The world’s number one crypto site, CoinPoker, is thinking big and prepping something special.
Get ready for the ultimate high-stakes cash games with top players worldwide, like Mario Mosböck, Patrick Leonard, Tony G, KakiTee and many more. All these stars are joining CoinPoker and playing in more cash events than anywhere else!
With a strong poker background, a safe and secure crypto ecosystem, and a reputation amongst players for excellence, CoinPoker is upping its game in collaboration with the high stakes poker community.
With the biggest games every Sunday (and plenty of big pots on other days) CoinPoker has shown itself to be a place to call home for HS poker. Just look at the $144k win that Bobby James had (5th place finisher at EPT Cyprus) on Sunday 27th October, or the crazy heads up battles going on almost every day between the likes of Omaha4rollz, GucciNIKE, IsnapUcry and others.
With all this quality action, CoinPoker is working on a new concept that centers around the HS community and aims to bring value to the players who hit the tables the most.
The excitement is building, and more information will be coming soon, along with engaging content and a unique experience for HS cash game players. CoinPoker is quickly becoming the place to play No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, packed with top players, high-rollers, and big prize pools.
Discover More About CoinPoker
With cutting-edge blockchain, provable reserves, and a secure platform, CoinPoker is leading the crypto online poker market.
Offering a rich variety of cash games and tournaments including the $1M GTD Meme Millions this month, there’s always a table for any bankroll – from $0.02/$0.05 microstakes and freerolls, to $1000/$2000 nosebleeds and high roller MTTs.
- Secure Crypto Poker: Powered by top-notch blockchain technology and partnered with Fireblocks, you get a safe gaming experience
- Licensed Gaming: CoinPoker holds a Curaçao eGaming license and its proof of reserves are public and transparent, held in cold storage wallets.
- Welcome Bonus: You automatically receive a fantastic 150% deposit bonus up to $2,000 with a low 2x wagering requirement.
- 33% Rakeback: If you have CoinPoker’s native token CHP in your bankroll, you earn a massive 33% Rakeback every Monday.
- Instant Withdrawals: Link a crypto wallet to seamlessly deposit and cashout in USDT or a range of other cryptocurrencies, with free withdrawals over the Polygon network.
- Community Driven Poker: Connect with other players on CoinPoker’s fast growing Discord server
Dive into the exhilarating world of crypto poker at CoinPoker, where there’s always a game on.
Known and widely respected for her two decades of work in the poker industry creating and running live events, Malta Poker Festival Founder Ivonne Montealegre recently took upon herself a new role, that of Poker Tour Manager for the all-new SiGMA Poker Tour. In this interview, Ivonne opens up about what brought her to take on the new role and what her responsibilities and aims are in that role. In addition, we discuss the emergence of the SiGMA Poker Tour, who it’s targeting, what the initiative’s goals are and how Ivonne intends to help SiGMA reach those goals.
Back on August 31 you announced that you’d be starting a new role as SiGMA’s Poker Tour Manager. With poker being a relatively small industry, anytime someone notable in our industry makes a move, it creates some buzz – but your move was particularly interesting as you’ve been independent and self employed running the Malta Poker Festival for over 6 years. How did this opportunity come about and what made you decide to take on the new role?
The opportunity with SiGMA came after years of mutual admiration. I’ve watched SiGMA grow into a global powerhouse in the gaming industry and always felt there was room for poker to thrive within that ecosystem. When Emanuel Pulis, SiGMA’s founder, and I started discussing the possibility of SiGMA expanding into poker, the synergy felt natural.
We have been discussing the poker vertical for years but it was until now that the incursion of SiGMA into poker felt right. Joining SiGMA as Poker Tour Manager allows me to blend my passion for live events with the vast resources of a dynamic organization. It was the right time to bring my expertise to a larger stage while continuing to run the Malta Poker Festival independently.
For those who know what’s what in poker but aren’t familiar with the larger gaming industry that poker has a place in, can you please tell us what exactly is SiGMA?
SiGMA is a global leader in the iGaming industry, connecting stakeholders from across the gaming spectrum, including operators, affiliates, startups, investors, and now, poker players. Their conferences are massive networking hubs that cater to everything from casino gaming, sports betting, and esports to fintech, blockchain, and AI.
SiGMA Summits are world-renowned for driving innovation in gaming while creating strong business opportunities through top-tier events in regions like Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Typically, SiGMA, like other industry conferences, tended to have a little poker tournament going as a side attraction. Starting next year though, they’ll have a full-fledged poker tour, with a couple of stops in Brazil and Malta. What prompted SiGMA to suddenly jump into the fray running live poker events? What’s the organization’s goal?
We still host the poker networking event during SiGMA Europe. This time our partner Coin360 will be the sponsor. This is a one-night affair.
However with the SiGMA Poker Tour (SPT), SiGMA saw the potential to create something unique by leveraging their existing influence in the gaming world. While poker has often been a side attraction at gaming conferences, there’s an untapped potential to make it a pivotal focus within their events. The organization’s goal is to elevate poker as a key vertical in their summits, offering a premium experience that combines high-stakes competition with unparalleled networking opportunities.
The SiGMA Poker Tour aims to blend the excitement of live poker with the business focus of the broader iGaming industry, creating an experience that appeals to both recreational and professional players.
And your title with the organization is Poker Tour Manager. Can you give us an idea of what your responsibilities are?
As Poker Tour Manager, my role is multifaceted. I oversee the organization and execution of the entire poker tour, including scheduling, logistics, and creating an optimal experience for both players and sponsors. I work closely with our partners, such as venues and sponsors, to ensure smooth operations, while also developing marketing strategies to attract the right players.
Additionally, I manage relationships with media partners and help promote the event globally. Ultimately, I’m responsible for delivering a top-tier poker experience that aligns with SiGMA’s vision.
You didn’t close the chapter on the other work you do. You’re still running the Malta Poker Festival and you even launched a new event, the Costa Rica Poker Festival. With that said, obviously becoming an employee is quite the change. So what is your day-to-day like now that you work in the SiGMA offices?
It’s definitely been a shift! My days now involve balancing both worlds. I spend a lot of time at the SiGMA offices, coordinating with different departments like marketing, logistics, and partnerships to ensure the SiGMA Poker Tour runs smoothly.
I’m also still very involved with the Malta Poker Festival and Costa Rica Poker Festival, so my day-to-day is a mix of managing these different events. It’s exciting because I get to combine the entrepreneurial freedom I’ve always had with the resources and support of a global massive organization like SiGMA. I am loving being part of the SiGMA Squad! I hope my honeymoon period lasts a long time and that my colleagues feel equally happy to work by my side.
Tell us a little about those first two SiGMA Poker Tour stops. Why specifically choose Malta and Sao Paulo, Brazil to start things out in 2025? And what will be those tour dates?
Brazil and Malta were natural choices because they are both significant hubs in the gaming world, and SiGMA has already established a strong presence in these regions through their iGaming summits. Brazil is the gateway to Latin America, where the poker scene is growing rapidly, and Malta is not only my home base but also a major iGaming hotspot in Europe.
The first SiGMA Poker Tour stop in Sao Paolo, Brazil will take place in April 2025, followed by Malta in November 2025. Both stops will feature a mix of high-stakes poker action and networking opportunities within SiGMA’s larger conferences.
What type of poker player is SiGMA hoping to attract to these events? Who is the target audience and demographic?
We’re looking to attract a diverse mix of players—professionals, recreational players, and influencers from both the gaming and tech worlds. The goal is to create an environment where seasoned poker pros can compete at the highest levels, while recreational players and business professionals enjoy the excitement of a well-organized poker event.
With SiGMA’s existing community in iGaming, blockchain, and esports, we’re targeting individuals who want to mix business with pleasure, making it appealing for those who enjoy both poker and networking.
It obviously won’t just be one poker tournament at each stop; when can fans and people interested in attending expect the full schedule of tournaments to be revealed for each stop?
