distance from London and the south of the UK. He recounted the jovial atmosphere at Edinburgh events, with players often ordering drinks right from the start of play and sharing laughs before, during, and after the games.
Further, Phil discussed the personal connection forged with players as they criss-cross the country, chasing top spots on the leaderboards. He highlighted the camaraderie shared with players at bars and the enjoyment of listening to their bad beat stories.
Phil also mentioned the partnership with 888poker-powered stops, which helps attract more players to Grosvenor Poker’s events via the online satellite qualifiers, enriching the overall experience for participants and viewers alike.
Wrapping up our conversation, Phil reflected on the metrics used to measure the success of Grosvenor Poker’s live streams, in particular viewer engagement, feedback, and community sentiment. He expressed pride in the team’s track record of delivering consistently successful broadcasts and highlighted the positive impact of viewer interaction on the overall experience.
“Once we do the final interviews at the end of the night, we shake their hands, and there’s a smile on their face. The chat means everything in the world to us; we have such a great community – and everywhere we travel to around the UK they’re always so kind and forthcoming in their praise of our broadcast.”
Phil’s insights offer a comprehensive look into the inner workings of Grosvenor Poker’s live streaming operation. From meticulous preparation to engaging with viewers in real-time, each aspect contributes to the success of these captivating broadcasts.
Grosvenor Poker certainly maintains a high bar for its live streams, particularly in the realm of community engagement. Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to quality, the Grosvenor Poker stream team continues to captivate audiences and elevate the poker viewing experience to new heights.
In the realm of live poker tournaments, the Grosvenor Poker circuit stands out as a hallmark of excellence in the United Kingdom. At the heart of these events are the Tournament Directors (TDs), individuals like Luke Whitaker and Antony Fusco, whose expertise and dedication ensure the smooth operation of every tournament.
While attending the 2024 UKPL Edinburgh festival, I had the opportunity to have a great chat with Luke and Antony to learn about their experiences working for Grosvenor Poker and supervising events all across the company’s 53 rooms around the UK.
Over the course of our conversation, they dove deep into their professional journeys, climbing the ladder to their current positions, the intricacies of their roles, and the vibrant world of Grosvenor Poker.
Antony Fusco’s trajectory within Grosvenor Poker encapsulates the essence of dedication and perseverance. He started out in poker as a player, Antony’s curiosity for the inner workings of the game led him to join Grosvenor a decade ago as a dealer. His tenure saw him rise through the ranks, from cardroom supervisor in Edinburgh to a respected freelance TD. Despite juggling a full-time job outside the poker world, Antony’s passion for the game remains undiminished, driving him to excel in his role as a TD.
Similarly, Luke Whitaker’s journey reflects the diverse paths that lead individuals to the world of poker management. Starting as a dealer in Coventry seven years ago, Luke’s journey took a serendipitous turn when he participated in a self-deal competition. Little did he know that this would be the catalyst for a remarkable career in poker. Transitioning from a dealer to a cardroom supervisor and eventually embracing the life of a traveling TD, Luke’s story is a testament to the opportunities for growth and advancement within Grosvenor.
Central to the success of Grosvenor Poker tournaments is the meticulous attention to dealer standards. With specific procedures in place and rigorous training in techniques such as the “casino shuffle,” Grosvenor ensures a professional and seamless gaming experience for players. Main Event Travel, Grosvenor’s trusted partner, plays a pivotal role in supplying well-trained dealers who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and expertise.
Antony and Luke further spoke about their journeys from dealers to TDs as ones of continuous learning and refinement. Supervising flagship events like the Goliath has provided them with invaluable experience in tournament management, honing their skills and expertise with each iteration. Logistics-wise, the pair explained that TDs navigate quarterly schedules, meticulously planning their commitments to ensure optimal coverage across Grosvenor’s extensive network of tournaments.
Grosvenor’s commitment to supporting its staff extends beyond training and scheduling. The company covers travel expenses and arranges accommodations for its TDs, alleviating logistical concerns and allowing them to focus solely on delivering exceptional experiences for players. Collaboration with third-party partners like 888poker adds another layer of complexity to tournament management, introducing unique structures and formats that keep the game dynamic and engaging for both TDs and players alike.
