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Category: Poker

  • David Coleman’s Bold Bluff at the 2025 U.S. Poker Open Ends in Heartbreak

    David Coleman’s Bold Bluff at the 2025 U.S. Poker Open Ends in Heartbreak

    The poker world was left breathless after an incredible sequence of events at the final table of the 2025 U.S. Poker Open’s $15,000 no-limit hold’em event. With just six players remaining, a colossal clash took place between two of the game’s brightest stars: Alex Foxen, the chip leader, and David Coleman, the 2024 GPI Player of the Year. What followed was a dramatic poker confrontation that left everyone wondering: could Coleman’s audacious double-check raise bluff actually pay off?

    The Scene: A Tense Final Table

    As the tournament heated up, the stakes were undeniably high. With the blinds at 25,000-50,000 and a 50,000 big blind ante, the chips were in play, and the action was fast-paced. At the center of it all, Alex Foxen, known for his aggressive style, was leading the pack with approximately 3.9 million in chips. His opponent, David Coleman, had about 2.05 million, but his reputation as a fierce competitor and seasoned player had him poised to make a big move.

    It was from this tension-filled setup that the hand of the tournament began to unfold.

    The Pre-Flop Battle: Foxen Takes the Lead

    Foxen, holding K♥ K♦, opened the betting from the cutoff with a raise to 100,000. His hand—pocket kings—was certainly strong, but it was a hand that Coleman had some potential to play against. Coleman, with a more modest hand of J♠ 8♠ in the big blind, defended and called.

    The flop came down K♣ 9♦ 2♠, giving Foxen a set of kings, a dream flop for a player holding such a strong pair. Coleman, on the other hand, had little to connect with but still found himself in a spot where the game could unfold in unpredictable ways.

    Foxen led out with a bet of 70,000. The size of the bet was designed to give Coleman a chance to act, and act he did. Rather than just folding or calling, Coleman opted for a bold check-raise to 280,000. This was an indication that Coleman wasn’t simply giving up on the hand—he was trying to take control of the situation.

    Foxen, with his overwhelming advantage, called. At this point, Card Player Poker Odds calculated Foxen’s chances at a staggering 94% to win the hand. It seemed as though Coleman was already looking for a miracle to stay alive in the pot.

    The Turn: A Glimmer of Hope for Coleman

    The turn card, the 10♠, was a moment of dramatic tension. For Foxen, it was another card that kept him well ahead, giving him a strong top set with three kings on the board. But for Coleman, the 10♠ provided an opportunity he couldn’t ignore. The card gave him a flush draw and an open-ended straight draw. Suddenly, his odds of winning the hand went from a mere 6% to 30%.

    Coleman checked again. The ball was now back in Foxen’s court, and the chip leader didn’t hesitate. He bet 280,000, a third of the pot. It was a standard-sized bet, one designed to keep pressure on Coleman while maintaining control of the hand.

    Coleman, undeterred by the odds, made a move that would become the talk of the tournament.

    The Bluff: David Coleman’s Double Check-Raise All-In

    After a brief pause, Coleman decided to go for broke. He put in a massive double check-raise jam, pushing all of his remaining chips into the middle. The move was aggressive, daring, and full of guts. Coleman was risking everything on the hope that Foxen would fold, or at least make a mistake.

    Foxen, with his monster set of kings, didn’t even think twice. He snap-called. At that moment, the pot ballooned to an enormous 4,075,000 chips, creating an intense standoff between the two players. As the cards were revealed, it was clear that Coleman’s daring play was going to come up short.

    Foxen held a dominating position with his set of kings, while Coleman was left hoping for a miracle.

    The River: The Final Twist

    The river card, however, was not to be Coleman’s salvation. The board completed with the 3♣, leaving Foxen’s set of kings as the winning hand. Coleman’s double check-raise bluff had fallen short, and his tournament life was officially over.

