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‘Lex Not Live’ Promises Tournament Action, Plenty of Extras & Twitch Streaming at PokerStars

Online poker players can get in the action with PokerStars streamer Lex Veldhuis in the “Lex Not Live” series from May 18-23.

Online poker players looking to get in the action with PokerStars ambassador and streamer Lex Veldhuis are in luck. The “Lex Not Live” series is back for its second running on the site from May 18-23.

The schedule includes at least three tournaments each day with 18 total events with buy-ins ranging from $11 to $55. Players will find a variety of formats and a host of PokerStars community activities.

Highlights from ‘Lex Not Live’ at PokerStars

Those looking to jump in the Lex Not Live series will find a plethora of unique poker variants. Some of those include:

The series also includes Fusion, a PokerStars hybrid of Hold’em and Omaha. In this game, players start with two hole cards and potentially end with four.

Beyond those options, several tournament styles will be offered. Some of those include:

  • Zoom, including a heads-up version
  • Progressive Knockout (PKO) bounty events
  • Win the Button
  • FU Flipout, all-in shootout event

The $33 Main Event highlights the series on May 23. The $55 High Roller should draw plenty of interest as well on May 19. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.

2021 PokerStars “Lex Not Live”

DateEventBu-in
May 18PLO Lex Veldhuis Open$33
May 18NLHE PKO$22
May 186+ Hold'em$11
May 19NLHE/PLO PKO$22
May 19High Roller$55
May 196-Card PLO$11
May 20Total Knockout Heads-up Zoom$22
May 20PKO Zoom$22
May 21Community day – all day
May 22Win the Button$11
May 22Deepstack$22
May 22FU Flipout$11
May 22Fusion$22
May 23NLHE$22
May 23NLHE/PLO PKO$22
May 23Main Event$33
May 23Second Chance$22
May 23NLHE PKO$11
 

Plenty of satellite action planned

Along with lower-geared buy-ins, players will find plenty of satellites. These feature even smaller buy-ins and allow players of all bankrolls to get involved.

Main Event qualifiers start at just $1. However, players must have their Twitch and PokerStars accounts linked and enter a daily password.

The password changes every day and will be released on Veldhuis’s Twitch channel. 

Those making it through the $1 Step 1 satellites move on to a $5.60 Step 2 event. Players can then earn a Main Event ticket if they make it through that step.

Players with Twitch-linked accounts can also win PokerStars chests throughout the series. Daily Chest Drops feature awards ranging from $1 satellite tickets to $33 Main Event entries.

More promotions in the works

Even more is planned for the series beyond the tournaments offered. As part of the “community” dynamics, a “Mandatory Discord Call Home Game” is also planned.

To participate, players need to register in advance. Those taking part will be on a voice call with their table mates for the entire tournament.

“It’s not ‘live,’ but it’s about as close as it gets,” PokerStars notes in a new release.

A series “off day” is set for May 21, but more fun events are still planned. Several community-focused activities are scheduled including online video games and a movie watch party.

There should be plenty of fun for players who enjoy the community created at Twitch. Recreational players may also enjoy the lower-priced buy-ins and fun events throughout the series.

★★★ Ready to get in the action at PokerStars? Click here for a complete site review with exclusive PokerScout bonus offers. ★★★

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Partypoker-Sport Buff Partnership Enhances Twitch Streams With Added Viewer Interaction

Partypoker is ramping up interaction and fan engagement on its Twitch streams thanks to a new deal with Sport Buff.

Partypoker is ramping up interaction with poker fans on Twitch thanks to a new deal with Sport Buff. The company offers next-generation fan engagement and gamification for broadcast and media applications.

Sport Buff will collaborate with partypoker to enhance the company’s Twitch viewing experience. The company will focus on party’s streams across its English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian broadcasts.

“Partypoker’s commitment to building a community for poker fans on Twitch by creating unique, interactive streams that align well with Sport Buff’s mission to provide fans with an engaging, next-generation experience,” partypoker Twitch manager Gaston Catzman said in a news release.

What will Sport Buff do for partypoker?

Twitch has become an increasingly important medium among online poker sites in recent years. Streaming final tables and other events helps platforms connect with poker fans.

Some of those viewers are new to the game and poker sites see the Twitch service as a vehicle to reach new players. Sports Buff offers streamers several features allowing viewers to “play along” with the action.

Sport Buff’s unique video overlay delivers fully interactive and gamification experiences. That helps drive audience retention and education, delivering real-time engagement, party noted in announcing the deal. Added broadcast elements include:

  • predictions
  • polls
  • trivia
  • fun facts
  • notifications
  • emoji sliders and raters

The features will launch initially on the Twitch desktop platform only, but will expand to mobile devices at a later date.