Plus, the dissemination of tournament results and information functions like a well-oiled machine as different teams within and external to Grosvenor Poker personnel contribute. Reports are compiled at the end of each day’s poker action. Those reports are then reviewed by the TDs, who then pass it on to individuals responsible for sharing on the company’s main social media channels.
There were 92 entries last night for Day 1A of the UKPL Edinburgh Opening Voyage with 13 players bagging up chips and making Day 2. They are guaranteed a min cash.
Day 1B takes place today at 3pm and the players will play down to 15%. pic.twitter.com/Ltl7D603lj
— Grosvenor Poker (@GrosvenorPoker) February 14, 2024
When I asked them what he most interesting aspects of their job were, they essentially gave the same answer, but cautioned that it was a double-edged sword. “Going to the different clubs around the country is the most interesting part of the job for traveling TDs, as each one has its own individual flavor. It’s great to have camaraderie with all the traveling dealers + many of the players also travel around the country on tour, so you see a lot of the same people and get to know them. The travel itself between different stops can be a grind though, as you’re just constantly on the move.”
Beyond the logistics and operations, the soul of Grosvenor Poker lies in its vibrant community. Each club across the country offers a distinct atmosphere and ambiance, from the historic charm of Edinburgh’s Maybury building to the lively energy of its players. For TDs and dealers, forging bonds with colleagues and players alike is as integral to the experience as the tournaments themselves, fostering a sense of camaraderie that transcends the confines of the cardroom.
READ MORE: Poker Room Review: Grosvenor Poker Room Edinburgh | The Maybury
In the fast-paced and dynamic world of Grosvenor Poker, individuals like Antony Fusco and Luke Whitaker are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Their dedication, expertise, and passion ensure that every tournament exceeds expectations, leaving players with memories of thrilling competition and unforgettable experiences. As the backbone of Grosvenor’s live poker events, TDs embody the spirit of excellence and professionalism that defines the Grosvenor Poker experience.
While covering the 888poker-powered 2024 UKPL Edinburgh stop, I’ve had the good fortune to spend quite a bit of time inside the Maybury, as the Scottish capital’s Grosvenor Poker Room is affectionately known.
With 53 locations across the United Kingdom, Grosvenor Casinos have been an institution across the British Isles for over half a century. Even so, to a poker-playing visitor from outside the UK, the experience of visiting a Grosvenor Poker Room can be a new one. With such a vast network of poker rooms, there are of course commonalities a visitor would experience when visiting any of the Grosvenor venues, but of course each is unique.
Here, then, is my review of what a poker player can expect when paying a visit to the Grosvenor Poker Room in Edinburgh.
Upon entering the Art Deco building housing Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh for the first time, you’ll need to sign up for a Player’s Card. If you’re not a UK citizen, be sure to bring your passport with you for ID purposes. Once you’ve got the card, you can leave your passport in your hotel safe on future visits.
Visitors to the boutique venue are greeted with a range of amenities designed to enhance their gaming experience. As you walk in, you’re greeted by a number of slot machines. On the left side of the building, there are 8-9 table games featuring roulette and blackjack.
There’s also a staircase leading to the second floor, where you’ll find a restaurant overlooking the table games area and ample lounging space just outside. Every so often, I noticed a mah-jongg game pop up in that area, where a few pounds were changing hands.
On the right side of the building’s bottom floor is the dedicated poker area. Ordinarily, it’s a pretty spacious layout with comfortable seating across two connected rooms of gaming space. When larger-scale tournament series – such as the UKPL – are in session, staff fills the rooms with additional poker tables, thus making it more tightly-packed. When they’re expecting a ton of player overflow, even more tables get installed in other areas of the facility, including in that upstairs lounging area.
Just outside the poker room is a fully decked-out bar, which offers a diverse range of beverages to keep players refreshed during their gaming sessions. Complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee are available, along with bottled water, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
While it’s primarily a locals poker room, the casino does get its fair share of visitors from abroad, and thus provides a currency exchange facility. This service allows players to exchange their home currency for British pounds at the daily rate. Should you have a winning session, you can reclaim your foreign currency back at the same rate upon cashing out. However, it’s important to note that you can only reclaim the same exact amount you initially exchanged – no more or less.