    Foxen, on the other hand, continued to build his chip stack, and his decisive play at this moment marked a critical point in his pursuit of victory at the 2025 U.S. Poker Open.

    Why This Hand Will Go Down in Poker Lore

    What made this hand so memorable wasn’t just the enormous pot or the high stakes of the tournament. It was the psychology behind Coleman’s play and Foxen’s confident call. Poker is often as much about reading your opponent as it is about the cards you hold, and this hand exemplified that to perfection.

    Coleman’s decision to go for the double check-raise all-in was both a gamble and a testament to his belief in the power of pressure. For a brief moment, it seemed as if Foxen might be intimidated into folding. But in the end, Foxen’s unflappable nature and confidence in his hand led him to make the right call, crushing Coleman’s chances.

    For poker fans, this hand will surely be discussed for years to come. It’s a prime example of what makes the game so unpredictable and exciting. Coleman’s fearless move may have cost him the pot, but it added another unforgettable moment to the 2025 U.S. Poker Open.

  • Chino Rheem Clinches $295K Victory at PokerGO PLO Series, Crosses $16M in Career Winnings

    Chino Rheem Clinches $295K Victory at PokerGO PLO Series, Crosses $16M in Career Winnings

    Chino Rheem’s done it again — and this time, he’s crossed a major milestone in the process. The high-stakes grinder took down Event No. 4 of the 2025 PokerGO Tour Pot-Limit Omaha Series, a $10,000 buy-in tournament that pulled in 118 entries, netting him a cool $295,000 and pushing his lifetime live earnings over $16 million.

    It’s a familiar sight by now: Rheem, calm and composed, scooping up big pots on the final day under the bright lights of PokerGO Studio. But make no mistake — this one mattered.

    Rheem Adds Another Trophy to an Already Stacked Résumé

    Rheem isn’t new to the winner’s circle. This marked his fifth PokerGO Tour title and second victory of the year, continuing a 2025 run that’s gaining serious traction. He’s also been a WPT Main Event champ three times, won the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in 2019, and final-tabled just about everything else.

    Yet, there’s one glaring gap in his trophy case — a World Series of Poker bracelet.

    He came close, painfully close, way back in 2008. That year, he finished seventh in the WSOP Main Event and took home $1.77 million. Still no bracelet. You’d think he’d be salty, but Rheem plays it cool. “It’ll come when it comes,” he’s said before.

    Now, with this PLO victory, he’s the proud owner of $16,002,538 in career earnings. That’s not just big — that’s poker royalty level.

    Six Survivors, One Champion

    From the jump, the tournament had firepower. With 118 entries building a hefty $1.18 million prize pool, there was plenty on the line. Only 17 players cashed. Just six made it to Day 2.

    And what a six they were. Familiar names lurked all over the Day 1 leaderboard. Nick Schulman, Jeremy Ausmus, Sean Winter — all deep runs. None of them made the final six.

    One by one, contenders fell. By the end of it, it was Rheem left standing. Calm, efficient, ruthless.

    One sentence break here.

    Poker fans watching from home saw a masterclass in controlled aggression. Not flashy. Just effective.

    Leaderboard Shifts: POY and PGT Points Pile Up

    The victory didn’t just pad Rheem’s bank account. It gave him a big push in this year’s race for the Card Player Player of the Year (POY) and the season-long PokerGO Tour (PGT) standings.

    He bagged 600 POY points with this result. That moves him up to 40th on the 2025 leaderboard. All four of his final tables this year have come in PGT events — consistency at the highest level.

    Where does that put him in the PGT standings? Fourth place overall, as of now.

    That’s a serious run. Especially when you consider we’re still in Q1.

    • Rheem’s 2025 Poker Highlights (So Far):

      • 2 Titles

      • 4 Final Table Appearances

      • Over $500K in Cashes

      • 4th in PGT Standings

      • 40th in Global POY Leaderboard

    He’s heating up. If he keeps up this pace, there’s no telling where he’ll land by year-end.

