Poker is perhaps the most popular card game in the world, and over the years it has undergone changes that have adapted it to the technological boom of modern society. That has led to the proliferation of online poker rooms, creating a loyal community of players who enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes from their smartphone or computer.
But, how exactly did online poker come about, and how has it evolved since the early days of digitization? Read on to find out.
How long is the history of online poker?
The history of online poker began in the 1990s, ushering in a revolution in the way people play poker. Although poker has been played in various forms for centuries, the ability to compete online completely changed the dynamics of the game. The first online poker platform was established in 1998, when Planet Poker launched its website. This event marked the beginning of a new era in the poker world.
During its early years, online poker-faced significant challenges, such as lack of regulation and players’ distrust in the security of transactions and the fairness of the games. However, as technology improved and stricter regulations were established, online poker began to gain popularity.
Who is Chris Moneymaker and why is he important for poker online?
The year 2003 was a turning point in the online poker history. This was the year that an accountant from Tennessee named Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the most prestigious poker tournament in the world.
His victory was an extraordinary event because, instead of qualifying through an in-person tournament, Moneymaker had gained his entry into the tournament through an online satellite on PokerStars. His triumph inspired thousands of players to follow his example and play online poker.
Chris Moneymaker’s online poker player history lies in the importance of the fact that his victory proved that anyone could compete with the pros and win. His success story inspired numerous online poker players to pursue their dreams in the game. In addition, his path to victory began with an online qualifier, which further emphasized the impact of online poker on the poker scene.
His online poker player history has got a huge legacy: the well-known “Moneymaker effect”, which has translated into a massive increase in the popularity of online poker. Many players began playing online in hopes of replicating his success. This led to an explosive growth in the number of online poker websites and platforms. The media exposure Moneymaker received also contributed to the online poker boom.
Differences between online poker and conventional poker
Conventional poker, played in physical casinos or at gatherings of friends, has significant differences from online poker. Below, we explore some of the key differences and we explain some of the most important online poker facts you should have already learnt:
Accessibility
Online poker is extremely accessible. Players can participate in games anytime, anywhere, as long as they have an Internet connection and a compatible device. This means there is no need to travel to a physical casino or stick to a fixed schedule to play.
Variety of games
Online poker offers a wide variety of poker variants, from Texas Hold’em and Omaha to Seven Card Stud and more. This allows players to experience different styles and rules of play, which may be less common in land-based casinos.
Anonymity
In online poker, players can maintain a certain degree of anonymity. This can be beneficial for those who wish to avoid public exposure or keep their identity a secret.
Speed of play
Online poker tends to be faster than conventional poker. Hands are developed more quickly, as there is no need to shuffle cards or count chips manually. This allows players to participate in more hands in a shorter period of time.
Safety and fairness
Although there were initial concerns about security and fairness in online poker, technological advances and proper regulation have improved player confidence. Online poker platforms use random number generators and advanced security measures to ensure fair play.
Social interaction
Conventional poker encourages in-person social interaction, with players sitting together at a table, allowing communication and reading opponents’ reactions. In contrast, online poker is played in a virtual environment, which can limit face-to-face interaction. However, many online poker platforms offer chat and real-time interaction features to compensate for this lack of physical presence.
Même pour un joueur qui connaît déjà parfaitement les règles du poker, le concept des nuts au poker pourrait être surprenant et encore plus la façon de les utiliser de manière stratégique au cours d’une partie. Avoir les nuts veut dire avoir la main la plus haute possible autour de la table à un moment donné du jeu, rendant ainsi ses chances de gagner très élevées. Ceci ne veut toutefois pas dire qu’une telle partie de poker ne pourrait pas être le témoin d’un retournement de situation inattendu offrant un final dramatique et contre tous les pronostics, mais une telle volteface ne serait due qu’à la chance pure et non au talent de l’adversaire.
Le terme de nuts a une étrange origine qui remonte à plusieurs siècles auparavant, quand les cowboys américains sillonnaient le Vieil Ouest. Déjà au cours du XIXème siècle et au début du XXème siècle, on jouait au poker aux frontières des États-Unis. Il n’y avait rien de surprenant à y trouver de petits tournois entre amis dans les auberges des villages, et des parties de cartes étaient souvent à l’ordre du jour autour des tables des saloons. Jouer au poker était une manière de passer le temps, mais aussi un moyen d’effacer ses dettes.