We plan to release the full schedule about three to four months prior to each event. For Brazil, that means late 2024, and for Malta, around mid-2025. Fans can expect a variety of tournaments, from high rollers to more accessible buy-ins, as well as side events that cater to both competitive players and those looking for a fun experience. We’re aiming for a schedule that offers something for everyone.
How about experienced poker players who have been to lots of live poker events around the world. What can they expect from SiGMA Poker Tour; and in what ways will the offering be similar to and different from other poker tours?
Longtime players will find the SiGMA Poker Tour to be a high-quality experience similar to other major tours in terms of competition and organization. We have already signed a roster of ambassadors who will have fun mixing it up with recreational players. What sets us apart is the unique atmosphere—we’re combining poker with the business and networking opportunities of the broader gaming industry.
Players will be surrounded by professionals from other sectors like iGaming, esports, and blockchain, creating an event that’s more than just poker. Additionally, the off-the-felt experiences—exclusive parties, networking dinners, and access to SiGMA’s world-class summits—will offer something different from a standard poker tour.
Lastly, you have a press conference scheduled to take place next month, on the morning of November 11th at SiGMA Malta. Can you give us a few details on what to expect from that?
The press conference will officially unveil the SiGMA Poker Tour and give media and attendees a sneak peek at what’s in store for 2025. We’ll be discussing the key stops, introducing some of our partners and sponsors, and outlining what players and the industry can expect from our events.
It’s also a chance for us to share more about our vision for integrating poker into SiGMA’s larger gaming ecosystem. There will be media opportunities and a Q&A session, so we’re looking forward to engaging with the community and getting people excited for what’s ahead!
From next Sunday, November 17th CoinPoker is launching its Meme Millions tournament series, running until November 24th with a $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool, plus $30,000 in added value in the form of meme coin airdrops for randomly selected entrants.
The crypto poker site’s Meme Millions promotion includes 13 main events and 23 side events, with buy-ins ranging from just $1 up to $5,000 for high rollers.
As a decentralized poker room, all global players are accepted.
How The Meme Millions Airdrop Works
Simply play any of the 13 main events, and your CoinPoker username will be entered into a randomized prize draw set to take place on the final day of Meme Millions, Nov 24.
Meme Millions coming up at the end of November 🔥 https://t.co/GZGL3tCAFq
— Mario Mosböck (@mariomosboeck) November 4, 2024
Lucky winners will then be airdropped meme coins to their linked wallet – new players can join the site using a MetaMask account for example, and sign in in just one click – or if using an exchange wallet or fiat to deposit, those winners will be emailed by su*****@*******er.com.
With meme coins like DOGE pumping in the run-up to the elections, this is a chance to build a portfolio as well as brush up on your poker skills.
As well as Dogecoin, airdropped tokens will include – Shiba Inu, Pepe, Dogwifhat, Bonk, FLOKI, Brett, Popcat, DOGS, Book of Meme, Memecoin, MEW, and Baby Doge Coin.
How The Meme Millions Tournaments Work
Simply download the client from coinpoker.com and click ‘Tournaments’ in the software, then filter by date – event times will be matched to your time zone automatically – and double click any of the Meme Millions events from Nov 17 onwards.
You’ll find the tournament type, buy-in and prize also displayed in the software client, adjusted to your computer’s time and according to how many players have entered so far.
On the next pop up screen, click register, and the table will automatically open when the tournament starts.
Most events are played in No Limit Texas Hold’em, but there are also plenty of Pot Limit Omaha events for PLO fans.
Tournament formats include progressive knockout (PKO) events where extra bounties are credited to your account for knocking out players, and deepstack events where you start off with a huge chipstack to play deep. For those who prefer to play short stacked, there are also turbo speed events with shorter blind levels.
As the Meme Millions has just been announced, not many players have registered to play yet – creating an ‘overlay’ of prize money in poker terms.
Since $1 million is guaranteed by CoinPoker across all of the Meme Millions events, you have additional equity in each event if the field sizes stay small, plus the chance to win one of the airdrops.
About CoinPoker
Founded in 2017, CoinPoker is a Curacao licensed online poker site which takes advantage of the blockchain for transparency – with all its proof of reserves visible on-chain.
Deposits with fiat currency are also accepted, if using EUR/GBP, which are then converted to USDT to play with, or players can deposit directly with a range of cryptos – USDT, BTC, ETH and more. Withdrawals over the Polygon network are completely free.
New players also receive a 150% up to $2,000 deposit bonus, one of the easiest to clear in the industry – with just a 2x wagering requirement, meaning only $4,000 needs to be raked in the games to release all of the bonus funds. Typically most online poker sites have a 5-10x requirement.
For beginners, there are microstakes cash games at stakes of $0.02/$0.05 and daily poker freerolls to build up your bankroll.
Backing the site are also some of the biggest names in poker, such as Mario Mosbock, Patrick ‘Pads’ Leonard, Tony G and more.
Poker Hall of Famer Eli Elezra has long been one of the most well-known, popular, and accomplished figures in the game. With $5.7 million in career tournament earnings, Eli is best known for his expertise across a diverse array of poker formats, especially the mixed game variants. Last year, Eli clinched victory in the NAPT Las Vegas $5,300 8-Game Mix, besting a table filled with his longtime friends and peers. With this year’s event fast approaching, he’s ready to defend his title and aims to showcase the skills that have made him a legend. In this exclusive Q&A, Eli discusses his passion for mixed games, the strategies he employs in tournaments and how he makes adjustments from his regular cash game play, and what it would mean to capture a back-to-back title in the event—a feat rarely achieved in poker.
Eli Elezra Interview
Do you have a favorite among the eight games, and why?
Well, I just love the 8-Game Mix in general; that’s what we used to play years ago and it’s still the best mix. If I had to just pick one game as my favorite, it would be 7 Card Stud High, with Razz being my second-favorite game. I love Stud because it’s “old school”. I learned the game from Doyle Brunson and Chip Reese and the game just “stuck to me”. Also, in my opinion, most of my opponents tend to play Stud poorly.
If you could switch out one game and replace it with another game, which ones would it be and why?
I would take out No Limit Hold’em and insert No Limit 2-7 Single Draw. No Limit Deuce has such beautiful elements. You can bluff; you can snow. You can play certain hands differently. You can move in on a draw. These are things you can’t really do in No Limit Hold’em.
READ MORE: 8 Beginner Tips for 8-Game Mix
You typically play in cash games six days a week; what does it take to get you to leave the cash games that you love and hop into a tournament? Specifically, is there anything that you look for as far as buy-in, structure, etc that particularly appeals to you?
I would only leave the cash games to play in a tournament if it’s a mixed game tournament. With all due respect to the two-card game, all the solver stuff and GTO stuff out there means the new young guns are much better than me. Plus, honestly, I find Hold’em boring.
Since the NAPT Las Vegas’ $5,300 8-Game Mix is happening right here at Resorts World, where we regularly play 5-6 days a week, ALL of our regular high limit cash game players will be going upstairs to the big ballroom to play in the tournament. So, I won’t even have a cash game available to “leave”. 😊
Congratulations to Eli Elezra for being the victorious winner of the $5300 8-Game at @PokerStars NAPT! 🎉🏆 @ChadAHolloway had the pleasure of speaking to Eli right after his big win and he graciously shared his thoughts on the tournament. check it out! pic.twitter.com/CaaNPG3hZR
— PokerNews (@PokerNews) November 11, 2023
The typical mixed cash game dynamic has some similarities and some differences from the typical mixed game tournament. Which do you think are the most notable?
That’s a very good question. I change my style drastically from cash games to tournaments. In cash games I play FAR more hands, as we are deepstacked. You really have to buckle down in a tournament when you’ve run out of rebuys and your tournament life is at risk.
