Every poker summer in Las Vegas is special, but this summer of 2025 feels like it’s going to be truly unforgettable. For the first time, I’ll be spending nearly a full continuous month in my happy place, immersed in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the World Series of Poker, mixed games galore, and the nonstop buzz of the poker capital of the world. My Gd, I can’t wait!
I’m especially thrilled about hosting Mixed Game Festival XI, which will take place June 8–19 at Bellagio Las Vegas. Not only will we be giving away over $15,000 in prizes, including four seats to the BetMGM Poker Championship, but we’ll also be publishing daily recaps, celebrating our vibrant community of mixed game players, and doing our part to grow the game and make poker more fun and inclusive.
Beyond that, from meaningful moments with friends and family to the grind at the felt and simple pleasures, here are 29 things I’m looking forward to this Las Vegas poker summer. Whether you’re already booked or still on the fence about heading to Vegas, I hope this list fires you up and helps you tap into the magic that peak poker season always brings.
Pursuing Poker Dreams and Festival Fun
- Journeying out there – I love flying, and this time it’ll be extra special
As a relatively frequent flyer, I’ve been saving up mileage for a while now. So, I decided to “splurge” a bit and make the long, 18+ hour, two-flight, 7,500-mile trip to Las Vegas feel just a little more comfortable. I’m cashing in for some upgrades to my transatlantic journey, so I’ll be kicking off my Vegas adventure with some extra legroom and that much more excitement. There’s something uniquely thrilling about getting to be among the first to board the plane on the way to start off the poker summer. - It’ll be my longest ever trip to Las Vegas
Nearly a month in Vegas! While I know it’ll get harder to be away from my family as the days stretch on, I also know from past experience that no matter how long I stay, it never feels like enough. I’ll be soaking up every minute, knowing that (as always) I’ll miss it deeply when it’s time to head home.
- The World Series of Poker
There’s simply nothing like walking through the WSOP halls at the Horseshoe and Paris. The mix of ambition, nostalgia, and pure poker energy is intoxicating. Having gotten to play in my first bracelet event in 2019 and second one in 2021 still gives me goosebumps. I can’t wait to take another shot this summer, and have my eye on playing one WSOP tournament in particular. It’s been four long years since I’ve chased a bracelet, so here’s hoping I can cobble together a stake and take a seat in the $1500 2-7 Triple Draw event.
- Mixed Game Festival XI at Bellagio Las Vegas
After hosting a successful event at Bellagio Las Vegas for the first time last summer, we’re doubling down this time! Mixed Game Festival XI will be our biggest live event yet, featuring a whopping 10 days of fun-filled dealer’s choice cash game action. I’m excited to once again be partnering with some fantastic sponsors — including BetMGM Poker, PokerGO, Pokercoaching.com, RunGoodGear, Faded Spade, and D&B Poker — to deliver what’s sure to be a truly special experience. You can click the image below for more details.
- Giving away over $15,000 in prizes at the Mixed Game Festival
One of the most meaningful parts of running Mixed Game Festival XI will be the opportunity to award the four $3,500 seats to the 2025 BetMGM Poker Championship at Aria Las Vegas. Capturing the joy, surprise, and disbelief on the winners’ faces will be absolutely priceless. It’s a true privilege to give recreational poker players a shot at something big, and it’s moments like those that make all the organizational effort worth it. - Seeing all my poker media buddies who I typically only get to see once a year
Poker media is a small world, and Vegas is where we all get the chance to reconnect during the annual summer poker pilgrimage. Whether it’s swapping stories in the WSOP media room or grabbing a quick bite to eat between covering events, I truly look forward to catching up with some of the best people in the poker business. There’s always camaraderie and often collaboration, plus it’s always special to meet “the new class” of people reporting for the first time, who are just beginning to get their feet wet in this wonderful industry.
One of the things I love about my Mixed Game Festivals, is that so many of my awesome friends in poker media always so kindly come out to support the initiative.