    Familiar Faces Run Deep — But Fall Short

    A few big names made deep runs in Event #4, but couldn’t quite close the gap.

    Alex Foxen? Out in 16th. Nick Schulman? 14th. Jeremy Ausmus? 13th. Dylan Linde, Lautaro Guerra, and Sean Winter were all in the top 10 — but none made Day 2.

    That’s poker.

    It’s worth noting that this wasn’t some soft field. This was a shark tank from top to bottom. The PokerGO Studio is known for that — high buy-ins, small fields, and nearly every player being a threat to win.

    In that environment, winning even one event is impressive. Winning five? That’s legacy-level stuff.

    Here’s a quick look at how the final payouts stacked up:

    Place Player Prize Money
    1st Chino Rheem $295,000
    2nd (Not disclosed) TBD
    3rd (Not disclosed) TBD
    4th-6th — —

    The full list hasn’t been published yet, but Rheem’s name at the top is all you need to know.

    One More Step Toward a Career Peak?

    It’s easy to forget sometimes just how long Rheem has been around. He’s not a young gun anymore. But he’s not slowing down, either.

    The way he’s been playing in 2025 — steady, smart, surgical — it feels like he’s building toward something bigger. Maybe a WSOP bracelet this summer? Maybe a Player of the Year run?

    Or maybe… just more wins.

    One sentence here too.

    Whatever the case, Rheem’s on fire. And the poker world’s paying attention.

  • ACR Poker Bets Big on Speed with Lightning PKOs for Time-Starved Players

    ACR Poker Bets Big on Speed with Lightning PKOs for Time-Starved Players

    No time for a five-hour grind at the virtual felt? ACR Poker just flipped the table with a bold move that could change how players think about online tournaments — especially those who hate waiting.

    Meet Lightning PKOs — a new breed of progressive knockout tournaments that start and finish in just 45 minutes. Yeah, you read that right. You could be done before your takeout order arrives.

    What Makes Lightning PKOs So… Fast?

    It’s not just a gimmick. ACR Poker clearly did its homework. These events are built for speed from the ground up.

    Players start with only 10 big blinds. That’s razor-thin, giving almost no room for slow play or drawn-out strategies. And with late registration slammed shut after just 20 minutes, you better be in or you’re out.

    The goal? Knock players out. Take their bounties. Stack chips fast.

    One sentence: This is poker on espresso shots.

    To break it down:

    • Starting Stack: 10 big blinds

    • Late Registration: 20 minutes

    • Total Run Time: 45 minutes

    • Format: Progressive Knockout (PKO)

    • Buy-ins: $0.11, $0.53, $3.15, $10.50, $31.50

    It’s wild how much action gets crammed into such a short window. You barely have time to fold twice before someone at your table shoves all-in.

    Pocket Change to Power Plays: Entry Points for Every Bankroll

    This isn’t just for the high-rollers. ACR made sure the Lightning PKO lineup works for anyone — whether you’re messing around on a coffee break or actually chasing real money.

    Buy-ins start at a measly $0.11. That’s cheaper than a gas station coffee.

    You’ve got options, too:

    Buy-In Description
    $0.11 Microstakes, for casual fun
    $0.53 Low stakes, still very active
    $3.15 Popular entry point for grinders
    $10.50 Serious competition level
    $31.50 High stakes, high rewards

    It’s rare to find something that caters to this many player types in one format. That’s a big part of the appeal. You can warm up at the $0.11 tables, then take a swing at $10.50 during your lunch break.

    Mobile Players Finally Get a Tournament Worth Their Time

    Here’s the kicker: Lightning PKOs fit perfectly with ACR Poker’s mobile app.

    A lot of players skip tournaments because they don’t want to stare at a screen for hours, especially on the go. This setup flips that whole thing around. You’re done in 45 minutes — maybe less if you’re knocked out early (hey, it happens).