Ainsi, les mises des cowboys ne se faisaient pas qu’à l’aide de pièces sonnantes et trébuchantes mais aussi avec des objets qui leur permettaient de prolonger leur présence autour de la table. Ce qui était le plus cher aux yeux des cowboys était l’élément basique de tout gardien de vaches, à savoir leur charrette. Les charrettes étaient hautement considérées à cette époque, et elles avaient pour habitude de disposer d’un écrou dans leurs roues que l’on appelait le « nut ». Sans ceux-ci, un chariot ne pouvait tout simplement pas avancer. Et c’est pour cela que les cowboys les utilisaient comme garantie autour de la table, la garantie que personne n’aurait le moyen de fuir si le jeu tournait en sa défaveur.
Et c’est aussi pour cela que, si un joueur déposait ses nuts sur la table, ses opposants pouvaient être certains que celui-ci disposait de la meilleure main imaginable. Ils se montraient immédiatement méfiants, bien qu’il pouvait toujours s’agir d’un énorme coup de bluff. Tout dépendait de la « poker face » du joueur misant ses nuts. Cette histoire de nuts a ensuite traversé les époques pour devenir un terme récurrent du poker actuel. Un concept aussi bien important dans le poker en live que dans les tournois de poker en ligne et qui, comme toujours, dispose d’une stratégie propre.
La stratégie des nuts
La première chose à avoir en tête est que jouer les nuts est a priori très simple, du moins en théorie. Si un joueur a la meilleure main possible, ses possibilités de victoire sont énormes et donc son objectif sera de faire en sorte que ses adversaires paient. Pour cela, il faudra savoir garder son calme et attendre le bon moment pour dévoiler ses intentions, sinon tous les autres joueurs vont se rendre compte du pot-au-rose et se coucher immédiatement. Et tout ceci dépendra toujours du type de joueurs se trouvant autour de la table, sachant qu’il y en aura souvent un qui pensera aussi avoir les nuts. Contre lui, vous pourrez vous montrer offensif dès le début et sans la moindre réserve, car il paiera.
La théorie la plus simple nous dit qu’il faut réaliser un mouvement de diversion lors du pré-flop ou du flop, de faire une petite mise lors de la turn et d’y aller à fond à la river. Avec des nuts en main, la logique veut que le tour se termine par un all-in. Bien que pour ceci, il faut encore faire une distinction entre les nuts. D’un côté, il y a la nut actuelle, qui est la meilleure main possible à un moment précis de la partie, mais qui n’enlève pas la possibilité qu’elle puisse être battue par surprise par une autre main grâce à une river imprévue par exemple. Et d’un autre côté nous avons la nut absolue, qui est la meilleure main de tout le poker, est qui est la quinte flush royale et non pas le carré d’As. Pour tout cela, savoir classer les mains de poker sera primordial.
Là où les nuts seront clairement incertaines sont les mains où les cartes communes à tous les joueurs semblent offrir de nombreuses possibilités de couleur ou de full house. Dans ces cas-là, il sera fondamental de bien analyser la situation pour déterminer si, oui ou non, nous disposons des nuts en main ou si au contraire cette très bonne main a au final de grandes chances d’être battue. Et savoir reconnaître les nuts dans les mains d’un autre joueur sera aussi essentiel. D’ailleurs, il existe quelques joueurs qui aiment à fanfaronner en clamant qu’ils ont les nuts. De deviner s’ils disent la vérité ou non sera votre unique objectif.
Et, le plus important, ce qu’il ne faut surtout pas faire est de continuellement penser que notre adversaire dispose des nuts et qu’il est impossible de gagner contre lui. Psychologiquement, un tel raisonnement ne pourrait que nous démoraliser. Et il faudra savoir aussi analyser différemment la situation en fonction du type de nos rivaux, entre ceux qui jouent beaucoup de mains et ceux qui suivent les standards du jeu soft.