Operators looking for added value in streaming

The agreement comes at a time when sports have moved beyond just a passive viewing experience. With fantasy gaming, fans are now part of the action as an event unfolds.

Live, in-game sports betting has also become extremely popular among gamblers. The new Sport Buff partypoker offerings may be a way of reaching that segment of poker players.

Watching a stream becomes more interactive, albeit maybe not to the level of daily fantasy and sports betting. Sports Buff officials have high hopes of supercharging the partypoker Twitch experience.

“We’re excited to partner with partypoker to power their poker broadcasts with our next-generation gamification platform,” Sport Buff Vice President Brendan Stock said.

“Together, we are going to change the way that people watch and consume live poker competitions, by driving real-time interaction between the broadcast and the audience. We are going to innovate together to build fun, unique experiences for partypokerTV viewers.”

Sport Buff and partypoker are hoping for a full rollout during the just-announced WPT Online Series. That series runs May 14 to June 2 and players can check out the new Twitch offering.

★★★ Looking to get in the partypoker action? Click here for a complete site review and exclusive PokerScout bonus offers. ★★★

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PokerStars Beefs Up Ambassador Squad With Six New Signings

PokerStars recently announced the signing of six new ambassadors.

During the poker boom of the 2000s, it seemed every player who’d won a tournament signed an ambassador deal. Those sponsorships are now more difficult to come by and often require more than just live tournament results.

On Tuesday, PokerStars announced the signing of six ambassadors and several bring more than just winning statistics. As poker sites work to bring more players into the game, often a player’s platform may be as important as winnings. Personality helps too.

Five of the six new PokerStars players are Twitch streams and just a couple stand out in live tournaments. The deals signal where online poker stands now, with a player’s community a major factor in representing a brand.

Beyond that, another interesting note is the inclusion of two Americans from the state of Pennsylvania. This may signal how PokerStars sees the possibility for growth in the US market.

Adding to the PokerStars team

A few of the new PokerStars team members may be recognizable for poker fans. Those include poker pros Sam Grafton and Parker “tonkaaaaP” Talbot.

A few up and coming Twitch streamers also join the mix including:

  • Andre “ACoimbraPoker” Coimbra
  • Lasse “WisternJL” Jagd Lauritsen
  • Keith “AccidentalGrenade” Becker
  • Mark “naigo1” Foresta

“We are proud to expand our team and welcome these brilliant ambassadors for the game to PokerStars,” company associate director of communities and partnerships Scott Goodall said in a news release.

“The cornerstones of our strategy are supporting poker players and poker streamers, in particular new talent who have tons of potential and drive to grow, alongside creating a fun and welcoming environment for our community on Twitch and in other spaces. We’re excited to bring on board our new ambassadors so they can share their journeys, inspire others, and most importantly have fun.”

Live poker crushers join PokerStars

Grafton may be the best known among the new ambassadors with more than $4.1 million in live tournament winnings. The English pro’s biggest live cash was in the 2019 EPT Barcelona Super High Roller, where he scored €1.3 million.

Sam Grafton

At PokerStars, Grafton will serve as a poker commentator as well as getting involved with content and activities.

“I’m really excited to join the team and I was really excited when I heard ‘tonkaaaaP’ was coming on board at the same time,” Grafton said of the news on Talbot’s on stream. “I’ve really enjoyed working with PokerStars over the last year, and now I’m contractually obliged to turn up anytime Joe Stapleton requests a commentary buddy.”

Parker Talbot

Talbot has more than $750,000 in live tournament winnings and more than $3 million online. The Canadian poker pro’s new role includes plenty of streaming and content creation.

Talbot is considered one of the best high stakes players on Twitch. Some

notable online wins include a $109,000 SCOOP score and a Super Tuesday win for over $100,000. He also has a WCOOP title after topping a field of 842 to win $51,000, 

“It’s going to be unreal, I’m very excited to join,” Talbot said on the PokerStars SCOOP Twitch stream.

Joining the PokerStars team, ready to stream

Streaming has become a bigger part of the PokerStars ambassador crew. Beyond Grafton, four other Twitch players also join the PokerStars crew with two from Europe.

Portugal’s Coimbra returns to the team with goals of growing his Twitch and social media communities. Another goal is winning a large live tournament.

Taking second in the TRIO series Main Event last year became his best streaming moment to date. Coimbra racked up his biggest score in a poker tournament with thousands of viewers following his action. 