    Whether you’re in an Uber or waiting for boarding at the airport, these tournaments actually make sense for mobile.

    One sentence here: It’s snack-sized poker with a full-meal payout.

    New Players Get a Sweet Welcome on Top

    If you’re new to ACR Poker, now might be a solid time to give it a spin. They’re running a deposit bonus that matches your first deposit 100% up to $2,000.

    That’s double your money, up to two grand.

    No small print here — just a big fat bonus for jumping in. And yes, you can use that bonus bankroll to enter Lightning PKOs and potentially build it up even faster.

    Imagine turning a $0.53 buy-in into a few hundred bucks in under an hour. Not common, sure — but not impossible either, especially with the bounty factor.

    Poker is Changing — ACR is Betting Fast is the Future

    It’s not just about “faster” for the sake of it. ACR Poker seems to be tapping into something bigger — attention spans are shorter, schedules are tighter, but the hunger for action is still there.

    The long, slow tournament model has its place, but the surge of formats like Lightning PKOs could hint at where online poker is headed.

    It’s poker that respects your time. Doesn’t waste it. Doesn’t drag. You get in, throw some punches, grab some bounties, and get on with your day.

  • The Quiet Battle Over Cheating in Poker: Who’s Really Watching the Tables?

    The Quiet Battle Over Cheating in Poker: Who’s Really Watching the Tables?

  • From Finance Cubicle to Final Tables: David Coleman’s Rise in the Poker World

    From Finance Cubicle to Final Tables: David Coleman’s Rise in the Poker World

  • A Bluff for the Books: Cody Wiegmann’s Daring River Shove Forces a Fold from the Chip Leader

    A Bluff for the Books: Cody Wiegmann’s Daring River Shove Forces a Fold from the Chip Leader

    The hand started quietly enough—just another small blind versus big blind confrontation on the surface. But it didn’t take long before chips were flying, hearts were pounding, and two poker warriors found themselves toe-to-toe in a brutal psychological battle for millions of chips and a shot at the title.

    With the blinds at 100,000-200,000 and a 200,000 big blind ante, Dan Stavila—sitting on a comfortable chip lead—opened from the small blind to 600,000. Cody Wiegmann, from the big blind, made the call. That was the easy part.

    What came next was a showcase of fearless aggression, cold reads, and the kind of nerve only high-stakes final tables can inspire.

    The Flop: Opportunity in Disguise

    The flop came down dry: a ragged set of cards that didn’t help either player in any meaningful way. But poker isn’t just about what you hold—it’s about what you can represent.

    Stavila, holding Q♣4♣, had connected with the bottom card for a weak pair. It was hardly a hand to write home about, especially with no immediate straight or flush draw. He checked.

    Wiegmann, with J♦10♠, had missed entirely. Still, he smelled weakness and pounced with a 350,000 chip bet—a relatively modest stab into a pot that had already crept to 1.4 million.

    Stavila didn’t flinch. Call.

    The Turn: More Heart, Less Clarity

    The turn card added a second heart to the board and paired the middle card from the flop. While neither player’s hand improved, the texture got trickier. There were now more draws, more possibilities.

    Wiegmann sensed that and continued with another bet—700,000 this time. Not too big, not too small. Just enough to keep the pressure on without risking it all.

    Stavila, again, called. His bottom pair still held some value, and he wasn’t ready to give it up. The pot swelled to 3.5 million. Wiegmann, now left with just 2.3 million behind, had no more room to play coy.

    The River: A Bold Move at the Brink

    And then came the river—a meaningless 9♠. Neither player improved. Stavila checked for a third time.

    Then it happened.

    Wiegmann paused, stared at the chips in front of him, then at Stavila. A minute passed. Maybe more. Finally, he shoved his entire stack into the pot—2.3 million chips, a bet that represented nearly one-third of Stavila’s stack.

    The room went still.