In terms of the cash games offered, the most common stakes are £1/2, although £2/5 games are occasionally available. The facility is open from noon every day, but cash games only get going in the evening hours, after folks have gotten off work. Closing time is 5am each day. The poker room is always closed on Tuesdays, unless there’s a big poker series running, such as the UK Poker League.
I was delighted to learn that the Grosvenor Poker Room has a very player-friendly rake structure, taking a 5% rake up to just £5. Especially considering that they’ve got a relatively captive player pool, with just one other poker room in the city, it was nice to learn that Grosvenor Poker Edinburgh doesn’t reach their hands too deeply into player pockets. Chapeau!
For tournament enthusiasts, the room hosts daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from £40-£100, the higher amounts on weekend nights. These tournaments tend to attract a healthy turnout, typically with 8-9 tables in action alongside one or two cash games that inevitably break out.
Thus far we see 16 tables set up across the facility’s two main rooms, with another few yet to be set up outside and on the building’s second floor.
Good, friendly vibes here! pic.twitter.com/E9ThJDwpsD
— Cardplayer Lifestyle (@PokerLifeMedia) February 12, 2024
It’s a bit more of a mixed bag when it comes to technology that the room employs. On the downside, unfortunately the poker tables don’t come equipped with USB charger points or automatic shufflers. So you’ll get dealt fewer hands per hour and you best come equipped with a portable charger to ensure your Smartphone doesn’t run out of juice.
On a more positive note, the room offers a sleek and stellar service via the Grosvenor Poker Live app. This app provides players with valuable information about rooms across the UK, allowing them to register for tournaments using vouchers and place their names on cash game waitlists with ease. Plus, you can learn about all sort of promotions, like the National Bad Beat Jackpot, and when larger tournament series will be coming to town.
All in all, the Grosvenor Poker Room in Edinburgh is a genuinely pleasant oasis of poker in the Scottish capital. Boasting a thriving locals scene that also caters well to outsiders, players will be welcomed by a tastefully designed venue, courteous staff, and a very friendly rake structure. A room catering definitely to low-stakes poker players, you won’t necessarily walk away with a boatload of winnings, even after a stellar session, but big prizes can sometimes be on offer for marquee tournaments dotting the calendar. Win or lose, however, you’ll have a great time conversing and competing with the primarily local crowd of poker players, and head home with pleasant memories of your poker sessions here.
Navigating the dynamic world of online poker in 2024 requires careful consideration of the available formats. While the landscape has become more challenging, opportunities for profit still exist – it’s a matter of choosing the right poker game for you.
In the realm of poker formats, Texas Holdem remains a steadfast favorite, with its enduring principles of two hole cards, five community cards, and ample room for strategic play. Amid the diverse options in 2023, three formats stand out as both relevant and popular: cash games, multi-table tournaments (MTTs), and Spin & Gos.
Image source: Depositphotos.com
Often dubbed the “Cadillac of poker formats,” cash games are hailed as the epitome of skillful play. The strategic landscape for cash games is notably complex, given the larger average pot sizes. Many players embark on their poker journey in micro stakes or play-money cash games, providing a low-risk environment to grasp fundamental strategy. The flexibility of cash games is a key advantage – players can engage in long sessions or walk away at any moment without jeopardizing their bankroll. However, the challenge lies in facing experienced opponents, necessitating astute game selection to enhance one’s win rate. As with other casino games like slots online or virtual roulette, the online gamification gives cash poker a challenging aspect.
Undoubtedly, MTTs hold the spotlight as the most common and popular poker format. The allure lies in the potential to multiply your buy-in significantly. MTTs provide players with numerous hands, offering the luxury of time to carefully choose when and how to engage in the game. However, the strategy for tournaments is intricate, involving complexities such as the Independent Chip Model (ICM) on final tables.
Luck also plays a pivotal role, making MTTs thrilling yet unpredictable. While enjoyable, sustained profitability can be challenging, particularly if luck isn’t consistently on your side. Moreover, participating in tournaments demands a substantial time commitment, making it less suitable for those with familial responsibilities.