Finnish poker sensation ‘FortniteLover69’ hit the jackpot on GGPoker, bagging an astounding $1 million in the Bounty Superstack tournament. Securing a fourth-place finish, their unexpected windfall highlights the exhilarating unpredictability of GGPoker’s Bounty Jackpot, adding a thrilling twist to online poker.
Finnish poker player “FortniteLover69” hit the virtual jackpot on GGPoker, securing a life-changing $1 million Bounty Jackpot during the $85.50 buy-in Bounty Superstack tournament on November 3, 2023. While finishing 4th in the tournament earned them $1,680, the extraordinary jackpot stole the spotlight.
In a pivotal hand, “FortniteLover69” faced off against “PolakoStyle” and “Bryan Paris”. With a pair of nines, they raised, triggering a chain of events leading to a thrilling showdown. Despite FortniteLover69 losing the main pot, he was the one who eliminated Bryan Paris, triggering the Bounty Jackpot and winning the jaw-dropping $1,000,000 revealed during the game.
GGPoker’s Bounty Jackpot adds a dynamic twist to traditional poker, offering players cash prizes for eliminating opponents. “FortniteLover69” expressed their initial excitement over a $13,309.75 bounty, only to be astounded when it escalated to a million-dollar victory. The winner, still feeling “restless and excited,” encourages others to embrace the grind, emphasizing the unpredictable allure of online poker.
The Bounty Jackpot on GGPoker stands out as a unique feature, providing players an opportunity for an additional windfall beyond regular winnings and bounties. Its randomness and substantial prize make it a game-changer, capable of transforming an ordinary hand into a seven-figure payout. The jackpot doesn’t require winning the tournament; players just need to be in the right place at the right time, adding an exhilarating unpredictability to every game. To experience the thrill and potential life-changing moments, players are encouraged to join GGPoker’s bounty tournaments and aim for the coveted jackpot.
Many poker players consider loyalty programs to be the most important factor when choosing an online poker room, as they can have a significant impact on their bottom line. In this blog post, we will explore:
The Advantages of Online Poker Loyalty Programs
Why They Matter
The Top Poker Sites Offering Loyalty Programs
Factors to Consider
How to Maximize Benefits
Future Trends
Why Online Poker Loyalty Programs Are Important
The most common form of loyalty program is rakeback, which gives back a percentage of the rake that the player pays during their time at a poker site. Given how substantial the rake can be at lower stakes, finding a good rakeback program could be the difference between being a winning or losing player.
However, some sites have recognized that this system tends to favor high-volume players, leading to tight, break-even players dominating tables and creating a less enjoyable gaming environment.
To address this issue, they have introduced a new rewards system that encourages players to complete specific challenges for rewards. This approach incentivizes players to accomplish tasks rather than solely focus on generating rake, resulting in a more welcoming environment for recreational players.
Benefits of Online Poker Loyalty Programs
Online poker loyalty programs provide a number of obvious benefits to the player and are a great incentive to log on and play each day. By playing your favorite games and accumulating loyalty points, you can receive a significant boost to your bankroll every week/month. For high-volume players, getting even 20% rakeback offers a significant boost to a player’s weekly win rate; if you rake $1000 a week, you’re getting $200 just from the loyalty program. Depending on the stakes you play, this can represent a significant number of buy-ins that you would otherwise be missing out on.
As well as the significant boost to your bankroll, being part of a loyalty program allows you to take advantage of cool perks such as MTT tickets, access to freerolls, and much more.
Many loyalty programs use a tiered system, increasing the rewards the higher the player climbs. This incentivizes players to log in and play daily, knowing that the more they play, the better their rewards become. This enhances the overall online poker experience, turning grinding into a journey toward achieving higher goals.
Top Online Poker Loyalty Programs
If you want to take advantage of the best online poker loyalty programs on the market, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the hard work for you and researched each poker site to find out who’s offering the best loyalty programs. So, to start getting rewarded for your dedication to the game, check out our list below.
Site 1: Ignition Poker
When playing at Ignition Poker, you can earn Ignition Miles, which can be redeemed for bonuses. These bonuses include free spins, poker tournament tickets, and reload bonuses. Players earn 15 Ignition Miles per $1 of rake in cash games, 15 Ignition Miles per $1 of tournament fees, and 1.5 Ignition Miles per $1 of buy-in at Jackpot Sit & Gos.