    Stavila’s Dilemma: Hero Call or Let It Go?

    This was not just another decision.

    Stavila had every reason to call. He had a chip lead, a pair, and enough information to guess Wiegmann was light. But that’s the thing about poker—it’s easy to second-guess yourself when the stakes are sky high.

    His opponent had just pushed in his whole stack on a board that had run out dry. Was it value? Was it desperation? Or was it brilliance?

    Two minutes ticked by. Stavila didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Just stared.

    Then, finally, he let it go. Mucked his cards and conceded the pot.

    Who Really Won the Hand?

    Stavila technically lost that hand, but the fold allowed him to preserve his chip advantage. He still had enough firepower to take control of the match later on and eventually secure the win.

    Still, Wiegmann’s bluff was a moment. A serious moment.

    Here was a player with nothing—absolutely nothing—but the courage to send his last bullets into a pot against the chip leader on a final table stage. And he got it through.

    Let’s break down just how bold this really was:

    • Preflop: Stavila had Q-4 suited, Wiegmann J-10 offsuit. Slight edge, nothing major.

    • Flop: Stavila made bottom pair. Wiegmann completely missed.

    • Turn: No improvement for either. Wiegmann kept pressing.

    • River: Dead card. All-in bluff. Fold achieved.

    Wiegmann turned 0% equity into a 3.5 million-chip pot with nothing but willpower.

    One Move That Shifted the Balance

    The impact was immediate.

    Before the hand, Stavila had a huge chip lead. Afterward, Wiegmann had closed the gap, trailing by just nine big blinds. That’s a significant shift with only three players left.

    Let’s put the numbers in context:

    Player Stack Before Hand Stack After Hand Change
    Dan Stavila ~10,000,000 ~7,500,000 -2,500,000
    Cody Wiegmann ~3,000,000 ~5,300,000 +2,300,000

    Not only did Wiegmann boost his stack by 77%, but he also reminded the table—especially Stavila—that he wasn’t going anywhere without a fight.

    Final Result: Glory and Grit

    Despite losing this iconic hand, Stavila would bounce back. He adjusted, stayed calm, and ultimately claimed the title. First-place prize: $167,067. Wiegmann, for all his boldness, finished second, taking home $120,054.

    Still, the hand that people were talking about wasn’t the last one. It was that river shove. That stone-cold bluff. That pulse-raising, chip-swinging moment that reminded everyone just how brutal—and beautiful—poker can be.

    A lesser player might’ve folded preflop. Another might’ve checked the flop, given up on the turn. But Wiegmann? He went for it. All of it. And it worked.

  • Senior Sweep For Daniel Lowery Grows World Series of Poker Circuit Ring Count To 18

    Senior Sweep For Daniel Lowery Grows World Series of Poker Circuit Ring Count To 18

    March has seen some of the most intense action on the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) leaderboard, with top contenders adding to their titles. Among the standouts is Daniel Lowery, whose recent victories have propelled him to an impressive tie for second place with Maurice Hawkins.

    Maurice Hawkins and Ari Engel: Leading the Charge

    March kicked off with Maurice Hawkins making headlines after winning the WSOPC Horseshoe Baltimore main event on March 3, securing his 18th title and tying the leaderboard’s lead. Just days later, Ari Engel made his mark by clinching his 19th ring during an online event, surpassing Hawkins and regaining the top spot for himself.

    While the race for the top was heating up, one player was making his own moves in a different category. Daniel Lowery, a part-time poker player and sawmill owner from Arkansas, has been a consistent performer on the WSOPC circuit. One day after Engel’s victory, Lowery joined the ranks of the elite with a stunning win in the first of two seniors events at the 2025 WSOPC Hard Rock Tulsa stop.

    A Senior Sweep: Lowery’s Impressive Back-to-Back Wins

    Lowery’s success continued as he secured his 17th and 18th rings in back-to-back wins, both in seniors events. These events, which featured a $250 buy-in and were restricted to players aged 50 and over, saw Lowery triumph in competitive fields, with 448 entries in the first event and 399 entries in the second.