I probably hold back a little from playing big pots in No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha because I believe I have a small – maybe 2% – edge in the fixed limit games. So I try to concentrate and play many more high quality hands. More specifically, in 2-7 Triple Draw, for instance, in a cash game I’ll often draw three, whereas in tournaments that will NEVER happen; I’ll only draw one or maybe two. In cash games, I’ll maybe try snowing, but that doesn’t really work as well in tournaments because you get caught bluffing once or twice and you then really have your work cut out for you trying to rebuild a short stack.
There were 32 players in last year’s NAPT $5300 eight-game mix, you won it for a little over $53,000. Sitting at the final table were some good friends of yours, including guys who play in your regular cash game, like Eric Sagstrom, David Baker, David Funkhauser, and Julian Martini. What did it mean to you to emerge victorious in the tournament over players you see at the felt almost every day?
I came back to the cash game holding the trophy and a big smile; I showed off a little bit. I love it! And when I win, I’m gonna tell them “guys, I’m still here!” I’m almost 64 years old and I can still play the games well. It feels very good to prove myself over and over, and I’m going to try my best to win this one again.
Image credit: Joe Giron
In what ways, if at all, do you make adjustments to the way you play as the final table shrinks down from full ring to heads up play?
There’s a HUGE adjustment. Last year, for example, when I was heads up against Mike Martinelli. I had a 3:1 chip advantage going in and I just said to him “hello #2”. 😊 But Mike told me that he felt helpless against me in the Stud games. I stole all the antes, and in the variants where he was good, the blinds were so high and he really couldn’t maneuver much.
You really have to have experience to know how to make the right adjustments as the field shrinks down at the final table. Someone without experience thinks they can play the same game even though there are fewer players at the table; that’ll get them in trouble. You have to be way more aggressive and play many more hands when you’re short-handed. You can’t just sit around waiting for premium hands.
In the 8-Game mix, there are six fixed limit games, one pot limit game, and one no limit game. Can you briefly go into the dynamics of how play tends to change, from your experience, when the limits change?
As I mentioned previously, I tighten up a lot more in tournaments during No Limit Hold’em and PLO as opposed to when I play those two variants as part of a cash game mix. One mistake in the big bet games and you might critically devastate or lose your stack; you’ve got to be much more careful.
You’ve won plenty of events over the course of your Hall of Fame career, including three notable eight game wins, last year’s NAPT, a $10k Bellagio High Roller, and a $10k at the US Poker Open. But you’ve never successfully “defended” a title. That’s something that’s notoriously difficult to do in poker. What would it mean to you if you were able to win this event back to back?
Well, we were only 32 players in last year’s field and hopefully this year we’ll attract about 50 players. Stu Ungar famously said, “it’s not about winning the tournament, it’s about winning the second one back-to-back.” So, it would mean a lot to me.
The 2024 NAPT $5,300 Cardplayer Lifestyle 8-Game Mix event begins at 2pm local time on Friday November 8th.
October on PokerGO saw the conclusion of High Stakes Poker and the wind down to No Gamble, No Future. The PGT PLO Series II concluded with Matthew Wantman crowned the series champion, while Seth Davies won Super High Roller Bowl: $100k Pot-Limit Omaha for $1,500,000.
The new month of November will see continued episodes from No Gamble, No Future, while High Stakes Duel will return with two new players and a new format.
No Gamble, No Future
The conclusion to Season 5 of No Gamble, No Future, is underway with Cash of the Titans back for round two. Across three days of play and six sessions of poker, the stakes will begin at $100/$200 No-Limit Hold’em and climb to $500/$1,000 No-Limit Hold’em.
Andrew Robl, Kristen Foxen, Sean Perry, Stanley Choi, Justin Young, Mike Volfson, and Shawn Madden are the seven players partaking in Cash of the Titans, and they have all put up $100,000 on the side. The biggest winer at the conclusion of Day 1 and Day 2 will receive a $150,000 cash bonus, while the biggest cumulative winner across all three days will win $400,000.
Each player begins with $100,000 in cash and are allowed a single $100,000 rebuy or add-on. Robl was victorious in the inaugural Cash of the Titans, but can he go back-to-back?
Watch Season 5 episodes of No Gamble, No Future every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
High Stakes Duel
After a long hiatus, High Stakes Duel is returning to PokerGO with new players and a new format.
Previous champions include Phil Hellmuth, Jason Koon, and Daniel Negreanu, but now a new champion will emerge as Jared Bleznick faces off with Patrik Antonius. The stakes begin at $50,000 each as Bleznick and Antonius play a rotation of No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Unlike previous versions of High Stakes Duel where there was a cash out option, the new format plays until someone quits. The stakes continue to double, but High Stakes Duel continues until the loser of the match throws in the white flag. It could last for one match, three matches, or ten matches! How big will they go?
Watch Round 1 of High Stakes Duel 5 on Tuesday, November 12, at 8 p.m. ET.
CPT: Invitational V
The Celebrity Poker Tour returns to PokerGO for Invitational V with a mix of celebrities, influencers, sports stars, and business personalities all taking a seat to compete for the $50,000 prize pool which has $20,000 set aside for the winner.
Previous champions of the Celebrity Poker Tour invitational include Qiyu “Nemo” Zhou, Princess Love, Katie Thurston, and Vegas Matt.
Watch CPT: Invitational V on Wednesday, November 20, at 9 p.m. ET.
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.
Roulette is an icon of casino gaming floors around the world, with its simple gameplay and versatile betting options making it a favourite among gamblers. But with the advent of online casinos, even experienced players may be confused by the different roulette variants on offer. In this guide, we’ve explained the different rules, betting options, and features of these many variants.
Roulette: The Standard Rules and Features
While there are many different styles of the game, there are several rules that remain unchangeable no matter what variant is played. The roulette wheel will contain numbered and coloured slots, with a ball dropped into the spinning wheel by a croupier. Players must set their chips on a table that indicates where they think the ball will land, whether it’s a specific number, type of number, colour, or group.
From there, the distinct features of real money roulette can vary greatly, whether it’s by offering American or European wheels, random win multipliers, or enhanced betting options. Live dealer casinos offer interesting variants such as Mega Roulette and Lightning Roulette, both of which can offer random multipliers to payouts by up to 500x the original stake.
Other online roulette variants may have unique themes, whether it be Greek Mythology in Age of the Gods roulette or the Wild West in Sticky Bandits Roulette. By understanding these differences, gamblers will be best equipped to choose the best-suited game for their budgets and playing style.
American and European Roulette Variants
European Roulette wheels contain 37 numbered pockets, with only one green zero pocket. The zero gives the house the advantage because if the ball lands on this, all bets are forfeited. American Roulette contains two zero pockets, giving the house an even larger advantage. The European Roulette house edge is 2.7%, while the American house edge is 5.26%. As a higher RTP implies better payouts, it’s best to favour European variants.
Nevertheless, both variants have the same rules, betting options, and payout rates for successful bets, meaning this house edge is the only major differentiator.
French Roulette
As the original version of roulette, French Roulette provides additional betting options and rules that make the game more advantageous than European and American variants. This is due to the inclusion of the la partage and en prison rules. In la partage, only half of a bet is lost if the ball lands on the sole zero pocket.
This lowers the house edge to 1.35% on even-money bets. The en prison rule is a variant of la partage and may be offered if la partage lands. This allows players to retain their original bet for another spin, keeping it “in prison”. If it wins, players can win back their stake, and if it loses, the stake is forfeited.
Roulette: A Multi-Faceted Casino Game
Thanks to the advent of online gaming, roulette players have plenty of options when it comes to optimising their gameplay experience, and clearly there are some versions of the game that are more advantageous to the casino and, by contrast, to players. Choose wisely when it comes to the version of roulette you wish to play. These different variants provide varying rules, themes, payout rates, and betting options to ensure versatility and excitement.