As one of the newest addition to poker formats, Spin & Gos have swiftly gained popularity. Spin & Gos are typically three-handed tournaments, meaning there are only three players in each game. One unique feature of Spin & Gos is the randomized prize pool, which is determined by a multiplier before the tournament begins. The prize pool can range from 2 times to 10,000 times the buy-in amount. Players choose a buy-in level before entering a Spin & Go, and the multiplier then determines the potential prize pool. The higher the buy-in, the larger the potential prize.
In the ever-changing landscape of online poker, your choice of format should align with your skills, preferences, and the time you can commit. As a final note, remember to gamble responsibility and check to make sure those around you follow these rules as well. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of MTTs, the skillful nuances of cash games, or the accessible thrill of Spin & Gos, understanding the intricacies of each format will be pivotal to your success in the virtual poker realm in 2024.
The emergence of card games, mainly poker, from cozy home gaming rooms to busy casino floors, is a fantastic tour through time, culture, and technology. It has affected how the game is played, and society views it. The history of card games like poker attests to their versatility and ongoing popularity, mirroring more significant developments in entertainment and gaming.
The origins of poker, a game that has become a global phenomenon, trace back to a confluence of various card games from different cultures. The game, as known today, began to take shape in the United States during the early 19th century, drawing from the European games of Primero, Brelan, and Poque.
The latter, a French game, is particularly noted for its influence on poker’s development, contributing to the game’s name and basic structure. The transformation of poker from these early versions into the modern game involved the integration of a 52-card deck and the introduction of features like the flush and the draw.
The spread of poker in the United States is closely linked to the country’s expansion and frontier spirit. Initially, poker games were a common pastime among the crews on the riverboats navigating the Mississippi River. This period was crucial for poker’s growth, as the game’s popularity began to spread along the river and into new territories. The game’s appeal was partly due to its simplicity and the ease with which it could be played in various settings, from saloons to informal gatherings. It’s easy to teach someone how to play poker!
By the late 18th century, poker had begun to take on a more organized form, with various play styles emerging, including straight poker and stud poker. The game’s evolution continued through the 19th century, with the introduction of the full 52-card French deck and innovations such as the flush and the draw. The American Civil War era saw the addition of stud poker and the straight, further diversifying the game’s play styles.
In its early days, poker was played in private settings or poker rooms that were often part of saloons in the American Frontier. These poker rooms were intimate spaces where players knew each other and played against one another rather than the house.
The atmosphere was camaraderie mixed with fierce competition, and the stakes could be high. Poker rooms played a crucial role in the game’s development, serving as incubators for new poker variations and fostering a culture that would define the game for generations.
The transition of poker from these poker rooms to casino floors was gradual and coincided with the legalization and expansion of gambling in the United States and worldwide. As casinos emerged as significant entertainment venues, they sought to offer various gambling options to attract a broad audience.
With its rich history and deep strategic complexity, Poker was a natural fit. Casinos introduced poker to a wider audience, making it accessible to those who might never have set foot in a traditional poker room.
The modern poker era has been characterized by the rise of tournament play and the global spread of the game, facilitated by technological advancements and the advent of online poker. The World Series of Poker, established in 1970, played a pivotal role in popularizing tournament play and has become one of the most prestigious poker tournaments in the world.
The introduction of online poker in the late 1990s expanded poker’s reach, allowing players worldwide to compete against each other from the comfort of their homes. The advent of promotional tools like the Wow Vegas Promo Code has played a significant role in this expansion, offering newcomers and seasoned players the chance to enhance their gaming experience with additional benefits.
The 21st century has seen poker’s popularity reach unprecedented levels, thanks partly to the “poker boom” triggered by the widespread coverage of poker tournaments on television and the internet. This period has seen poker become not just a gambling activity but a spectator sport, with professional players gaining celebrity status and poker strategy becoming a topic of widespread interest.
Despite the shift to digital platforms, the social aspect of poker remains central to its appeal. Online poker rooms and live dealer games attempt to recreate the social dynamics of traditional poker rooms, allowing players to interact with each other and the dealer. Social gaming platforms have taken this further, integrating poker games with social media, enabling players to share their achievements and compete with friends.
