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.
Discovering the Game: From Skittles to Stardom
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.
A Philosophical Journey: From Academia to the Felt
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”.
The Improbable Rise of Nick Eastwood’s Poker YouTube Channel
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.
From Virtual Poker Tables to Real World Poker Adventures
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
Looking Ahead: Nick’s Vision for the Future
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.