As someone who lives and breathes the game of poker, there’s always something special about anticipating an upcoming live event. With the return of the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) to Resorts World Las Vegas and the absolute thrill of Cardplayer Lifestyle having partnered with PokerStars for the occasion, I can’t help but feel extra excited for the impending festivities. This live poker event is going to be extra special, indeed.
Here are the top five things I’m looking forward to at 2024 NAPT Las Vegas:
1. Hosting Mixed Game Festival IX
What started as a dream a few years back has now blossomed into a beloved recurring event that draws a fun crowd of mixed-game lovers from all over. Mixed Game Festival IX will be held from November 3-7 and besides all the great dealer’s choice action–a packed variety of games from Drawmaha to Badeucey and other niche poker games you just don’t see enough of in typical poker rooms–there are going to be plenty of giveaways and extra bells and whistles on schedule.
For me, it’s a joy and privilege to showcase and promote non-Hold’em and PLO poker games, watching people of all skill levels dive in and enjoy the unique poker camaraderie that mixed games foster. And it’s going to be even better this time, running alongside a grand poker festival like the NAPT.
2. Playing LOTS of Poker
I don’t just host and promote poker games, I’m also a poker player! Part of the idea behind innovating the Mixed Game Festival concept was creating a live event that I’d love to attend and play in. Plenty of poker players will be descending on Resorts World to play at the NAPT, which means the cash game action will be buzzing as well. I’m positive we’ll be filling plenty of mixed game tables!
As a recreational poker player, I usually manage to get in one 6-hour long home game session each week. When you love poker as much as I do, that’s simply not enough. I intend to “put in the hours” at the felt during NAPT!
Due to my hosting duties and the fact that I’ll also need time to produce content and cover the goings on at NAPT, I won’t really be able to hop into a tournament, but I’m ready to (at least try to) boost my bankroll further in the cash games. My understanding is that some folks will be calling Razz when I’m at the table, thinking that’s my weakest game. Well, I’ve been practicing and they’ll be in for a rude awakening. 😉
You know what’s fun?
Being the big winner in your last 3 home game sessions and boosting your bankroll by 10% 😁
Glad to be heading into @PokerLifeMedia Mixed Game Festival IX “riding on high” and feeling like I’m on my A Game 💪
Can’t wait to hit the tables! pic.twitter.com/vL7Ijxh4NS
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) October 27, 2024
3. Reunions: Catching Up with “Regulars” and Friends
The social aspect of poker has always been one of my favorite parts of the game, and an event like NAPT is the perfect gathering ground for friends new and old. I’m especially excited to reconnect with the Mixed Game Festival regulars who have come from all over to play and hang out over eight iterations of the event thus far.
There’s something special about a group of people who make the effort to show up event after event from all over the United States and well beyond, sharing stories, laughs, and good vibes that help to create wonderful memories.
4. The Journey Back to Vegas: A Breath of Fresh Air
Living in Israel, the journey to Las Vegas is not only long, it also comes as a very welcome change of scenery. After over a year of ongoing challenges back home, I can’t help but look forward to experiencing a taste of “normal life” for a couple weeks as a stark change from my regular lived reality.
Vegas holds a special place in my heart, and there’s always a sense of homecoming when I land at LAS and make my way to the Strip from the airport. With so many people attending the 2024 NAPT, it’s the ideal time to reconnect with longtime friends, find solace in the game, and also utilize the opportunity to forge new friendships; the kinds of relationships that make life worth living and the wonderful game of poker worth playing.
5. Awarding 3 Co-branded NAPT Trophies
As part of Cardplayer Lifestyle’s partnership with PokerStars, we’ll be awarding three co-branded NAPT trophies to the players who win the $550 H.E.R.O.S. $5,300 8-Game Mix and $550 8-Game Mix events. The idea of presenting these trophies is hugely satisfying and I can’t wait to congratulate whomever the three winners will be.
You can be sure that once I lay eyes on them upon arriving in Las Vegas, I’ll be sharing pictures of these trophies on X, so keep your eyes peeled.
Bonus: My Birthday Party
As if the 2024 NAPT Las Vegas schedule wasn’t exciting enough, it just so happens that we’ll be kicking off Mixed Game Festival IX on Sunday November 3, my 43rd birthday. Hosting a birthday celebration surrounded by my poker friends is such a treat and it’s important to party hard when special occasions like these arise. We’ll be rockin’ it Vegas-style, and it doesn’t get much better than that.
Conclusion
The 2024 NAPT Las Vegas Festival is shaping up to be one for the books, packed with poker, friends, milestones, and unforgettable experiences. Hosting Mixed Game Festival IX as part of this legendary event, playing poker till the early hours, reconnecting with friends, and even celebrating my birthday—each part adds its own unique magic to what we’re all about to experience in the coming days.
Whether it’s the shared moments across the felt, the joy of the game, or the memories that’ll last well beyond the final hand, I’m ready for it all. Here’s to a memorable 2024 NAPT Las Vegas; see you all soon!
Among the many faces you’ll see at the felt next week during Mixed Game Festival IX and the 2024 NAPT Las Vegas festival will be that of our Social Media Director–and poker superfan–Chad McVean. Though he’s been to numerous prior festivals, his attendance at this one certainly wasn’t a given, for Chad lives in Ontario, Canada, and has a full-time job and a host of responsibilities at home. How Chad ended up “punching his ticket” to Vegas this time around is quite the story, indeed!
Despite facing multiple setbacks in his attempts and eventual failure to secure a coveted NAPT Gold Pass, Chad refused to give up. Instead, he set himself a new goal, disciplined himself to build a bankroll, and, with the support of his wife, just willed himself to the finish line. Chad spoke with me at length about how he forged his path to Las Vegas. I’m sure you’ll enjoy learning of the insights, challenges, and lessons he learned along the way, as he shares his inspiring poker story.
What was it that first got you thinking you wanted to make the trip out to Mixed Game Festival IX? Was it the added collaboration we have with the NAPT this time around?
I always want to attend the Mixed Game Festivals, but financially it isn’t always possible. Combining the NAPT and MGF IX at the same time at the same location made this a must-attend in my mind.
In pursuit of finding a way to attend, you’ve tried on multiple occasions to win an NAPT Gold Pass specifically via the online “Steps” route. How close have you come? What has that process been like for you?
Step 1 was a 3-player $0.50 Spin ‘n Go that ran all the time.
Step 2 was an 8-player $1.50 Sit ‘n Go that ran all the time.
Step 3 was a $10 MTT with hundreds of players that ran once a day.
Step 4 was a $100 MTT with hundreds of players that ran once a week.
Step 5 was a $1,400 MTT that ran once or twice a month.
I unfortunately never made it to Step 5. I could only manage to bubble Step 4, and did so at least four times; I had a few more deep runs in it, too. I probably played Step 3 a couple times a week and was about 50% at getting a ticket. Steps 1 and 2, I played a lot and definitely won more than my fair share.
You’re no stranger to winning. In fact you’ve won a Platinum Pass before to attend PSPC II in the Bahamas. But winning a Gold Pass to attend the NAPT just wasn’t in the cards this time around. Can you describe the emotions you’ve gone through while making your many attempts? What’s it like vacillating between hope and disappointment? At what point do you – if at all – ever allow yourself to believe “this is it, it’s happening”?
The first time I bubbled the Step 4, I won $250 as the last player out without a ticket. That was early in the qualification process and really felt that I was going to make it. As the calendar turned to September, I began to realize that I might not be able to make it. I really didn’t want to get ahead of myself in thinking that I would definitely win but until September I really considered that it was still a possibility.
So “Steps” didn’t work out for you, but you wouldn’t give up. You decided to try and build up a bankroll and take the “hard path” towards Las Vegas. When did you make that decision to start with $100 online, what was your strategy for growing that, and what monetary “finish line” goal did you set for yourself?