Love you guys ❤️
Cc: @NICEANDSUNNY, @CGrantSport , @crichards1995, @Tim__Duckworth pic.twitter.com/UJe2rGJoK8
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) June 21, 2024
- Hanging out with all my friends in Las Vegas who I now have the good fortune of seeing multiple times a year
Some friendships only bloom once a year; others have grown roots over many trips to Sin City. I feel incredibly lucky to have made so many Las Vegas-based friends through poker. Getting to see them multiple times a year and reconnect with them always feels like a “homecoming” of sorts. - Playing a LOT of Mixed Game Poker (tournaments and cash games beyond the festival)
Mixed games are where my heart lies, and I’ll be diving deep this summer. Beyond the likely 100+ hours of dealer’s choice cash games I’ll be playing during Mixed Game Festival XI, I’ll be jumping into as many mixed game cash games and tournaments as my bankroll permits all across town (more on that below). It’s peak poker season, and especially when these games that I love are simply unavailable to me at home, I’ve got to grab every moment I can to grind at the felt. - Special time with Jan Fisher, Linda Johnson, and Eli Elezra
When I’m not playing poker, you’ll likely often find me hanging with my great friends and mixed game mentors Eli Elezra, Linda Johnson, and Jan Fisher. They always show up to support our festivals, and I’ve learned so many poker and life lessons both from watching them play and from how they conduct themselves at and away from the felt. It’s always a blast spending high-quality time together, and I’m so fortunate to have them in my inner circle.
- Adding some more results to my “new” Hendon Mob profile
As some of you might recall, it took me years to finally get that first result on the Hendon Mob! This summer, I’m gunning to add more results to that page, not just for personal pride, but to “prove to world” that I belong in this world as both a poker media guy and as a serious mixed game player. I see this summer as a big opportunity to grow my poker bankroll and to work on making that poker resume sparkle a bit more.
- Making some new poker business connections
Each summer I have spent in Vegas over the last decade has brought with it at least one new relationship that eventually turned into something lasting, whether it was a media collaboration, sponsorship, or unforgettable interview. Truthfully, these connections are vital to Cardplayer Lifestyle’s survival and growth. Plainly speaking, forging these connections involves having conversations that often help to shape my future, keep the lights on, and allow me to keep building a media site that champions the poker community.
Recharging, Routine-ing, and Basking in Life’s Little Joys
- Listening to Donnie Peters and Tim Duckworth on the PokerGO Podcast
The PokerGO Podcast co-hosts provide some of the best poker commentary and insights in the business, and I love tuning in to their WSOP daily episodes each summer. Their chemistry, analysis, and coverage adds a strong dose of adrenaline and entertainment to my own daily grind, and listening to them has become part of my daily Vegas poker summer routine. - Watching Daniel Negreanu’s daily vlog
A daily dose of DNegs is a can’t miss for hundreds of thousands of people each summer in Las Vegas, and I’m one of them! Daniel delivers every single summer with his high-quality, behind-the-scenes vlogs of WSOP life. Whether it’s hand breakdowns, bracelet chases, personal anecdotes, or table banter, he captures the spirit of the World Series of Poker better than anyone. I’m ready to lock in! - Staying at Bellagio Las Vegas for two full weeks
For two glorious weeks during Mixed Game Festival XI, I’ll be living the dream at the Bellagio, one of my all-time favorite poker destinations. The convenience of being able to go straight from the hotel room to the poker room is unbeatable, and the whole vibe of the place just oozes class and comfort. I even love the little ritual of tipping the bellhop when I arrive; it’s the unofficial kickoff to my Vegas stay. I’ll be staying elsewhere during the rest of my trip, but these two weeks are going to be pure luxury, and I’m ready to begin savoring every minute.
- Getting a good night’s sleep without interruptions
Though there’s an acute lack of evidence, I’ve been told (too many times) by my wife that I snore. I always sleep like a baby and thankfully am blessed to almost never have any sleep issues, but it’s nice to not have to worry for a month about having that sleep interrupted with the words “Robbie, stop snoring!”. Also, Miriam, if you’re reading this, I love you VERY much! 🙂 - A breather from the Israeli “pressure cooker”
I always feel a little guilty for enjoying myself and having an amazing time in Las Vegas while my wife, kids, and millions of my fellow citizens remain back home on the front lines in Israel. But I also recognize that some relaxing time away in a far more “normal” place helps heal my soul and recharge my batteries for the rigors of what’s sadly been a very challenging time, to say the least. - Getting a break from all the household work
A month away from having to deal with dishes, laundry, bedtime routines, or chaeuferring my kids around the neighborhood? Where do I sign up?! In all seriousness, it’s a rare thing to get to solely focus on all things poker, without needing to also “be on call” at home. Huge shout out and much love to my amazing wife Miriam, who’s cool with me being away for a month even though that means she takes on a significantly heavier load while I’m away. - A full-on mental reset from screens
In Vegas, I’m not glued to my computer for 12 hours a day like I am when working at home. Instead, I’m always doing so much more walking, talking, and engaging with people face-to-face. It’s so incredibly refreshing and it’s a much healthier rhythm to be in. As an extrovert, this kind of stuff really gets me going in the best possible way. - Sprawling out on a poolside lounger for a relaxing Shabbat by the Bellagio pool
This has become one of my most cherished (if personal) Vegas traditions. During those couple days off in the middle of Mixed Game Festival XI, I’m looking forward to just unwinding, breathing deeply, reading a book, and soaking in the sun and serenity by the Bellagio pool. It’s both a physical and spiritual reset all at once. - Breathing in the incredible scent of the Bellagio Conservatory
It’s important to stop and smell the roses once in a while; literally. The floral displays are gorgeous, and just walking through that space is such a boost to the senses. It’s one of those small pleasures that brings joy and calm to the whirlwind of my poker summer, as I pass by the Bellagio Conservatory every morning and every night on the way to/from my hotel room.