At the lowest status level, this equates to a 0.6% rakeback per dollar raked, which is relatively low compared to other loyalty programs. The more Ignition Miles you accumulate, the higher your status, and the more valuable your Ignition Miles become.
For instance, at the lowest status level, 2,500 Ignition Miles are worth $1 in bonuses, but at the highest status level, it only takes 1,000 Ignition Miles to receive $1 in bonuses.
As an added bonus, Ignition Poker offers all Chrome-level players access to $2,500 poker freeroll tournaments each week, and all Platinum-level players are eligible to receive exclusive birthday bonuses!
What We Think
During my time on the site, I found that while the loyalty program was a nice gesture, it didn’t significantly enhance my overall experience. Due to the notably low rakeback, I never felt compelled to grind more to reach targets or earn rewards. If I received rewards while playing, that was great, but it felt more like an incidental bonus than something worth actively pursuing.
I appreciate the access to freeroll tournaments upon reaching a certain level, as they provide an extra income source through the rakeback program, even if luck is a factor. The birthday exclusive is a nice touch, but only the most dedicated grinders are likely to log in on their birthday to claim their reward.
Site 2: 888poker
888poker offers three different ways to earn rewards in their loyalty program: players can earn points by playing poker, betting on sports, or playing in their online casino. Once you’ve earned enough points to reach the next level, you’ll be rewarded with Gold Coins, which can then be redeemed for exciting prizes such as tournament tickets, casino free play, or cash deposits.
When playing poker, players receive 100 points for every $1 in tournament fees paid and 50 points for every $1 paid in cash game rake. While this may seem unfair to cash game players, it’s important to note that accumulating rake is typically easier in cash games, especially when multitabling.
As you progress through the ranks, you’ll encounter challenges that provide bonus points upon completion, facilitating your ascent through the levels and unlocking more Gold Coins. With 2,000 levels to climb and thousands of gold coins up for grabs, even dedicated grinders will have plenty to strive for.
Players above Level 20, 40, 60, and 80 gain access to exclusive freerolls with substantial cash prizes every week.
What We Think
The system of earning gold coins through points and redeeming them for prizes may seem somewhat complex, but during my time on the site, I found the 888poker Club to be a motivating factor. The numerous levels made it easy for me to consistently advance, and I was eager to keep playing to unlock the next reward.
Having challenges that award points for completion is an excellent feature. I appreciated the variety of challenges, which encouraged me to explore different poker formats. The offered prizes are genuinely worthwhile and make you feel like you’re working toward something meaningful.
The four different freerolls at levels 20, 40, 60, and 80 are a valuable addition and shouldn’t be underestimated. While the Level 20 freeroll has a $640 prize pool, the Level 80 offers $10,000, making it important not to miss out if you play on 888poker.
Site 3: GG Poker
Online poker giant GG Poker offers two versions of its loyalty program, providing flexibility to choose the one that suits your preferences. The default program is the Fish Buffet, where players earn Fish Points by playing their favorite games at a rate of 100 FP for every $1 in rake. When a player accumulates enough Fish Points to reach a new rank, they receive a prize wheel spin, with cash bonuses ranging from 10% to 50% rakeback based on their level.
Upon reaching a new level, players have a specific time limit to climb higher ranks, with the time allocated increasing as they advance. Failing to reach the next level in time results in receiving 10% rakeback based on accumulated Fish Points and moving back down to the previous rank.
Alternatively, players can opt for the Platinum Fish program, offering a consistent 20% rakeback each week based on Fish Points earned. Over a year, accumulating enough Fish Points can lead to unlocking 60% rakeback per week.
What We Think
In my opinion, this loyalty program is an excellent example of how it should work. You grind all week and receive a cash reward at the end—no convoluted point systems or prize redemption. While such programs are rare today, GGPoker stands out with its Fish Buffet/Platinum Fish program.