First off, I really hadn’t ever played online poker in any serious fashion. It had always been more of a time filler to splash around. When I found myself playing the $10 Step 3s, I decided to play more MTTs to get some reps in.
I found myself doing well and then decided to put together a financial goal that could get me to Vegas should I fail to win the Gold Pass. I had around $100 on my PokerStars Ontario account and set a goal of running that up to $3,000 if I was going to be able to make it.
We’ve known each other for many years now and we’re good friends, so obviously I’ve been rooting for you to succeed and make it out to Las Vegas. Plus, it’s always great having Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Social Media Manager on-site when a Mixed Game Festival is running. At some point, you showed me your graph and it demonstrated that you had managed to 18X your initial $100. Tell us about that upwards climb.
Aside from the Gold Pass Step system, I played Spins and MTTs. I started with $5 Spins and $5 MTTs and set goals to move up in stakes. I made it to $25 Spins and $20 MTTs, which managed to 18x my initial bankroll.
I’ll note that I had done some extra study using Alex Fitzgerald and PokerCoaching.com courses, and that really seemed to focus my play, but I definitely had a lot of rungood, too.
To what degree do you feel that having the predetermined monetary goal (of $3,000) and making it out to NAPT and MGF IX played a part in your playing online with more discipline?
Setting rules for myself to keep my play disciplined and then having tangible results really emphasized that the process was working. I was motivated to keep at it so I didn’t fall back into my usual “splash around online” style of play.
Unfortunately the tide turned and your upwards trend eventually began dropping below that $1,800 peak. Yet, despite not hitting the magic $3,000 mark, you’ll still be making the trip out to join us in Las Vegas. What happened?
My wife and I had discussed that playing my way in was really going to be that only way it made financial sense to go. Rhiannon was very supportive of my play and she even tried the Steps program herself! When variance hit and my progress stalled, it really looked like I wouldn’t being going.
About an hour after I had messaged you to let you know that it was going to be very doubtful that I was going to attend, Rhiannon called me at work to say that she really wanted me to go, to keep my Vegas streak alive (I’ve gone at least once a year for the last 17 years) and to attend Mixed Game Festival IX. Using airline points, I managed to get a flight that worked to keep the costs down.
Chad and his wife Rhiannon
It’s obviously not the same thrill as finding out you’ve won a Gold Pass, but considering all the time and effort you put into “trying to get there”, can you describe what you felt when you booked your ticket and hotel for the upcoming trip?
The feeling of booking a Vegas trip is always a great feeling. When I booked this one, I immediately sent you a screen shot of my trip booking as I was super excited to be able to get there.
Five days……#pokerlife #MGFIX #Vegas30 pic.twitter.com/CxLoy8T14u
— Chad McVean (@Veaner85) October 28, 2024
You booked your travel on October 10th, so you’ve now had more than a couple weeks of buildup towards the trip. What have you been looking forward to most? Have you continued playing poker online to try and boost the bankroll a bit?
My online play has slowed a little bit as I still seem to be in a variance funk, but I have been playing a little more of the mixed games available as a warm up for MGF IX. I am looking forward to your birthday celebration, calling Razz on you and all the fun to be had at MGF IX. Plus checking out what the NAPT schedule has to offer is a big bonus.
Since setting goals has obviously proven helpful, have you set yourself any goals for the upcoming Mixed Game Festival? Do you have your eye on any of the NAPT tournaments in particular?
Currently, I am just looking at playing the Dealer’s Choice Cash Games at MGF IX but I am keeping an eye on some of the NAPT events, too. When I arrive on Saturday, I will probably hop into a No Limit Hold’em cash session to see what I can build for an NAPT buy-in.
The path of least resistance for you would’ve been to just give up on your dream to attend the 2024 NAPT and MGF IX, but persistence, effort and love from your wife helped you get to the finish line. What words of wisdom can you share with other folks out there who have big poker dreams?
Just stay present. Don’t get too ahead of yourself, but also never rule out possibilities.
Setting a goal and then setting benchmarks to reach that goal will help you progress.
Most importantly, rungood is very important.
And for new Mixed Game Festival players, Calling Razz on Robbie is mandatory. 🙂
📢 Here’s this week’s Trivia Tuesday answer! 👍
👉 Obviously, @JonathanLittle called RAZZ on @cardplayerlife!🥳
♠️♥️♣️♦️#PokerLifeMedia #TriviaTuesday pic.twitter.com/JIkfvQJRGA— Cardplayer Lifestyle (@PokerLifeMedia) October 9, 2024
Bobby James, a CoinPoker ambassador and rising figure in the poker world, recently attracted attention for his performance at the 2024 European Poker Tour Cyprus Main Event.
EPT Cyprus 2024
The European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus, held at the luxurious Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa, is one of the most exciting stops on the EPT circuit. Taking place from October 9-20, 2024, this year’s event attracted a vast number of international players drawn to its combination of high-stakes poker and Mediterranean setting.
The series offered a diverse range of tournaments, from the Eureka Main Event to high-stakes events like the $50,000 Super High Roller. Known for its professional atmosphere, EPT Cyprus has become a favorite for players looking to compete in a prestigious environment while enjoying the amenities of a world-class resort.
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Bobby James: A Strong Start
Entering the series’ Main Event alongside over 1,200 entrants, James’s skill and strategic depth quickly set him apart. On day 3, Bobby James took the lead with a series of decisive plays, starting with a major pot where he rivered a nut flush against Akin Tuna’s flopped straight, doubling his stack to 1,600,000.
Shortly after, James’s pocket aces came out on top against Maksim Rogov’s pocket kings, boosting him beyond the 2,000,000 mark and ultimately solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard with 2,605,000 in chips.
This performance marked one of his most successful runs to date, and his chip lead generated excitement around his potential to make it to the final table and obtain a high place in this world famous tournament.
On Day 5 of the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event, Bobby James put in a remarkable performance, initially climbing high in the chip counts but ultimately facing challenging hands that led to his elimination. With a strong chip stack heading into the day, James demonstrated his skill in navigating intense play, contending with poker pros across multiple high-stakes hands.
He maintained his competitive position, advancing steadily toward the final table, where eight players represented unique countries—a testament to the global reach of the event.
EPT Cyprus final table! Day 5 will play down to 6 players. Oliver Weis holds the chiplead after a huge bluff against Georgios Tsouloftas 44>AK on AKQx three flush board. CoinPoker streamer Bobby James @BobbyJamesPoker on 39 blinds. #EPTCyprus #poker pic.twitter.com/bdPvdxwMYt
— CoinPoker (@CoinPoker_OFF) October 19, 2024
Final Day of the Tournament
The last day of the tournament saw Oliver Weis start as the chip leader, picking up pots as expected to maintain his lead. However, Georgios Tsouloftas quickly shifted the dynamics by climbing from the bottom of the leaderboard. His resurgence began with a crucial double-up in a blind-on-blind hand against Anton Wigg, who was left severely short-stacked with only two big blinds.
Shortly afterward, Tsouloftas picked up pocket aces, facing off against Weis on a heavily coordinated board. Trusting his aces, Tsouloftas called Weis’s bluff, bringing him close to Weis’s stack in a key hand that raised the stakes even higher. Meanwhile, Wigg held on through multiple close calls, managing a crucial chop and double-up to keep himself in contention as the final six pressed on.
After the break, Wigg’s bid to become a two-time EPT champion ended when his pocket tens were defeated by Mikhail Shalamov’s Big Slick. This elimination marked a turning point, as Tsouloftas began challenging Weis for the chip lead, first with pocket aces and later by hitting a timely two-pair on the river.
A four-to-flush board gave Tsouloftas the perfect opportunity to bluff, further pushing Weis down the counts, who then lost another big pot after his kings were cracked by Shalamov. Andriy Lyubovetskiy managed to double his short stack when his pocket aces narrowly held against Shalamov’s kings, keeping him in the game as the second level of play rounded out.