- Getting a post-Mixed Game Festival massage
Super inexpensive, extremely relaxing, and expertly done, I have a special go-to spot in Las Vegas for treating myself to a massage after every Mixed Game Festival wraps up. I know of no better way to physically decompress and reset after a week (or two!) of active hosting work and ultra-long days in the poker room. I highly recommend Star Spa (and no, this is not a paid promotion; they’re just legit fantastic).
Everyday Joys, Vegas Style
- Driving a brand new rental car and going where I want when I want
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of having a car in Las Vegas. No need to rely on Ubers or walk miles in the heat; I can just hop in and go. Whether I’m headed to the Bellagio, a quiet local spot, food shopping, downtown, a kosher restaurant, or a friend’s place across town, the feeling of independence is empowering and makes me feel like a local, not just a visitor. - Gas station fill-ups
And speaking of driving, when you’re used to ultra-high Israeli gas prices ($7.50 per gallon as of this writing), every fill-up in the U.S. feels like hitting a mini jackpot. It’s one of those little wins that just makes me smile and wish the gas tank was a bit bigger. - Late-night $3 gas station ice cream sandwiches
And speaking of gas stations, this is another little mini-tradition I have. After a long poker session, few things hit the spot quite like a 3 a.m. gas station treat. If it was a losing session, it’s a nice little pick-me-up. If it was a winning session, it’s a cheap, cold, and delicious way to celebrate. - Playing an all-nighter poker session
It’s bound to happen. At least once this summer, I’ll sit down for a “just one more orbit” session that turns into sunrise. The magic of Vegas time is real, and sometimes some absolutely incredible things can happen…
A Las Vegas all-nighter I’ll never forget.
Hanging and banging with legends of the game I love.
Grateful for having had the opportunity, and for the memories. pic.twitter.com/V6q1fsVYYN
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) March 1, 2024
- Shopping at Smith’s Kosher Experience
This Summerlin supermarket is my go-to spot in Las Vegas to stock up on kosher food each week and for Shabbat. Beyond just being a necessity for my strictly kosher dietary needs, the weekly shopping visits have the added value of… well, extra value. It might not be “Vegas vacation sexy-like” but it ends up being WAY cheaper and healthier than eating out or grabbing the first processed snacks I see at concession stores. - Tons of strawberries and blueberries
In Israel, fruit is seasonal, and it’s simply not possible to obtain strawberries or blueberries — two of my favorite fruits — in the summer months. Even when in season and delectably delicious, these fruits are significantly more expensive in Israel than in the US. So when you see me popping these into my mouth on a near-daily basis, know that they’re bringing me a heck of a lot of joy. - Some Baskin Robbins ice cream on break at the Orleans
Astute readers may have noticed that many of the low-stakes mixed game tournaments I included in this recent article will be held at Orleans. I fully intend on playing in a couple of them, and indulging in that one-of-a-kind Baskin Robbins ice cream while on break.
- Enjoying the Vegas summer heat
Ice cream has appeared twice on this list, and for good reason. Yes, it’s hot — REALLY hot… but I absolutely love it. Whether it’s the 110-degree days or the 85-degree nights, the dry desert air energizes me, clears my mind, and reminds me that I’m exactly where I want to be. There’s just NOTHING like Las Vegas in the summer.
See You in the Desert!
We are less than 1 week away from the kickoff of the 2025 World Series of Poker. My month in Las Vegas begins a few days later, on June 3. As I count down the days until my departure, I know that this poker summer will be unlike any other. From new adventures to familiar comforts, the desert poker oasis awaits us all. Whether you’re coming for a week or a month, I hope you’ll join me at the tables, stop by Mixed Game Festival XI to say hi, and soak in every second of what promises to be a legendary Las Vegas poker summer. Let’s make memories, win lots of pots, and embrace everything this wild and wonderful city has to offer.