    In the first seniors event, Lowery took home a prize of $17,187. A week later, he triumphed again, adding another $15,831 to his total earnings. Both victories were significant as they showcased his incredible consistency and skill, particularly in a format where experience often plays a crucial role.

    “It’s been a really good run this season,” Lowery said after his victories. “The three rings I won this season have all been in Seniors events.” This was a noteworthy achievement for the poker veteran, who seems determined to continue his ascent.

    Setting His Sights on 20 Rings

    With two titles in hand, Lowery is now focused on his next milestone: securing his 20th WSOPC title. Having now tied Hawkins at 18 titles, he is firmly in the race to challenge Engel for the lead. “It means I’m two away from my goal. We’re not done, we have to get 20,” Lowery shared with WSOP reporters. “Ari’s jumped out ahead of us, so I’ll try to get 20 first.”

    Lowery’s journey to this point has been a remarkable one. With more than $1.9 million in earnings across 180 recorded cashes in WSOPC events, he’s become one of the most consistent players in the series. And while his focus is now on reaching the 20-ring milestone, Lowery’s story is not just about numbers. It’s a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game, especially considering his part-time poker status.

    Looking Ahead: The Road to 20 Rings

    As the 2025 WSOPC season continues, Lowery’s remarkable feat has earned him attention from his peers. Ari Engel, who is currently leading the WSOPC ring count, commented on Lowery’s achievements on social media, acknowledging the impressive accomplishment and hinting at what lies ahead for both players.

    Lowery’s path to 20 rings is far from certain, and the competition remains fierce. However, with his latest senior sweep and a clear goal in sight, it’s safe to say that the race is on.

  • Next Charity Series Of Poker Stop Heads To Seminole Hard Rock In Florida April 3

    Next Charity Series Of Poker Stop Heads To Seminole Hard Rock In Florida April 3

    The Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) is rolling into Florida once again, bringing high-stakes fun with a purpose. On April 3, poker enthusiasts will gather at the Seminole Hard Rock for an evening of competition and charity, all in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. With major prizes on the table and some well-known poker personalities expected to attend, this event promises to be one of the most exciting stops on the CSOP tour.

    A Night Of Cards, Cocktails, And Charity

    The evening kicks off at 5:30 PM in the Grand Ballroom of the Seminole Hard Rock, where attendees can enjoy a cocktail hour paired with hors d’oeuvres. The reception isn’t just about mingling—guests will also have a chance to bid in a silent auction benefiting Make-A-Wish. For those who prefer to skip the poker and just enjoy the atmosphere, tickets to the reception and auction are available for $100. The dress code? Business casual.

    By 7:00 PM, the real action begins. The charity poker tournament will see players battling it out in a turbo-structured event, where speed is the name of the game. With $5,000 in cash prizes up for grabs and a $3,500 seat to the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Poker Showdown championship on the line, competitors will have plenty of incentive to bring their best game.

    High-Stakes Prizes And Unlimited Re-Buys

    Poker is as much about skill as it is about opportunity, and this tournament is no different. Players will have a shot at approximately $15,000 in total cash prizes, including a $1,000 bonus for the chip leader at the break.

    • Buy-in: $300
    • Re-buys: Unlimited until registration closes
    • Main prizes: $5,000 cash, $3,500 WPT Seminole Poker Showdown seat
    • Additional rewards: Final table prizes, silent auction giveaways

    With unlimited re-buys until registration closes, those who don’t start strong still have a chance to climb back into contention. The final table is expected to be a thrilling showdown as players compete for the top prizes.

    A Star-Studded Poker Night

    Big names in the poker world are expected to be in attendance, adding even more prestige to the event. WPT Executive Tour Director Matt Savage is set to make an appearance, bringing his expertise and reputation to the tournament floor. Florida poker pro Michael Mizrachi, a player known for his aggressive and strategic play, is also expected to attend.