A technical delay of over an hour created suspense before the action resumed, and Bobby James returned to the table ready to continue his impressive run. On the first hand back, however, he faced a challenging matchup with ace-jack against Georgios Tsouloftas’s king-queen. Although the hand didn’t go in James’s favor, his sixth-place finish awarded him a career-high payout of $271,400.
This remarkable result capped a stellar EPT Cyprus performance, where James also secured high finishes in several side events. Altogether, his earnings reached $320,740—a significant milestone that underscores his growth and success on the poker circuit.
“The experience was intense, especially at the final table. I was incredibly card-dead throughout and every time I tried a four-bet, it got five-bet back with a strong hand on the other side. When I reviewed the stream, I saw that Oli Weis had pocket jacks one time and ace-king another. It was frustrating but, overall, the event was an incredible experience with all the lights, cameras, and the TV table setup.”
– Bobby James
Another CoinPoker ambassador, Patrick Leonard, finished the Main Event in the 28th place, securing $26,600. While not as big of a win as James’, it is still a significant in a difficult tournament where so many top players compete.
Bobby James’ Comments on His EPT Cyprus Performance
In an interview discussing his experience at the EPT Cyprus Main Event, James said that he thought that the event was very well organized, and a surreal experience for him.
“It was incredible and completely surreal. You always hope to go deep in a tournament, but I never imagined going that far. I was determined to avoid any mistakes, especially after some regrets in the Eureka High Roller. The structure in the Main Event allowed me to stay patient, even when my stack dropped to just 10 big blinds.”
He never imagined that he would go as far as he did, and he is incredibly grateful for this experience:
“It was insane, just a sick experience. Whenever you go to play a tournament, you want to get as deep as you can, but I never imagined going that deep. I think what changed is that I feel as though I made mistakes in both the Eureka High Rollers, right at the business end – that really pissed me off. Then when I was playing in the Main Event, the structure is so good that you just don’t have to make stupid mistakes. I was so patient, even when I went down to 10 bigs.”
Possibly one of the largest Sunday giveaways CoinPoker has seen – follow Bobby’s X and tune in to tonight’s #omaha cash game stream on Twitch or YT to take part. 9 hours until kick off #pokernight https://t.co/lYp4kfd8tw
— CoinPoker (@CoinPoker_OFF) October 27, 2024
CoinPoker’s VIP Streamers Big Crypto Giveaway
CoinPoker’s Sunday giveaways have become a community highlight, drawing players and viewers through a series of interactive streams featuring popular poker personalities and streamers.
This past Sunday, CoinPoker held one of their VIP Streamers’ games, with several well-known streamers. Most notably, Bobby James participated with his entire winnings from the EPT Cyprus event, and pledged to give 5% of his profits at the tables in USDT as a huge crypto giveaway.
I’m gambling away those EPT winnings and there’s a chance for you to win 5% of all my profits. $20,000 sit down, two tables. It’s the biggest PLO game of my life and I want some @thevenividi1993 dollars. Check out the stream Sunday 5pm UK time.https://t.co/pPKFaQcnD9 pic.twitter.com/rUx0iK8PQK
— BobbyJamesPoker (@BobbyJamesPoker) October 26, 2024
Creating even more excitement, Bobby James – who plays on CoinPoker under the screen name BJPCoin – said that if he was going to win more than 5 buy ins ($100k) he was going to give away an additional 5% on the next day on YouTube and Twitch.
CoinPoker’s Crypto Giveaways
CoinPoker’s Sunday giveaways have become a cornerstone of its community strategy, often featuring influencers and poker personalities like Bobby James to enhance engagement and excitement. During this event, the platform offered its followers across X, Discord, Instagram and Bobby’s Twitch a chance to win for being on the rail throughout the night.
The October 27 event was another step in CoinPoker’s mission to expand the overlap between poker and crypto, providing an interactive experience that supports both entertainment and crypto earnings for its players.
In the end, Bobby James took down well over six figures over an almost four hour session, and gave away $14k to 40 railbirds – 10 on X, 10 on Discord, 10 on IG, and 10 on his Twitch.
Tony G, KakiTee, Bitcoinboi (VeniVidi1993 or Dirk Gerritse on PS / GG), Spillehagan streamer dogecoin4life and others were also seated in the $100/$200 PLO game. If not for a 450bb cooler towards the end of the session, Bobby James would’ve taken down over $200k.
WELL WELL WELL.
GIVEAWAY TIME
I WON $144,000 ON THE STREAM AND I’M GIVING AWAY 10% AS PROMISED. https://t.co/nZ1JTv7L7khttps://t.co/yBrpbnAcYShttps://t.co/4TwT6nreyb
and here.
2.5% each network
Write OnYourBike in chat@TonyGuoga sorry for the bad beats, was for a good cause… pic.twitter.com/EEbYRXA6EG— CoinPoker (@CoinPoker_OFF) October 27, 2024
About CoinPoker
CoinPoker is a blockchain-based poker platform that stands out for integrating cryptocurrency and decentralization into the online poker experience. By utilizing blockchain technology, CoinPoker allows users to play using its native token, CHP, along with popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
This setup is unique in that it offers transparency and security in every game, thanks to the platform’s decentralized random number generator (RNG), which ensures fairness in card shuffling and dealing. Blockchain’s transparency, combined with crypto payment options, makes CoinPoker an attractive choice for players looking for secure and anonymous gameplay.
One of the most exciting aspects of CoinPoker is its diverse range of tournaments and weekly events, which cater to all skill levels and bankrolls. These include regular freerolls, low buy-in events, and high-stakes tournaments, many of which feature prize pools backed by cryptocurrency, adding a unique incentive.
CoinPoker’s tournaments often attract well-known poker professionals and streamers, further boosting its community-driven appeal. Players can join freerolls without buy-ins, creating opportunities to win significant prizes and crypto payouts with minimal risk, which is particularly appealing to newer players in the poker and crypto space.
The platform also rewards its community with CHP tokens through its rakeback program, providing additional value to active players. Unlike traditional poker sites that use fiat currencies, CoinPoker’s cryptocurrency integration gives players more flexibility, with options to hold, exchange, or convert their winnings into different digital assets.
This integration of decentralized technology and cryptocurrency creates a dynamic poker environment, offering a modern, anonymous alternative to traditional online poker platforms. For those that wish to deposit with fiat however, that option was also recently added in mid-October. As an offshore poker site, players from all countries are accepted.
Ahead of the 2024 NAPT Las Vegas festival, set to take place between November 1-10, we spoke with Resorts World Las Vegas Director of Poker Operations Leon Wheeler. It’s the venue’s second consecutive year partnering with PokerStars to host the North American Poker Tour stop as well as the sixth time they’ll be hosting our Mixed Game Festival. There’s obviously a lot of preparation that needs to be done ahead of big live events, and Leon was kind enough to give us an inside look at that, as well as offer his thoughts on the upcoming festivities.
The NAPT reemerged last year after a lengthy absence and began a new chapter at Resorts World Las Vegas. Now it’s back once again with an even bigger, more enhanced schedule and set of festivities planned. What does it mean to you to have partnered so tightly with PokerStars and have your room hosting their marquee US event for a second time?
I’m thrilled about the future of Resorts World, and PokerStars will play a significant role in that journey. As time goes on, I envision this partnership becoming second nature, evolving naturally as we grow together. We have some exciting plans in the works, and I’m confident that PokerStars will remain a strong presence in the Las Vegas landscape for many years to come.
You’ve got 36 events on the 2024 NAPT schedule, including some big headliners like the $5,300 Main Event, the $330 Women’s Event, the $550 Mystery Bounty, the $1,100 RunGood Open, and the $25,000 Super High Roller. What kind of energy do you expect in the convention space during those tournaments? Do you foresee that spilling over into the permanent poker room as well with increased cash game volume and more higher stakes games running than usual?