The option to choose between a guaranteed weekly payout and the possibility of higher rakeback through a prize wheel is a clever way to cater to both serious grinders and recreational players. It allows serious grinders to calculate their weekly rakeback while letting recreational players enjoy some gambling excitement.
Having tried both programs, I found myself favoring the Platinum Fish program because I prefer knowing precisely how much rakeback I’m earning each week. The transparency provided by GGPoker regarding a player’s potential earnings from the loyalty program is commendable and sets a great example for other poker rooms.
While offering additional rewards such as tournament tickets or Spin & Gold tickets would be a nice touch, it’s challenging to find faults with this loyalty program.
Site 4: LoyaltyStars
All the previously mentioned sites reward you solely for playing on their platforms, but the LoyaltyStars program recognizes that the online poker experience extends beyond the virtual felt. Dedicated players spend hours off the tables analyzing hands, discussing strategy, and studying the game. Shouldn’t they be rewarded for their dedication outside of gameplay? LoyaltyStars provides a space for like-minded poker players and online gamblers to come together, share ideas, and earn rewards.
Users accumulate Stars for engaging with the community and participating on the platform in various ways. Whether you’re a forum poster who enjoys in-depth discussions, an online poker enthusiast sharing your insights on poker rooms, or simply a player depositing and playing, there are avenues for earning Stars. The more Stars you collect, the higher you ascend through the tiers, unlocking a new world of perks and rewards, including enhanced bonus offers at your favorite online poker rooms.
Exciting developments are on the horizon for LoyaltyStars, including the debut of a live-streaming service and innovative features to enhance your online casino experience. Be sure to sign up for the early access program to receive a 500-star welcome bonus!
What We Think
Having grown accustomed to viewing study time as an unprofitable yet essential aspect of the game, it’s refreshing to encounter a company that actively rewards players for improving their skills and engaging with the community. During my time on the site, I was captivated by the LoyaltyStars community. It consisted of knowledgeable users with expertise in various areas of iGaming and online poker, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere even for newcomers.
The diversity of ways to earn Stars was another major advantage. This inclusivity means that everyone can contribute in their unique way. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the rewards received, which exceeded expectations for a program primarily focused on posting content.
If you seek a place to enhance your poker skills alongside like-minded individuals while reaping rewards for your contributions, LoyaltyStars is the ideal destination.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Poker Site for Loyalty
As demonstrated, there are several excellent choices for online poker loyalty programs. However, choosing the right one for you can be challenging due to the abundance of options. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of factors to consider when selecting an online poker loyalty program.
Transparency and Fairness – Ensure that the site is fair and transparent regarding the rewards you can expect. Read the terms and conditions of the loyalty program to check for clauses that could allow the site to renege on its promises.
Value of Rewards – Assess the overall value of the rewards offered. Understand the types of rewards available—cashback bonuses, tournament tickets, or other perks. Consider the real-world value of each program.
Compatibility with Playing Volume – Determine how the program aligns with your playing schedule. Calculate the rewards you are likely to receive based on your game preferences, average playing time, and estimated rake contributions.
Other Bonuses and Promotions – Take into account additional bonuses and promotions offered by the site. A loyalty program is not the only factor to consider; exceptional bonuses can significantly impact your overall value.
How to Maximize Benefits
After selecting a loyalty program and creating your casino account, it’s crucial to maximize the benefits offered. A great loyalty program is only as valuable as the effort you put into it. Here’s how to make the most of your chosen program:
Understand the Program – Familiarize yourself with the program’s mechanics. Determine if it’s based on a straightforward rakeback system, if you need to hit specific rake targets, or if challenges are involved. Knowing this information helps you tailor your gameplay for maximum rewards.
Tiered Systems – Many programs have tiered structures that increase the value of rewards as you climb. Pay attention to tier requirements and consider pushing for higher tiers to unlock extra rewards. Be aware of tier reset conditions, whether weekly or on a different schedule.
Adjust Your Gameplay – If your loyalty program is straightforward, increase your playing volume by adding more tables, extending your sessions, or participating in more hands. If rewards are game-type specific, focus on games that yield more reward points.
Don’t Neglect Your Poker Game – While it’s essential to maximize your loyalty program benefits, remember not to compromise your poker game quality. Maintaining a strong win rate should be your priority.