Card games’ rise from poker rooms to casino floors and other settings is an inventive and adaptive tale. Poker has shown to be incredibly adaptable, flourishing in various settings and embracing new technology. Its trajectory reflects growing legislation, technical advancements, and societal views on gambling.
Millions of people still adore playing poker, and for those who want to go deeper, it can be an intriguing study of psychology and strategy. For many others, it’s a competitive sport.
Over the last few weeks, there’s been quite a bit of buzz about the new online poker site Phenom Poker. Created “by professional poker players for the players”, the site’s founders aim to address a number of issues plaguing legacy sites and genuinely innovate with a next-level product.
In an effort to better understand what exactly Phenom Poker is, the story behind its creation, and what makes it unique, I spoke at length with 2x World Series of Poker bracelet winner Nathan Gamble, the company’s Director of Ambassador Relations.
We had a wide-ranging conversation covering a variety of poker topics pertaining to Phenom Poker’s emergence, including the current state of online poker, the role of Phenom Poker Ambassadors, how Phenom Poker’s blockchain-based infrastructure helps reduce the risk of cyber security leaks, and how the company plans to gain market share.
When did the idea to create Phenom Poker come about and what was the specific catalyst?
As a group of long time poker players ourselves, we’ve been waiting for a new offering to come to market that addresses a lot of concerns that the community has about the online poker industry. I’ve also been keeping an eye on more crypto-based offerings as I think they have the best potential to help our industry.
After seeing enough time pass and the same sites continuing to dominate the industry, we decided to give it a go ourselves. The idea has been bouncing around for some time but we started building out the site late last year.
How and why did you come to get involved?
I have known several members of the founding team for many years and they approached me due to my knowledge of the industry, reputation within the community, and love for the game. Although I started playing when I was 12, had a few years away from the game while serving in the military, and other such interlopers, I have been a part of the poker community for over 20 years and am well connected with some of the best players that poker has to offer.
I will be helping to bring forward a known and trusted ambassador team, as can be seen by the Ambassadors currently signed, and figuring out how to best utilize their potential as we move forward both pre and post launch.
Who are the site owners? Who are the ambassadors for the site?
In time the entire team will be disclosed at their discretion but publicly both myself and Matt Valeo are two of the founding members. Matt has been in the poker community for 20 years as both an online player and live cash game player. On top of that, he has a background founding, building, and investing in technology companies over the last 10 years. So I think his background will be very helpful as we navigate what will no doubt be an uphill battle to build something good for the community.
Our current list of Phenom Poker ambassadors are:
More ambassadors will be announced soon!
What do you see as the ambassadors’ responsibilities?
A big part of the ambassador’s role will be providing real and meaningful feedback on what is important to the industry. These players are actively playing day in and day out and talking with other players; they know what is truly important from a players perspective. We are building a site for the community; who better to turn to for answers than those who best represent the community?
We are not asking for quiet consent from the ambassadors but rather real and meaningful impact on how to improve games, moderate rake, handle problems that may arise, etc. They have a direct line to the team and have already made some meaningful contributions to Phenom Poker that will be announced prelaunch!
What makes Phenom Poker unique vs. other online poker sites?
Honestly, what isn’t unique about Phenom Poker? We are working to build a site based around a couple of core principles: Fairness, Community, and Security.
We will be built on the foundation of a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). The founders and investors will still hold a large amount of votes and guide the company but it ensures that we are beholden to the voices of our players and will continue to listen to them no matter how large the player base grows.
The DAO model means that people will be able to earn a share of the company’s net revenues and a vote in the path forward for the company based on their play on the site. They will be earning rakeback in the form of tokens that will be issued to their wallets; these tokens will be used to distribute weekly dividends based on the net revenue generated by the company. The players always have the option to redeem their tokens for cash (USDT) if they prefer not to hold so there’s full optionality for token holders.
I personally can’t recall any poker site that has given players the ability to earn equity in the company and earn weekly capital based on how the site is doing and not their own personal play. We love the idea of having a site that is owned by the poker community and keeps more money in the poker ecosystem to help our community thrive and grow. Many times we’ve seen operators pull too much money out of the ecosystem which throws the industry into stages of flat growth.