 

“I’m very happy having the opportunity of joining Team Pro again and once again to be an ambassador for my favorite poker site,” he said.

Lasse Jagd Lauritsen

Lauritsen is from Denmark and loves poker streaming. The 23-year-old goes live as much as six days a week and is looking to grow his community.

His online platform involves “drinking coffee and talking about the most random stuff,” his Twitch bio notes.

Reaching out to US players with new streamers

Two of the more interesting additions might be two American players. The US market may be more open for online poker after a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Online poker is now legal in six states with others considering legalization. PokerStars now operates platforms in three US states:

Two of the new ambassadors stream their action from Pennsylvania. Becker fell in love with poker while playing with friends. His competitive drive inspired him to take poker seriously.

“Keith will be streaming on PokerStars PA and his aims are to break down the walls for those new to poker and bring more people to the game,” the company notes in a news release.

Mark Foresta

Rising Twitch streamer Foresta rounds out the new PokerStars ambassadors. He’s also looking forward to streaming on PokerStars PA.

The company notes that his goals of “inspiring others to enjoy the game and being able to share streaming successes with his community.”

★★★ Ready to get in the action at PokerStars? Click here for a complete site review with exclusive USPoker bonus offers. ★★★

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Omaha Takes Spotlight With New GGPoker Stream Team, $7 Million ‘Omahaolics’ Series

GGPoker announced a new Omaha series as well as a streaming team devoted to the game.

Omaha fans have plenty to look forward to at GGPoker. On Wednesday, the site announced a new Omaha series starting on Sunday as well as a streaming team devoted to the game.

The efforts focus on the growing number of fans of the game. That starts with the unveiling of the new OmahaSquad.

New GGPoker squad devoted to Omaha

Like many online poker operators, GGPoker hosts a roster of Twitch streamers. However, the company’s OmahaSquad is specific to just the popular four-card game.

As the company notes, the team is composed of some of “the most exciting Omaha experts in today’s game.” The squad will represent GG in both live and online poker events.

The group becomes a focal point for players who love Omaha cash games and tournaments. GG announced that Sasha Liu joins Fernando “JNandezPoker” Habegger as a founding member of OmahaSquad.

“When GGPoker approached me to be part of the newly-formed OmahaSquad it was an easy decision for me,” Liu said in a news release. “From our very first conversation, it was clear to me that GGPoker shared my passion for Omaha, and I look forward to working closely with JNandez and the rest of the team to grow this great game I love so much.”

Liu is based in Germany and a respected Omaha tournament and cash game player. She made some news in 2019 by winning back-to-back Pot Limit Omaha tournaments at the Wynn in Las Vegas.

Recently, Liu added a Pot Limit Omaha title on the Asian Poker Tour. She’s now happy to join the Omaha team at GG.

 

GGPoker Omaha Series kicks off Sunday

To celebrate all things Omaha, GGPoker has more news in store for players. The Omaholic Series runs March 14-28 with $7 million in overall guarantees.

The series features 105 events with buy-ins ranging from $10.50 to $10,300. Players will find a wide range of Omaha events including bounty events, high rollers, and more. Some of the highlights include:

  • $315 Bounty King (March 14) – $75,000 guaranteed
  • $10,300 Super High Roller (March 14) – $500,000 guaranteed
  • $55 Mini Main Event (multiple starting flights, March 13-21) – $500,000 guaranteed
  • $400 Main Event (multiple starting flights, March 21-28) – $1 million guaranteed

“In recent months, the poker team has worked closely with JNandez in designing our first Omaholics Series,” GGPoker director of sponsorships and live events John Scanlon said.

“Omaha is such a fantastic game and we look forward to collaborating with both Sasha and JNandez to further enhance our offering and promote Omaha to a wider audience across the entire GGPoker Network.”

Here’s a look at the complete series.