I believe this momentum will definitely carry forward. Unlike last year’s event at the Perdana Garden Event Center, this year we’re hosting it in Lily, our main ballroom, which is conveniently located just above the poker room—just a quick escalator ride from the casino floor. We’ve been getting a lot of buzz from PokerNews Podcast MUG, and in the week leading up to the event we’ll be running several satellite tournaments awarding seats to the main event.
Join @PokerRoomRWLV for #NAPTLasVegas Satellite week from today until October 31st.
Everyday starting at noon there’s a $400 Satellite to the NAPT Main Event. pic.twitter.com/SCGjBNeh8K
— PokerStarsUSA (@PokerStarsUSA) October 27, 2024
The NAPT tournament schedule has been carefully crafted to try and cater to every type of poker player, with buy-ins starting as low as $250 and plenty of game variety. Can you take us through the process that you and your team had in working with the folks at PokerStars to craft this year’s schedule of events?
As you can imagine, this event wasn’t planned overnight. We dedicated countless hours on Zoom calls with everyone involved. Charlie Ciresi, Toby Stone, Rob Levine, and I worked meticulously to create a schedule that caters not only to the big names in poker but also to the everyday Vegas grinders by including lower-limit events. This model reflects our broader strategy, ensuring that our properties appeal to all types of players, regardless of their experience or background.
READ MORE: Behind the Scenes of the 2024 NAPT
Alongside the NAPT from November 1-10, Mixed Game Festival IX will be running simultaneously, from November 3-7. Plus, through our partnership with PokerStars, we’ve got three Cardplayer Lifestyle mixed game tournaments on the NAPT schedule: $550 H.E.R.O.S., $550 8-Game, and $5,300 8-Game. There certainly seems to be a growing appetite among poker players for more mixed games to be spread, and Resorts World Las Vegas has certainly been at the forefront of catering to that. Can you talk about that for a bit?
Our ability to run mixed games really sets us apart from other card rooms, and it’s become an integral part of our culture since we first opened. We offer a variety of mixed games on a daily basis, which brings something unique to our players. Partnering with Cardplayer Lifestyle felt like a natural fit, aligning perfectly with our commitment to delivering diverse and engaging poker experiences.
Massive props to @PokerRoomRWLV manager @Pkrboss1, who came in on his day off just to see if the @PokerLifeMedia #MixedGameFestival kicked off well (and it has). 😃👍 pic.twitter.com/7rCgWagD9p
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) June 12, 2022
Multiple mixed cash games run regularly at Resorts World Las Vegas all year long at a variety of different limits, with a surge happening each time we stage our Mixed Game Festivals there. Most poker rooms aren’t capable of handling such a demand for non-Hold’em games, but yours stands out as a rare exception. What sort of training is required of your dealers and staff in order to properly accommodate mixed game poker play?
We prioritize keeping our staff informed on the latest trends in the mixed-game scene, and running a daily mix of games helps our team stay sharp. I truly believe we have some of the best dealers in the city, and I know many of our players would agree.
We’re all familiar with the buzz that a big live poker event brings to a poker room versus what a regular day looks like in that room. Can you give our readers an idea of what sort of advance planning is required on a staffing level to adequately prep the property to handle a live event the size of the NAPT alongside the Mixed Game Festival?
We’ve spent the past year planning this event, with an intense focus over the last four months. Coordinating with our partners overseas in different time zones has presented some challenges, but we’ve committed to weekly meetings for the past three months to ensure everything is aligned. We’re excited about the progress we’ve made and are confident it will come together smoothly.
Resorts World has been growing its poker presence year after year, making an even bigger mark on the city’s poker scene through your partnership with PokerStars. This doesn’t just happen passively or automatically, and obviously involves a lot of work behind the scenes to address player feedback, especially after big events. Tell us a little about all that work from your vantage point.
As you know, I’ve had the pleasure of working with PokerStars as a subcontractor for the past 14 years, from the PCA in the Bahamas to the EPT in Monte Carlo. This partnership felt like a natural fit, and that’s exactly what I communicated to my leadership team. Strong relationships like this are rare and have been building for years. I’ve always dreamed of bringing PokerStars to any property I was affiliated with, and Resorts World Las Vegas proved to be the perfect match.
Beyond everything we’ve discussed, something else you have going on on-property while the NAPT and Mixed Game Festival IX are running is the filming of the PokerStars Big Game on Tour. Of course, PokerStars has their experienced production crew handling things, but what role do you and your staff play in helping to facilitate the poker operations aspects of that production?
This collaboration is one of the most intricate we’ve undertaken, with multiple departments—facilities, IT, and Encore—all playing essential roles to ensure we have the power and bandwidth needed for a production of this scale. While the production itself is handled by an outstanding crew, there’s a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes to bring it all together. Once everything is up and running, I’m proud to showcase it across the entire property.
Finally, I know you’re always thinking ahead. What sorts of longer-term goals and plans have you set for the room beyond the 2024 NAPT?
We’re certainly looking ahead to NAPT 2025, and while I don’t want to give too much away, we have some exciting long-term plans with PokerStars that extend beyond that. These plans are still in the early stages, so I’ll keep the details under wraps for now—don’t want to jinx anything! You know how poker players can be with their superstitions.
Conclusion
Many thanks to Leon Wheeler for his time and for giving us an inside look at his and his team’s preparations ahead of the upcoming 2024 NAPT Las Vegas and Mixed Game Festival IX. It’s clear that attendees can expect exciting times to be had at Resorts World, with a perfect mix of high-stakes action, casual fun, and something for every kind of poker player. I know the community is going to be thrilled with everything you and your team have in store. Here’s to an incredible upcoming live event, and I can’t wait to be part of it all and join in the fun!
Cardplayer Lifestyle is excited to announce an exciting new contest: We’re offering our readers a special opportunity to win a prize package to the 2024 PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival, set to take place from November 21-24, at the iconic Hippodrome Casino in London. This highly anticipated event is all about celebrating women in poker, and our contest offers you the chance to nominate an inspiring female poker player to be your partner at the felt for this unforgettable experience! Specifically, the goal of our contest is to get more people vocally supporting women in poker. Read below to find out how you can do that.
A Groundbreaking Celebration of Women in Poker
The PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival is set to be one of the more unique and innovative poker events of the year, designed specifically to spotlight the incredible talent, passion, and achievements of women in the game. The festival will feature a diverse range of tournaments, including the headline £400 Main Event, which comes with a guaranteed prize pool of £100,000, and a first-ever Women’s High Roller event, featuring a £1,100 buy-in! It’s a unique opportunity for women to shine at the tables, alongside many well-known female poker pros.
Through our contest, we’re aiming to make sure more players—both men and women—get a chance to take part in this historic event. We want to hear from fathers, sons, brothers, extended family, friends–we want you to tell the world about the great poker-loving women in your lives!
“My Partner in Poker” Contest Details
We’re looking for one male nominator to enter the contest on behalf of a deserving female nominee. Whether the woman you’re nominating is an experienced grinder, a recreational player, or someone new to the game but passionate about poker, we want to hear her story! The lucky pair of you will win an incredible prize package that includes:
- A £400 buy-in for the Women’s Winter Festival Main Event for the female nominee
- £220 buy-in for both the nominator and nominee to compete in the NLH 50/50 Freezeout, where male and female players will battle it out together at the felt
- 3 nights of accommodation at The Z Hotel Tottenham Court Road, London, from November 21-24 (£600 value)
- Return flights for two to London
This is your chance to share the experience of a lifetime with your #MyPartnerInPoker, while also being a part of a festival that is championing the presence of women in the game.
How to Enter the “My Partner in Poker” Contest
Entering the contest is simple and exciting! The male nominator must submit a tweet that includes the following:
- A written or 60-second video description of why the female nominee deserves to win. We encourage you to get creative! Tell us her story—whether it’s her accomplishments in poker, her love for the game, or how she inspires others at the table. Make it personal and meaningful.