Future Trends in Online Poker Loyalty Programs
The online poker landscape is continually evolving, and poker rooms will continue to innovate to attract new players. What can we expect from future online poker loyalty programs?
Personalization – With advancements in AI and data analytics, poker sites are likely to create customized loyalty programs tailored to each player’s profile. Rewards will align with a player’s preferred game types, ensuring a more satisfying experience.
Gamification – More gamification elements are expected, as they effectively encourage repeat visits to poker sites. While poker should naturally attract players, incorporating engaging loyalty programs can further enhance player retention.
Collaborations – Collaboration between online poker rooms and established online gaming platforms may become more common. This could lead to poker being recognized as a legitimate eSport, potentially attracting a new generation of players.
My Conclusion
Online poker loyalty programs offer a valuable way to reward consistent players. They provide substantial benefits to players and can determine whether you’re a winning or losing player. Several high-quality loyalty programs are available, but it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your preferences and playing style. Armed with this information, you should feel confident in your quest to find the perfect online poker loyalty program!
That was what the Poker Sports League management promised us this year, and that is exactly what was delivered. This edition of PSL was grand in many ways, and I’d first like to thank everyone who made this event possible.
Nitesh Salvi – founder and CEO of Pocket52, title sponsors of PSL, Pranav Bagai, Siddharth Mishra, and Prajit Gambhir, the three musketeers who started this wonderful concept of PSL and have worked endlessly over the last five years to grow this mind sport!
Prajit, you legend. God only knows how many roles you have at PSL! From being COO to the auctioneer to commentary to ensuring that the show goes on every single time, big shoutout to you, brother, and to Vidur also for making sure every pre-show and every stream was super smooth. Sid and his production team, wow, man, I don’t even know what to say. You guys are so good at what you do! This year the production team of PSL has really outdone themselves. From every reel to every Instagram story to every update, I have to say the content was fabulous.
Obviously couldn’t have done it without your ever-so-talented team! Dashank, Madhur, and Pandey Ji, big shoutout to the three of you for doing such a great job and just being awesome people in general. I’m really fond of the entire PSL team and of course the man himself, the mastermind Pranav Bagai for making this happen on Jio Cinema- working day in and day out to achieve his vision for poker in India.
I want to thank all the owners for supporting this league every single year and spreading their love and passion for poker. This league would not be possible without you!
The Experience
Pocket52 PSL Season 5 was something else only. Everyone together on land in the same resort under the same roof, with no hassle of going onto the ship, everyone bonding and interacting.
Personally, for me, the highlight was interacting with the qualifiers from all teams, it’s really nice to talk with someone when you know they look up to you and whatever you’re saying has an impact on them.
It was really heartwarming to meet the Massani brothers, these boys were the heroes of PSL, and that’s another story to tell. Taking a domestic flight for the first time, these two brothers have come from Bhopal and won all our hearts. What gems of human beings, so much confidence, so much energy, I just loved it, to be honest. I had a great time with all my friends and all the other captains who I’m so close to off the felts!
The competition was heavy, and everyone was so passionate and into it. So yeah, GG to my boys – Dirty (Dhaval Mudgal) and Shardul (Parthasarathi) for also taking podium finishes, I had already told Shardul I was going see him heads up and win this time.
Big shoutout to Gaurav Sood, one of the best poker players in India, for playing the finale like an absolute boss man and ensuring I’m shitting myself on the rails while he’s reducing the chip deficit. Love you, Mozzie unlucky one, and you’ll be back stronger we all know it.
Shoutout to Romit (Advani) and Vaibhav (Sharma) for being fantastic team leaders- you win some, you lose some, and I am sure we will see you guys in the top 3 next season!
Now coming to my team, oh man, I don’t think I’ve ever felt such a sense of comradery and team spirit in my life. PSL adrenaline just hits differently. I’ve played a lot of tournaments in my life and hit a lot of one-outers for big money, but I’ve never jumped the way PSL made me jump and shout and scream, and it’s a different kind of excitement altogether.