2021 GGPoker Omaholic Series

DateEventBuy-inGuarantee
Mar 13Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 13Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 13Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 13Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 13Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 14Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 14Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 14Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 14Event #1: Omaholic Hundred Stack $840$840$100,000
Mar 14Mini #1: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$30,000
Mar 14Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 14Event #2: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$100,000
Mar 14Mini #2: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$30,000
Mar 14Event #3: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$75,000
Mar 14Mini #3: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$20,000
Mar 14Event #4: Omaholic Super High Roller $10,300$10,300$500,000
Mar 14Mini #4: Omaholic Super Low Roller $15$15$10,000
Mar 14Event #5: Omaholic Sunday Special $525$525$75,000
Mar 14Mini #5: Omaholic Sunday Special $55$55$20,000
Mar 14Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 14Event #6: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$15,000
Mar 14Mini #6: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$7,500
Mar 14Event #7: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$20,000
Mar 14Mini #7: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$10,000
Mar 14Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Event #8: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 15Mini #8: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Event #9: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 15Mini #9: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 15Event #10: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 15Mini #10: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 15Event #11: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 15Mini #11: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 15Event #12: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 15Mini #12: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 15Event #13: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 15Mini #13: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 15Event #14: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 15Mini #14: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 15Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Event #15: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 16Mini #15: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Event #16: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 16Mini #16: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 16Event #17: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 16Mini #17: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 16Event #18: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 16Mini #18: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 16Event #19: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 16Mini #19: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 16Event #20: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 16Mini #20: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 16Event #21: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 16Mini #21: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 16Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Event #22: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 17Mini #22: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Event #23: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 17Mini #23: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 17Event #24: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 17Mini #24: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 17Event #25: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 17Mini #25: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 17Event #26: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 17Mini #26: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 17Event #27: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 17Mini #27: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 17Event #28: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 17Mini #28: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 17Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Event #29: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 18Mini #29: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Event #30: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 18Mini #30: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 18Event #31: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 18Mini #31: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 18Event #32: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 18Mini #32: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 18Event #33: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 18Mini #33: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 18Event #34: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 18Mini #34: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 18Event #35: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 18Mini #35: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 18Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Event #36: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 19Mini #36: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Event #37: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 19Mini #37: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 19Event #38: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 19Mini #38: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 19Event #39: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 19Mini #39: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 19Event #40: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 19Mini #40: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 19Event #41: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 19Mini #41: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 19Event #42: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 19Mini #42: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 19Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Event #43: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 20Mini #43: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Event #44: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 20Mini #44: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 20Event #45: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 20Mini #45: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 20Event #46: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 20Mini #46: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 20Event #47: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 20Mini #47: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 20Event #48: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 20Mini #48: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 20Event #49: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 20Mini #49: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 20Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day1]$55$500,000
Mar 21Event #50: Omaholic Hundred Stack $840$840$100,000
Mar 21Mini #50: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$30,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Last Chance]$55$500,000
Mar 21Event #51: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$100,000
Mar 21Mini #51: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$30,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Last Minute]$55$500,000
Mar 21Event #52: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$75,000
Mar 21Mini #52: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$20,000
Mar 21Event #53: Omaholic Super High Roller $10,300$10,300$500,000
Mar 21Mini #53: Omaholic Super Low Roller $15$15$10,000
Mar 21Omaholic Mini Main Event, $500K GTD [Day 2]$55$500,000
Mar 21Event #54: Omaholic Sunday Special $525$525$75,000
Mar 21Mini #54: Omaholic Sunday Special $55$55$20,000
Mar 21Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 21Event #55: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$15,000
Mar 21Mini #55: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$7,500
Mar 21Event #56: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$20,000
Mar 21Mini #56: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$10,000
Mar 21Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 22Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 22Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 22Event #57: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 22Mini #57: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 22Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 22Event #58: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 22Mini #58: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 22Event #59: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 22Mini #59: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 22Event #60: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 22Mini #60: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 22Event #61: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 22Mini #61: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 22Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 22Event #62: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 22Mini #62: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 22Event #63: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 22Mini #63: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 22Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 23Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 23Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 23Event #64: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 23Mini #64: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 23Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 23Event #65: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 23Mini #65: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 23Event #66: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 23Mini #66: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 23Event #67: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 23Mini #67: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 23Event #68: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 23Mini #68: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 23Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 23Event #69: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 23Mini #69: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 23Event #70: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 23Mini #70: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 23Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 24Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 24Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 24Event #71: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 24Mini #71: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 24Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 24Event #72: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 24Mini #72: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 24Event #73: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 24Mini #73: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 24Event #74: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 24Mini #74: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 24Event #75: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 24Mini #75: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 24Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 24Event #76: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 24Mini #76: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 24Event #77: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 24Mini #77: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 24Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 25Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 25Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 25Event #78: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 25Mini #78: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 25Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 25Event #79: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 25Mini #79: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 25Event #80: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 25Mini #80: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 25Event #81: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 25Mini #81: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 25Event #82: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 25Mini #82: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 25Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 25Event #83: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 25Mini #83: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 25Event #84: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 25Mini #84: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 25Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 26Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 26Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 26Event #85: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 26Mini #85: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 26Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 26Event #86: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 26Mini #86: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 26Event #87: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 26Mini #87: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 26Event #88: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 26Mini #88: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 26Event #89: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 26Mini #89: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 26Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 26Event #90: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 26Mini #90: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 26Event #91: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 26Mini #91: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 26Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 27Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 27Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 27Event #92: Omaholic Forty Stack $840$840$40,000
Mar 27Mini #92: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$15,000
Mar 27Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 27Event #93: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$30,000
Mar 27Mini #93: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$15,000
Mar 27Event #94: Omaholic Daily Main $250$250$25,000
Mar 27Mini #94: Omaholic Mini Main $25$25$10,000
Mar 27Event #95: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$25,000
Mar 27Mini #95: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$10,000
Mar 27Event #96: Omaholic Second Chance $125$125$15,000
Mar 27Mini #96: Omaholic Second Chance $15$15$5,000
Mar 27Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 27Event #97: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$10,000
Mar 27Mini #97: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$5,000
Mar 27Event #98: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$15,000
Mar 27Mini #98: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$7,500
Mar 27Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 28Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 28Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 28Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day1]$400$1,000,000
Mar 28Event #99: Omaholic Hundred Stack $840$840$100,000
Mar 28Mini #99: Omaholic Monster Stack $88$88$30,000
Mar 28Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Last Chance]$400$1,000,000
Mar 28Event #100: Omaholic Bounty Bash HR $525$525$100,000
Mar 28Mini #100: Omaholic Bounty Bash $52.50$52.50$30,000
Mar 28Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Last Minute]$400$1,000,000
Mar 28Event #101: Omaholic Bounty King $315$315$75,000
Mar 28Mini #101: Omaholic Bounty King Jr $31.50$31.50$20,000
Mar 28Event #102: Omaholic Super High Roller $10,300$10,300$500,000
Mar 28Mini #102: Omaholic Super Low Roller $15$15$10,000
Mar 28Omaholic Main Event, $1M GTD [Day 2]$400$1,000,000
Mar 28Event #103: Omaholic Sunday Special $525$525$75,000
Mar 28Mini #103: Omaholic Sunday Special $55$55$20,000
Mar 28Event #104: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $105$105$15,000
Mar 28Mini #104: Omaholic Bounty Cooldown $10.50$10.50$7,500
Mar 28Event #105: Omaholic Bounty Closer $210$210$20,000
Mar 28Mini #105: Omaholic Bounty Closer $21$21$1