    Their presence not only elevates the competition but also underscores the importance of events like these. The CSOP has built a strong reputation for blending professional poker with charitable giving, and this event will be no different.

    The CSOP’s Growing Legacy

    Since its founding in 2014, the Charity Series of Poker has been a force for good in the poker world. The nonprofit organization was created by poker professional Matt Stout, who envisioned a way to leverage the game’s popularity to benefit important causes. Over the years, CSOP has organized numerous events, raising substantial funds for charities across the country.

    This latest tournament will mark the 81st stop for the series, further cementing its place as a premier charitable poker organization. With each event, the CSOP continues to prove that poker isn’t just about winning—it’s also about giving back.

  • Play’n GO to Stream Next.io’s New York Summit Live for the First Time

    Play’n GO to Stream Next.io’s New York Summit Live for the First Time

    iGaming powerhouse Play’n GO is making waves once again, this time by bringing the first-ever globally available live stream of Next.io’s prestigious New York Summit. Fresh off a record-breaking year in the U.S. market, the Swedish gaming giant is set to expand the reach of one of the most influential executive gatherings in the industry. The summit, taking place in Manhattan on March 12-13, promises to be a major milestone for both Play’n GO and the broader iGaming sector.

    A Game-Changing First for Next.io’s NYC Summit

    Next.io’s New York Summit has quickly become a must-attend event for top executives in the iGaming industry. Play’n GO, a long-time supporter of the event, is taking its commitment to the next level by ensuring a global audience can tune in for the first time. This move aligns with the company’s broader expansion strategy, especially after a year of exceptional growth in the U.S.

    The timing couldn’t be better. The company has seen a staggering 48% increase in U.S. player numbers in 2024, with January and February hitting record highs across key performance metrics. Play’n GO isn’t just attending the summit—it’s taking center stage, reinforcing its position as a major player in the American market.

    Play’n GO’s Heavyweights to Take the Stage

    Several top executives from Play’n GO will be leading discussions at the summit, tackling key topics shaping the future of iGaming. The lineup includes:

    • Magnus Olson, Chief Commercial Officer
    • Shawn Fluharty, Head of Government Affairs
    • Andrew Pink, Head of Brand & Communications
    • Anna Fältström, Regional Marketing Lead USA

    These representatives will be featured on panels across both days, covering everything from regulatory challenges to market trends. Additionally, they’ll play a major role in the event’s new one-day Responsible Gaming Summit, a topic that continues to gain traction in the industry.

    Why This Summit Matters for the iGaming Industry

    The Next.io Summit isn’t just another conference—it’s a key gathering that brings together regulators, operators, and technology providers under one roof. With discussions spanning compliance, innovation, and responsible gaming, the event sets the tone for the industry’s future.

    Play’n GO’s decision to stream the event live is a strategic move that extends its influence beyond the walls of the venue. By making the summit accessible worldwide, the company is positioning itself as a thought leader while amplifying conversations that impact the sector’s long-term sustainability.

    Play’n GO’s U.S. Momentum Shows No Signs of Slowing

    The company’s performance in the U.S. market has been nothing short of impressive. A 48% surge in player numbers within the first few months of 2024 is a clear indicator that Play’n GO’s strategy is working.

    Beyond player growth, the company has also seen record-high engagement levels and revenue figures. The momentum suggests that Play’n GO is not only capturing market share but also cementing itself as a go-to provider in regulated U.S. states.

    The Next.io Summit provides the perfect stage for Play’n GO to showcase its success while reinforcing its commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.