Oh, plus there’s going to be a ton of different poker variants on offer. Truly, a ton!
All the circus games you love
We’re aiming for nearly 30 games available at launch PLUS the ability to create your own mix
— Phenom Poker (@PhenomPokerApp) December 17, 2023
Will players be able to play from anywhere in the world? What’s the site’s official attitude towards regulated jurisdictions and licenses?
We will be complying with all jurisdictions and necessary licenses to ensure that we are able to take Phenom Poker as global as possible as quickly as possible. Quite simply, if a country’s/states/province’s jurisdiction allows for online poker to be legally spread, we will be working to enter the market.
While we will be taking this on a case by case basis we want to highlight some of our ambassadors, in particular Farid Jattin who is #1 in Columbia, Francisco “Tomatee” Benitez #1 in Uruguay, and Sergio Aido #2 in Spain.
We are very committed to having ambassadors who represent the world of poker at large and having the voices of every community heard. Poker is a global game and we hope to bring it to as many enthusiasts as possible.
Solid ownership and poker ambassadors with stellar reputations are one thing, but that doesn’t mean you have the technical know-how for how to operate a poker site. Who’s doing that stuff? Where are they based? What sort of experience do they have?
The team is currently comprised of approximately 25 contributors and is continuing to grow. We are sourcing people with the appropriate backgrounds and experience pertaining to their area of focus. For example, our engineers have extensive background in engineering. Our security team has a background in security. We have operators with extensive experience in the poker industry. It’s not just a group of people who have no relevant experience, I can assure you. As we grow we will continue to recruit talented people who can help Phenom thrive.
A lot of people seem to be comparing Phenom Poker with Virtue Poker. What are the similarities and what are the differences between the two?
Yes I’ve seen the comparisons but other than both being “crypto” related, the actual overlap is quite slim. Virtue was attempting to be fully on-chain, and that was 6-7 years ago when blockchain infrastructure was still in its infancy. As an emerging market, things have evolved very fast and we are in a different world now vs. then. That being said, we are still very different in virtually every aspect — our ownership model, our security model, our infrastructure, design, team, core values, etc.
When you first approached me re: doing this Q&A my initial reaction was “I stay far away from stuff that’s cryptocurrency related – I don’t personally use cryptocurrency, so I can’t add my own stamp of approval or vouch for anything because that would not be authentic”. You told me that there’s a lot of misinformation out there… So here’s the chance to set things straight and clear up misunderstandings. What’s Phenom Poker’s relationship with cryptocurrency? Can players use fiat currency and conventional deposit/withdrawal methods?
Phenom Poker is first and foremost an online poker platform. The game engine, software, and user interface will be similar to what players are already accustomed to and include features players love. For example, we will have full support for mixed game players at launch!
We’ve made the decision to build using Web3 technology to facilitate real money transactions. The reason why is we think that’s the direction things are going and we are building something to be as “future proof” as possible. It’s not just a quick cash grab – we envision something for the poker community to use and enjoy for many years to come.
We are aware that not everybody uses crypto (yet) but we believe crypto adoption is just going to grow over time and hopefully that translates to a growing user base over time as well. Remember, only a small part of the platform is “on-chain” – that means many components have similar infrastructure to what players are already used to, just with an emphasis on design, security, and fairness.
Because we made the decision to be Web3-based, that means traditional deposits and withdrawals and fiat currency won’t be supported, but we believe this is a feature, not a bug. Depositing and withdrawing on traditional sites has been a bottleneck in the industry and in some cases has forced operators out of business trying to comply with ever changing local laws and banks closing their doors to the online gambling industry.
No longer will you have to load money onto a site, play for a while, and then wait for days, weeks, or go back and forth with customer support to get a withdrawal through. Instant funds settlement is a game changer.
We also think our P2P shuffler is a step in the right direction for the industry. We will be putting out more information on this prelaunch but we firmly believe we have found a solution that will make superusers impossible on Phenom Poker.
I think most of the misconceptions we’ve seen at least publicly are concerning our Token. People have claimed we are introducing a token to run up the price and quickly make our exit stage left while leaving the poker industry holding the bag. I can’t blame anyone for being skeptical or concerned but I think looking a little closer at our Token model will dispel many of these notions.