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BRANCHING OUT: YouTube Star ‘True Geordie’ Brings His Game to PokerStars in Ambassador Role

PokerStars ambassador True Geordie at the poker table..

PokerStars continues adding to its ambassador lineup with some players appealing to wider audiences. After recently announcing a deal with soccer star Neymar, the site has also added English YouTuber Brian “True Geordie” Davis.

True Geordie is no stranger to poker and the game has been a regular focus of his channel. The new deal follows a trend of adding ambassadors not seen as traditional poker pros.

Davis has almost 2 million subscribers on YouTube and 113,000 on Twitch. Those platforms are a major part of his role with the company as he charts his progress improving his skills.

“I’m delighted to bring a massive passion of mine to my audience,” he said in a news release. “People who know me well know that I give 100% to anything I enjoy and poker is no different. I’ve even drafted in some experts to train me up with the hope that one day I might be able to face the best in the game.”

Growing his presence with PokerStars

Adding True Geordie gives PokerStars a social media star who has a deep connection with his audience. Along with poker, Davis also streams about his love of soccer, mixed martial arts, and other topics.

That mix has the potential to bring new players into the PokerStars universe. Playing at the site won’t be a new experience for Davis and he’s partnered with PokerStars in the past. That included playing in the Stadium Series over the summer.

As part of that promotion, True Geordie played against other well-known YouTubers. He also participated in the Stars Call for Action COVID relief event.

Reaching a wide audience

Davis now joins the PokerStars fold with content geared toward poker fans and his regular viewers alike. Fans can follow his journey to improve his poker skills.

The ultimate goal is to transition from a recreational player to a professional with viewers along for the ride.

“PokerStars are the best at what they do and becoming a member of the team really is a proud moment for me,” Davis said. “I have to say a big thank you to PokerStars, who are ahead of the game in supporting digital creators and their content.”

As part of his new ambassador announcement, Geordie released a short film last week. The Showdown documents a cash game between Davis and some friends.

Fans can look forward to live streams of True Geordie playing home games and freerolls. They’ll have a shot to even get in on the action and play along with him.

“Over the next twelve months,” he said, “I hope to improve my game, play with my audience and against some of the best players in the world to show just how entertaining, fun and mentally challenging poker can be.”

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BIG DEAL: Partypoker Brings Together Poker, Esports for Major Streaming Event

Partypoker's Big Deal brings together players from the world of poker and esports.

It’s no secret that Twitch has become a major part of the online poker world. Poker operators have also made efforts at reaching the growing number of esports players.