Bringing a team format and making an individual sport a team game is honestly a genius concept! I would like to thank my team owners, Mr Puneet Mehra, Mehul Shah, and Rishi, for trusting me to lead this team again despite a not-so-great performance the previous year. Special shoutout to their families as well, Toral ma’am Divyansh and Prerna, for cheering on the Mumbai team and making sure our rail was the loudest and full of energy. Really happy that Mehul and Rishi also came down and really felt it with the team and were involved and there from start to finish.
Speaking about my team, I want to say I’m so proud of you guys – every point earned by each of you was crucial to us winning and reaching the finale. I remember the day we reached Goa and had our first team meeting, I was really impressed with Puneet sir because he gave a really inspirational team talk on Day 1 itself, which had a big impact on our team. I have to say one thing about my team, though, everyone was really into it, The togetherness and team spirit was really evident, and I think from Day 1, we manifested the win when we took that picture near the trophy.
Humaara wildcard kaisa ho, Alok Birewar jaisa ho! I think the best decision I made this PSL, other than my obvious retentions of Akshay Nasa and Honey Bijlani, was to sign Alok as my wildcard. I knew Alok wouldn’t do it for the money; he wanted to play PSL, he loves strategizing, he was railing every table every tournament, his team spirit was unparalleled, and the best in the league, so kudos bro I’m proud of you, and you did a great job.
Akshay Nasa, my player, said I am born ready when I asked him if he was going to play the finale. Our strategy was simple, get 250 BB in the finale, send Nasa, and ship it!! Shoutout to Ankit, our 2nd pro, for a great performance joining Nasa in the finale, and also getting the ever so-crucial points in the live MTT, but also for declaring that we’ve won before the league even started.
Honey Bijjlani, for doing more work than the captain, bhai this team would not have won without you, I openly state that you are going to be retained every year for Mumbai Anchors. Nitin Gulati for his passion for this team, getting merchandise and hoodies made for the entire team, thank you, bhai! Simran Malhotra, my fellow Pocket52 team pro, for never disappointing me, for being the number 1 woman player of the league, and for her spirit and love for the team.
Dhirendra Kumar and Avinash Tauro for being on top of things, speaking to the new boys, railing watching the stream making notes, top top performance guys. And of course the new boys Shravan and Nikaas, who I couldn’t believe, played live poker for the first time. They both killed it and got super important points for the team. Every single point contributed by each of you was crucial to this team’s success.
It was a rollercoaster of three days, with ups and downs and highs and lows; the excitement and energy were high, and it was the best three days of my life. Humne bahut chipkaaya, 3 straight days chipkaaya, but you gotta spike to ship, and there was no way Mumbai was not winning this season. Also, a big shoutout to my first mentor and dear friend Sahil Mahboobani for top-notch performance and taking down the Player of the Series, so happy for you, bro!
Lifting that trophy was a great feeling and something that’ll stay with me for life, I hope to recreate many more memories with PSL and Mumbai Anchors!
If you have not experienced it, you can be satisfied. When we say that poker is, in many cases, a game of mental strength, we assume that the player has everything necessary to resist and keep his mind in the game and on the path of the hot streak.
But what happens when it is not? What happens when a failure leads us to an error, and we enter a spiral of negativity andbad results that feeds itself, and from which it is very difficult to get out? That we will be experiencing what is known as “tilt”.
What is tilt in poker
In poker, “tilt” is the term used to define that unpredictable losing streak we experience when we don’t get the expected results. Very often, the tilt worsens when, upon becoming aware of the accumulated bad results, an enormous frustration appears that prevents us from correctly judging the coming games, lengthening the bad streak of bad results and aggravating the frustration. An infinite loop from which it is necessary to get out and that can be avoided, but with the appropriate guidelines.
What is it that leads a player to tilt? Mainly, two things: a streak of bad results, or a series of heavy losses that jeopardize their continuity. Often, one leads to the other, causing a small loss, due to the oversize that a demanding player can give him, ends up affecting the player’s psyche too much and bad results end up occurring without remedy.
How to avoid tilt in poker
The question is not how to avoid tilt, since we are sentient beings and we cannot avoid feeling and suffering what affects us. The key is how to face the tilt, and here the predisposition and attitude of each player, together with his mental strength, will be decisive.