- All entries must follow and tag @PokerLifeMedia and use the hashtag #MyPartnerInPoker in your tweet.
- All entries must be submitted by Sunday November 10th.
We want to hear why you think this amazing woman deserves to be in the spotlight at the Women’s Winter Festival and why you’d love to be her partner for this exciting poker adventure.
Additional Terms and Conditions: One entry per nominee. Both nominator and nominee must be at least 18 years old. Winners must accept the prize package as is and must be available from November 21st-24th to travel to London as the prize; i.e., cannot be swapped for any other prize/monetary value. Full T&Cs available via this link.
The Selection Process: Meet the Judges
Choosing the winners for this special contest is no easy task, so I’ve enlisted the help of three very special judges—my wife Miriam, my daughter Abby, and my father Josef—each of whom will select one finalist from among the entries.
Each judge will pick one finalist based on the creativity, heart, and impact of the nominations. Finalists will be announced on Monday November 11th via our X account @PokerLifeMedia.
I will then Tweet out a poll, lasting 2 days, whereby followers will vote for their favorite finalist. A winner will be crowned upon conclusion of the poll on November 13th.
The winning pair will be off to London for an unforgettable experience at the Women’s Winter Festival, competing alongside some of the best female players in the world. Not only will you have the chance to play, but you’ll be part of an event that’s dedicated to celebrating women in poker in an atmosphere of camaraderie and competition.
Why Enter the “My Partner in Poker” Contest?
This contest is more than just a trip to a poker festival—it’s about shining a spotlight on the women who make the game special. Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and passion, and over the years, women have made their mark in incredible ways. Whether the woman you’re nominating is a fierce competitor, an inspiring player, or simply someone who loves the game and deserves this opportunity, we want to hear about her.
We also want to celebrate the partnerships that form at the poker table. Whether it’s a spouse, friend, or someone you’ve shared memorable poker experiences with, the NLH 50/50 Freezeout will give you the chance to team up and take on the competition together.
So, what are you waiting for? Get tweeting, share your stories, and nominate your #MyPartnerInPoker for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend the PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival in London.
Good luck to all entrants!
If you’re serious about improving your poker skills, becoming a member of Run It Once Training is a game-changer. The platform offers a wealth of video content that complements the 10-article series of MTT Poker Basics articles that I published here at Cardplayer Lifestyle over the last year, taking your understanding of the game to the next level. Let’s explore how some of the standout videos from Run It Once Training reinforce and expand on the foundational concepts you’ve already begun to master.
Learning Preflop Ranges
In Owen Shiels’ Simple Preflop Analysis, you’ll learn to navigate the complexities of preflop decisions. While basic concepts about ranges against GTO opponents are essential, Shiels dives deeper, addressing how table dynamics—such as the presence of tight, aggressive, or “fishy” players—can affect your choices. This nuanced understanding is crucial for any aspiring player and directly builds upon the foundational strategies discussed in Cardplayer Lifestyle articles.
WATCH: Simple Preflop Analysis by Owen Shiels
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Learning Preflop Ranges
Playing Button vs Big Blind
Ryan Henry’s video, A Dive into Button vs Big Blind 30BB Deep, takes a closer look at postflop strategies for both positions. His use of PIO Solver analysis allows you to exploit weaker player pools effectively, offering a detailed roadmap that’s perfect for players looking to solidify their understanding of critical matchups. This video not only reinforces but expands on the concepts you’ve learned about position and aggression.
WATCH: A Dive into Button vs Big Blind 30BB Deep by Ryan Henry
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Playing BTN vs. BB
Small Blind Fundamentals
In Playing from the Small Blind: Developing a Leading Range, Ryan Henry tackles the challenges of the small blind position. He provides insights into unorthodox donk lead plays, helping you craft a balanced strategy that keeps your opponents guessing. By examining when leading is advantageous and when to avoid it, Henry’s coaching offers a sophisticated layer of strategy that extends beyond basic advice, enriching your overall poker acumen.
WATCH: Playing from the Small Blind: Developing a Leading Range by Ryan Henry
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Small Blind Fundamentals
Adjusting in Multiway Pots
Ivan Banic’s 3 Way Pots with Deep Stacks is a must-watch for players who want to master multiway scenarios. By using the Simple 3-Way tool, Banic explores common situations you’ll encounter during early tournament stages, emphasizing the need for adaptability. His insights build on the foundational concepts of multiway dynamics, helping you apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
WATCH: 3 Way Pots with Deep Stacks by Ivan Banic
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Adjusting in Multiway Pots
Short Stack All-In Strategy
In Friday Grind: Bubble Time, Pedro Madeira showcases critical short stack strategies during pivotal tournament moments. By analyzing both short stack and larger stack strategies, Madeira helps you navigate the often-tricky bubble stage, preventing you from leaning too tight or too loose. This practical approach to a high-pressure scenario ties back to your earlier lessons while equipping you with advanced techniques to excel. This video is excellent for users that have access to the affordable entry point of training content but not various poker solvers.
WATCH: Friday Grind: Bubble Time by Pedro Madeira
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Short Stack All-In Strategy
Single-Raised Pots Out of Position
Owen Shiels returns to explore the complexities of playing out of position in Playing OOP in Low/Mid Stakes. His breakdown of common heuristics against amateur players offers invaluable tips for capitalizing on their weaknesses, reinforcing the basic understanding of positional play while enhancing your strategic depth.
WATCH: Playing OOP in Low/Mid Stakes by Owen Shiels
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Single-Raised Pots Out of Position
Understanding Board Textures
In Mastering Flop Play: An Introduction, Pedro Madeira delves into the intricacies of several different board textures and their impact on your postflop strategy. By combining practical examples with PIO Solver analysis, this series not only builds on your base knowledge from our introductory articles but prepares you for complex scenarios that require a nuanced understanding of board dynamics.
WATCH: Mastering Flop Play: An Introduction by Pedro Madeira
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Understanding Board Textures
Conquering 3-Bet Pots
Over the last year, Run It Once has added many new coaches to bolster its impressive roster of talent. Kevin Martin’s Blue Collar Poker: 3-Betting Mechanics introduces the concept of linear and polar aggressive ranges, expanding your understanding of 3-bet dynamics. By marrying solver insights with exploitative strategies, this video equips you with the tools to navigate 3-bet pots with confidence, building on foundational lessons about aggression and hand ranges.
WATCH: Blue Collar Poker: 3-Betting Mechanics by Kevin Martin
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Conquering 3-Bet Pots
Running Deep with ICM
In GTO Wizard MTT Drilling: Preflop Final Table ICM, Adam Crawford provides an approachable perspective on ICM strategies at critical points in tournaments. His examination of real examples and decision-making processes ensures that you grasp the importance of making precise choices, directly enhancing your ICM knowledge from earlier readings.
WATCH: GTO Wizard MTT Drilling: Preflop Final Table ICM
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Running Deep with ICM
Winning the Tournament in Heads-Up Play
Finally, Ryan Henry’s analysis of heads-up play gives you a front-row seat to the complexities of this crucial tournament phase. By examining a member’s match in detail, Henry imparts lessons that will refine your heads-up strategy, empowering you to adapt and conquer a dynamic aspect of tournament poker.
WATCH: Member Review: radtupperware Goes Heads Up
READ: MTT Poker Basics: Winning the Tournament in Heads-Up Play
Take Your Poker Game to the Next Level
Becoming an essential member of Run It Once is not just an investment in your education; it’s a commitment to transforming your poker skills. Each video highlighted serves as a powerful extension of the concepts introduced in beginner strategy articles, offering deeper analysis and practical application. With access to expert coaches and a trove of content tailored to elevate your understanding, you’ll find that Run It Once is the perfect partner in your journey to poker mastery. Don’t just play—play smart, and let Run It Once guide you to the next level!