On Saturday, partypoker offers a unique event featuring both. Famous faces from the worlds of poker and gaming square off in The Big Deal. The 48-player invitational freeroll features a $50,000 prize pool.

During the event players will be streaming the action to their own unique audiences. The goal is to reach more Twitch viewers and esports players who might be interested in poker. Party officials hope to continue the effort with other events, including the upcoming Caribbean Poker Party. 

 

“This is an experiment for us, and we are essentially exposing our brand to a wider audience, while also bringing an exciting new concept for our current players to watch and enjoy,” partypoker marketing director Vadim Soloveychik told PokerScout.

“Additionally, we want to showcase our streaming capabilities, as we have done with previous well-developed series on partypokertv; most notably the WPT World Online Championships earlier this year.”

Massive online poker streaming experience

Twitch allows operators to spotlight events during major tournament series. Along with some big poker and streaming fun, partypoker has more plans.

The company is hoping to break the record for the number of concurrent viewers for a poker stream. Some of the players involved include:

  • Jeff Gross – partypoker Twitch team
  • Matt Staples – partypoker Twitch team
  • Benjamin Rolle – RaiseYourEdge poker trainer
  • Jaime Staples – poker pro
  • Troels “SyndereN” Nielsen and Ted J. Forsyth (aka “Pyrion Flax“) – Dota 2 players
  • Jeffrey “SjoW” Brusi – a former professional poker player who later became known for his StarCraft II skills
  • “Quill18” – a strategy game streamer

Big Deal shows how important Twitch can be to bring more players into the game. Educating others via the platform is a major aspect of the event.

“Twitch is the leading gaming content platform, so it’s very important for us,” Soloveychik said. “It’s a platform that has been used by us for many tournaments in the past and several Team partypoker pros use Twitch to stream their content.

“We expect to continue to use Twitch so long as we feel it is a great platform for our content.”

Showing off the partypoker platform, adding some new wrinkles

During the freeroll action, streamers will discuss their play with viewers on their own channels. Players will have an added incentive to eliminate opponents, with a unique twist to a traditional tournament.

All players must be knocked out three times before they exit the tournament. The player making the elimination then “raids” the other player’s viewers. Raids help streamers send viewers to another channel at the end of their stream. 

Poker streamer Jeff Gross will be among those participating in partypoker’s “Big Deal.” (photo courtesy WPT/Joe Giron)

“This is a unique feature for this event to allow the poker action to continue longer,” Soloveychik said. “We have experimented with the format to tailor our content specifically to the Twitch audience.

“Things like three knockouts and raiding audiences as a bounty are among a number of things we would like to test out with Twitch. This is a show for Twitch viewers first and foremost, so we hope they will like it.”

Esports production company Beyond the Summit will provide hero content for partypokerTV throughout the tournament. This includes feature tables with notable players as well as highlights from others.

The company has gone the extra mile to make it a special event. Viewers will see cards-up coverage and the final table will be streamed live.

Poker pro and commentator Maria Ho, along with poker streamer Joey Ingram, will provide commentary. 

“We are excited to host The Big Deal,” Soloveychik added. “I’m sure it will be fun to watch.”

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STREAMING STAR: ‘Big Brother’ Winner Kevin Martin Joins GGPoker Twitch Stream Squad

Kevin Martin knows what it’s like to be under pressure – and not just at the poker table. The 27-year-old poker pro is a two-time competitor on the Canadian version of Big Brother – winning in 2017 for $100,000 and a new car.

“I could write a full book on this,” he says laughing about his time on the reality show. “It was intense – the most rewarding and difficult experience I’ve ever encountered. I say the mental game of poker is easy compared to Big Brother.”

The native of Calgary, Alberta, now has another interesting bullet point to his resumé. Martin is the first member of GGPoker’s new GGSquad stream team. He looks forward to a fun new page in his media and poker life.

“My role at GGPoker is to continue making the best poker shows possible while also bringing that extra level of community relations,” he says, “continuing to make poker more accessible and enjoyable to the common player.”

Big Brother and a life at the poker table

The new role with GGPoker comes after a life of making lofty goals. As a teenager, those included getting cast on and then winning Big Brother.

“It is surreal I accomplished it,” he says. “There were no other poker players, just a bunch of wild, beautiful people.”

Before his score in reality television, the poker table was his daily reality. He got into the game in 2014, playing live and devouring all the basic strategy content he could.

Martin loves the mano a mano nature of the game – flipping the odds in his favor. After getting into the game, he believed success would head his way if he continued to apply himself.