First: The sale of tokens does not impact the price as the token price is directly tied to revenue of the company, not the recent sales of small or large amounts of tokens.
Second: The token will not be sellable or transferable to anyone other than the site itself (either via earning the token as a reward or redeeming the token for cash).
Third: The founders and investors who have pre-existing tokens are vested for a minimum duration of time and cannot sell until the vesting period is over.
Fourth: Token holders automatically receive distributions of Revenue Share from the site every week. This creates an additional incentive to hold the tokens because anyone can participate in financial upside if the site continues to grow and generates revenue without having to sell their tokens. The goal here is community ownership and keeping more money in the poker ecosystem.
Phil Galfond pulled off something pretty great back in the day with Run It Once Poker. And yet, despite lots of support from the professional poker community and even plenty of amateurs and recreational players, the site didn’t do as well as hoped, and ended up being sold. Liquidity was a major issue. What makes you certain that Phenom Poker will have enough liquidity to survive?
We’re not under any illusion that starting a new site from scratch is going to be easy or is in any way a “certain” outcome. Our approach is to build the best product possible and to be the most player-centric offering on the market.
We believe if we can deliver the product we envision, and execute in a way that delivers on our core values, that the community will find it compelling enough to come and play. There are no gimmicks here. Just a different approach and a transparent, community focused product that we think is a net positive for our industry. At the end of the day, the players get to decide for themselves where they want to play.
It seems like a main selling point for the site is “impenetrable cybersecurity” – that you’ll be giving players the best possible protection so they can play safely and securely, knowing there’s no cheating, collusion, or funny business. Talk to me about that. How is that achieved? How are players protected?
I wouldn’t so much say “impenetrable” security, but more a strong focus on security and transparency. Making player protection, transparency, and preventing any form of cheating a top priority and commitment is in and of itself different from what we’ve seen in the market. There’s no magical solution — as long as there is money at stake, there will be people trying to game the system. However, there are things that can be done to deter and prevent these things as much as possible.
Our process starts at the KYC (Know Your Customer)/onboarding process – we are working with state of the art vendors to identify malicious actors from the start.
We are also using a Big Data approach and writing algorithms into our game integrity and monitoring software to detect patterns in every aspect of gameplay that might be suspicious. Such as when players are playing together too often (possible collusion) or their betting patterns relative to their holdings are consistently outside the norm. And on top of that we are implementing a big deterrent into our Terms of Service, as follows:
If a player is caught cheating in any way, they give Phenom Poker the right to publicly release findings including their Real Identity. We think that, combined with other things, will make players think twice about attempting to cheat on the site.
The main reason I wanted to have this conversation and learn more about Phenom Poker is in order to help inform the poker community. Without slipping into giving me or anyone the “hard sell”, what else haven’t we discussed that you feel is important for the poker community to know about Phenom Poker?
Quite simply, the Phenom Poker team is built by poker players, for poker players. We aren’t asking our ambassadors to be quiet if they see an issue, we aren’t asking our players to be quiet. We welcome the feedback and will build out channels to have direct and meaningful conversations with the poker community.
We have a projected beta test launch of April 2024 where we will ask anyone who believes in making the online poker community better to come and test the site. Find holes, find mistakes, and get rewarded for helping.
Collectively our team has over 100 years of experience in the poker industry and we will do our best to ensure that everyone who loves the game has that same opportunity.
I went into my conversation with Nathan very skeptical. After all, how many times over the last few years have we seen “yet another online poker site” take a stab at making a splash, onto to inevitable fail and disappear.
I came out of the conversation with Nathan convinced that the Phenom Poker team were quite genuinely onto something different. The team is very clearly innovating something new and special in terms of an online poker offering, chiefly because of the enhanced level of security brought about by their Web3-based software and P2P shuffler.
The company is of course still in its infancy, not yet even beta testing. Yet, what I see is a determined, brilliant group of poker players putting their minds together to create a next-level online poker site. It stands to reason that, should the team behind Phenom Poker be able to pull it off, many players would strongly consider playing on such a platform.