  • Poker Showdown at the Venetian: Ryan Laplante’s Strategic Triumph Over Victor Shih

    Poker Showdown at the Venetian: Ryan Laplante’s Strategic Triumph Over Victor Shih

    Victor Shih and Ryan Laplante found themselves in a high-stakes battle at the final table of the 2025 Card Player Poker Tour Venetian main event. With six players left and the blinds set at 40,000-80,000 with a big blind ante of 80,000, the hand started with Shih raising from under the gun. Laplante defended from the big blind, setting the stage for an intriguing post-flop confrontation. What followed was a mix of calculated aggression, a sneaky straight draw, and a disciplined call on the river that gave Laplante an important boost in chips.

    The Setup: Pocket Pairs Collide

    Laplante entered the final table in third place in chips but was quick to apply pressure on his opponents. As the action began, Shih, the chip leader at the time, opened the betting with pocket fives. His raise to 160,000 from under the gun was a standard play, looking to either take down the blinds or see a favorable flop.

    Laplante, holding pocket threes, decided to call from the big blind. With deep enough stacks, defending with a small pair was reasonable, especially against an opponent with a wide opening range. The move signaled his willingness to navigate post-flop play and put pressure on the leader if the board ran in his favor.

    Flop Action: A King Changes the Landscape

    The flop came K-x-x with a rainbow texture—relatively dry, but still offering some potential. Laplante checked, allowing Shih to take the betting lead. Shih made a small continuation bet of 90,000, slightly over a single big blind. This was a cautious but effective sizing, leveraging the strength of his middle set while keeping Laplante guessing.

    Laplante, still unsure if his threes were good, called the bet. At this point, he wasn’t just chasing a set; he knew that Shih’s range included many high-card hands that could be bluffing. Folding wouldn’t be the worst play here, but given the price, a call made sense.

    The Turn: A Sneaky Draw Emerges

    When the 4♣ hit the turn, Laplante’s hand picked up unexpected strength. He now had an open-ended straight draw, adding another layer of deception to his line.

    This time, rather than checking, he took the lead, betting 160,000 into the pot. The move was small in size but meaningful. It applied pressure on Shih’s overpairs and high-card hands while also keeping the pot manageable. For Shih, sitting on a set of fives, the call was straightforward—his hand was too strong to fold, but a raise would only force weaker hands to fold while keeping stronger ones in.

    The River: The Ace Completes the Wheel

    The river card, the A♠, completed Laplante’s straight. Suddenly, what looked like a marginal holding preflop had turned into the best hand.

    Laplante now faced a crucial decision. He could check, hoping to induce a bet from Shih, or he could go for value with another bet. He opted for the latter, firing 200,000 into a pot of 940,000—a blocker-sized bet designed to get called by worse hands.

    Shih, after a brief moment of deliberation, called. His logic was clear: if Laplante had been bluffing with missed draws or weak pairs, this call would win the pot. But this time, the sneaky straight was revealed, and Laplante took down a sizable pot.

    The Impact: Laplante’s Momentum Builds

    The hand wasn’t just a mathematical win; it shifted the dynamic of the table. Laplante, who started the final table in third place, suddenly found himself closing in on the chip lead. Meanwhile, Shih, despite losing the pot, remained in contention, but the psychological edge had momentarily swung in Laplante’s favor.

    With newfound momentum, Laplante wasted no time. He eliminated short-stacked Paul Lozano Martin, thinning the field to five. However, his run wasn’t all smooth sailing. In a crucial preflop all-in confrontation, his pocket queens were cracked by Cody Wiegmann’s A-J, slowing his surge.

    • Laplante’s defense with pocket threes was reasonable considering his stack and position.
    • Shih’s continuation bet was disciplined, but his pot-control strategy on the turn and river allowed Laplante to dictate the action.
    • Laplante’s river bet was a brilliant small-sized value bet, designed to extract chips from Shih’s weaker hands.
    • Momentum matters in tournament poker, and this hand helped Laplante establish his presence at the table.

    As the tournament played on, the dynamics continued to shift, proving once again that in poker, every decision—no matter how small—can have massive implications.