After three months, Martin quit his job in radio to pursue his new passion full time. So far that’s worked out well. He has more than $300,000 in live tournament earnings as well as additional online winnings. Letting his family know about his new career wasn’t easy.

A look at new GGSquad member Kevin Martin at the mic.

“I come from a conservative religious family so the original response was quite poor,” he says. “It didn’t deter me though, I knew what I was capable of.

“Thankfully after some of the success I’ve had, they’ve come around to it. They always support me. I’m sure if I made a call to my mom and told her I’m going to change my career to something else she would be happy deep down.”

A Twitch poker original

When Twitch launched in 2011, the platform was meant for video gaming. In fact, it was against the terms of service to stream poker until 2015.

“As soon as that changed my friend Jaime Staples predicted it would be huge and encouraged me to get involved,” Martin says.

Streaming has now become a growing poker trend and that’s included significantly growing numbers during the Coronavirus pandemic. But just five years ago it was a completely new phenomenon for the game.

Martin jumped on board and began betting and bluffing in this new media realm. He became one of the first people to use the platform. What sets his stream apart from others? 

“I’ve been told my stream is relatable,” he says. “People feel it’s a good atmosphere and that I present a nice relaxed and enjoyable presence.

“I appreciate the kind words I am just out here trying to make the best shows possible while also winning some money”

Streaming the WSOP at GGPoker

A rapport with viewers and building an audience is important for any streamer. Martin must have succeeded and GGPoker came calling after he took a break from content creation in 2019.

Then the World Series of Poker Online brought him back to the action. 

“For the first time ever the WSOP was going to be an online event due to the pandemic and I had a sense of how epic the series was going to be,” he says.

“John Scanlon [GG director of live events and sponsorships] got in touch because they liked the stuff I was making. We collaborated through the whole WSOP and put on some amazing streams. I consider it the best stuff I have made in the last five years.”

The WSOP streaming partnership went so well that his role was recently made official. He’s now a brand ambassador as part of the GGSquad streaming team.

“GGPoker really has exploded this past year,” Martin says, “and it’s a fresh and exciting brand to work with.”

Super Saturdays with the GG team

GGPoker is the fastest growing online poker site in the world. The site made big news in 2020 with its partnership with the WSOP. The site will also be hosting the Battle of Malta online in November.

Martin becomes a key part of the site’s content creation team. The GGSquad’s primary role is to engage and entertain GG fans and the wider poker community. That includes showcasing the brand with plenty of fun in mind.

GG’s new “Saturday Session” becomes a big part of that. Saturdays now feature a major site programming block on Twitch. Poker fans will find streams like:

  • Beat the Pros – Players who knock out Team GG pros Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier and others earn a seat in a $5,000 freeroll.
  • GGMasters Last Longer – Players can jump in the $25 GGMasters Daily and also earn a $210 Beat the Pros ticket.
  • GGStaker – Viewers will be awarded five $210 Beat the Pros tickets.
  • #SquadSession – GG players can jump in the low-stakes cash games with members of the GGSquad.

Other GGSquad founding members include: Michael “Easterdamnz” Van Elsacker; Torsten “Jektiss” Brinkman; Patrick “IrEgption” Tardif; Koray “KakiTee” Turker; and Fernando “JNandezPoker” Habegger.

“I’m thrilled to welcome both Kevin and the five other founding team members to GGSquad,” Scanlon says. “These players are some of the most exciting around, and engaging with our community each week during our Saturday Sessions, they will make GGPoker an even more fun place to play poker.”

New online poker boom, growing the game

It’s been a huge year for online poker and GGPoker has certainly been a big part of that. Martin hopes the current environment gets even more people interested in poker. He’s hoping his own streaming efforts can also help that trend.

“It’s great to see more people get into the game,” Martin says. “I’ve always believed that poker content plays a big part. Having fun personalities stream poker and make YouTube videos really does bring in a lot of people.”

Online poker operators need to keep adapting, Martin says. He believes GGPoker is doing that and one of the reasons he’s been such a fan of the company.

“They’ve added so many new features and fun elements this past year,” he says. “I’ve never seen a poker company improve their product faster.”

When not streaming, Martin enjoys working out. His girlfriend is a personal trainer, he’s been getting into weightlifting more. He’s also obsessed with golf, but the recent Calgary snowfall has curtailed that for now.

Always a goal setter, he hopes to break 80 but has come up just short so far. While Martin’s time in the tee box may be on hold for a while, look for him right back streaming on GG soon. Pleased with his new role, Martin hopes to be a big part of GG’s expanded move into Twitch streaming.

“Life is good,” he says. “I am a very blessed individual and I’m excited for what the future holds. Come hang out with me on Twitch; we always have a good time.”

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ISLANDS IN THE STREAM: PokerStars Twitch Efforts Show Industry’s Focus on Platform

Partypoker is ramping up interaction and fan engagement on its Twitch streams thanks to a new deal with Sport Buff.

Not only has online poker been on the rise during the Coronavirus pandemic, Twitch Poker has also seen an increase in streamers and viewers. PokerStars recently added some extra incentive to get in the action by giving away $50,000.

The site gave away chests worth up to $215 every day to players watching PokerStars streamers. This promotion is part of a growing trend toward the platform over the last few years.

“We’ve always been extremely passionate about Twitch,” associate director of public relations Rebecca McAdam Willetts says. “It allows a true window into the mind of professional players and enables viewers to join in for the ride.

“We will continue to invest in Twitch and our Twitch community. Really, even after years of pushing the boundaries with this platform, we’re only just warming up.”

That sentiment could go for much of the industry as well.

Winning with PokerStars Twitch

To take part in the promotion, viewers had to link their PokerStars and Twitch accounts. They then needed to have their stream chat open while watching a PokerStars-affiliated streamer.

The promotion ran throughout much of the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP). The goal is to allow players to experience their own winning moments while also watching content produced on Twitch.

Content primarily focuses on online events, including cash games, and European Poker Tour stops. However, Twitch users can also find other streams including: 

  • PokerStars School – Providing tips and lessons as well as new game format tutorials. • PokerStars ambassadors GJ and Pye – The pair’s regular dual stream showcases low buy-in events accessible to low-stakes players.

“PokerStars Twitch is the host channel for an abundance of different types of poker content,” Willetts says. “There’s always something on to entertain or educate on our channel and our Twitch audience is very active and engaged. It’s a fun place to be for any poker fan.”

That includes incorporating the PokerStars Twitch channel into the new “Rail” feature. The Rail offers players a personalized online experience and to incorporate some of their own poker interests. Some of those include:

  • Social media
  • PokerStars School
  • Multimedia content
  • Upcoming major events
  • Recent games played
  • Personalized videos
  • Recent big wins
  • Challenges and promotions

The new feature can also incorporate the PokerStars Twitch stream as well as those of site ambassadors. Beyond that, some non-affiliated streamers will also be included.

“It’s a great place for any poker fan to find video content to watch while they play,” Willetts says.

Record breaking poker streaming

PokerStars ambassador Lex Veldhuis streamed much of his action during the SCOOP series. He and fellow ambassadors Fintan Hand and “Spraggy” made impressive runs for viewers on Twitch.

Hand won an event live on stream, and Lex and Spraggy both made the final 40 of the $10,000 SCOOP Main Event. These finishes live on Twitch may be an example of how poker streamers can bring new players and fans to the game.

Veldhuis peaked at 58,0000 viewers, breaking the Twitch record for concurrent viewers on a poker stream. He also briefly reached the top spot watched channel on Twitch, beating 125,000 other streamers.

More viewers, players, and poker sites going to Twitch for poker

Beyond online events, Twitch has become the place for other “live” events as well. PokerStars recently ran its “Stars CALL for Action” celebrity game charity initiative using the platform. 

Viewers could tune in and check out the action with a host of big names battling it out. Those checking out the action could also donate themselves to the $1 million Coronavirus relief effort.

In recent years, PokerStars moved beyond its Twitch channel being a standalone offering. The site makes use of content formats, tools, and widgets on the Twitch platform itself for a more immersive experience.

The Twitch channel also facilitates more promotional opportunities to reach out to players. Those linking their accounts can take part in community giveaways and exclusive challenges only available to Twitch viewers.

“Integration is important to us,” Willetts says, “and an area we intend to spend more time on.”

Others in the industry are also focusing on Twitch. Longtime poker pro Jason Somerville was a bit of a pioneer making use of the platform. Jeff Gross and Jaime Staples have also been streaming their action for years.

Both are ambassadors for partypoker, which also makes major use of the platform. Party recently streamed action from the online Super High Roller Bowl.

GGPoker also recently launched its own Twitch channel and hopes to create a following for its tournament series. The World Poker Tour has also made use of its Twitch channel for its new celebrity fundraising game in partnership with Budweiser.

The WPT also spotlights its own ClubWPT sweepstakes poker site on Twitch as does Global Poker.

With growing numbers of viewers and streamers, Twitch remains an important part of the poker world. With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down major tournament poker, it also remains a nice alternative for fans to find some live poker to watch.