The first and most important thing of all: relativize the bad results. Above all, if they have not been caused by our failures. But, in the event that we have made a mistake and that error has led us to lose a part of the stack, we should not flagellate ourselves or exaggerate the failures. We all make mistakes, and that’s it. The sooner you turn the page, the better.
Does that mean the errors are unimportant? Absolutely. A failure in poker has its relevance, but you should never give things more importance than they have. You make mistakes, you learn and you play better than before. It is the key to success, and the path to a successful career. That, together with training, study and hours of post-game analysis, will make you a more complete player.
Keep in mind that tilt affects all aspects of poker, inside and outside the tables. When a player is in a whirlwind of negativity and does not stop concatenating bad results, his training hours are not as productive, his ability to analyze andretain knowledge suffers, and he does not advance at the rate he should. That ends up taking its toll, and that is why some players need help to get out of that spiral of negativity.
When you relativize a mistake and spend quality time learning from the mistake, you get oil out of a bad play. And that’s how poker works. Give yourself time if it is your first bad streak and you had not faced this before. It is always difficult.
How to stop tilting in poker
One of the concepts that will most help you stop tilt is emotional awareness. If you don’t know how to recognize what you feel, how can you stop feeling it? It is necessary to know ourselves well and know to what extent things affect us.
Changing the focus, taking a break from the game and getting away from the tables are the next steps. Do your part and study where you have failed, improve it and you will see how you come back with renewed energy. You should always focus on the process, not the result, to avoid getting frustrated. The inner healing process that is experienced when suffering a tilt is pure oxygen that will come in handy.
Keep in mind that experience is paramount in poker, and tilt, although drastic, is an essential ingredient in that experience. Strengthening yourself as a player sometimes requires hard lessons, but you can avoid losing if you recognize the mistake, take your time to identifyit and do not aggravate the situation by dwelling on your mistake and feeling sorry for yourself.
Moral of the story: learning from mistakes is part of the learning curve. It is important to know how to manage this adversity to use it in your favor and not succumb, compromising your career. Hence, it is important that, if you need it, you seek professional help to try to break the loop and use your full potential again in the next game.
Have you heard the expression “tilted player”? What does tilted mean in poker? When a player is experiencing the tilt, he is known as “tilted player” or simply “tilted”, someone who is in a bad rush and is not able to change his or her luck for the moment.
An 88-foot luxury yacht, purportedly belonging to Spanish poker pro Diego Gomez Gonzalez, turned into a blazing inferno amidst the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean.
A distressing incident unfolded as an 88-foot luxury yacht, allegedly owned by Spanish poker professional Diego Gomez Gonzalez, caught fire in the Mediterranean waters. The dramatic scene was captured on video by The Daily Mail.
The yacht, reportedly belonging to Gonzalez, who boasts an impressive $500,000 in live tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob database, was the center of a harrowing event. While it remains uncertain whether Gonzalez was present on the yacht during the incident, reports confirm that all 17 individuals on board at the time managed to escape the flames. The group consisted of five crew members and twelve passengers, with only one crew member sustaining minor burns and requiring medical attention.
The video footage obtained by MailOnline depicts the luxury yacht engulfed in a massive blaze. However, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and has not been publicly disclosed. The alarming occurrence unfolded around 6 p.m. on a Saturday near the island of Formentera in the Mediterranean. Prompt action from nearby boaters played a pivotal role in assisting the passengers.
The footage also shows onlookers at a seaside restaurant observing the inferno from a distance of around a couple of hundred feet, capturing the fiery spectacle in photographs.
Gonzalez’s yacht, constructed in 1995, is designed to accommodate up to 20 people comfortably. It boasts luxurious amenities such as a deck jacuzzi, well-appointed cabins, and easy access for various water-based activities. The yacht is anchored in Ibiza, an island located off the southeastern coast of Spain. While Gonzalez frequently charters the vessel, it’s likely that he wasn’t on board during the fire incident. Chartering the yacht during the peak summer season costs upwards of £45,000.
A seasoned poker pro hailing from Madrid, Gonzalez achieved his highest live tournament earnings of $256,000 with a fifth-place finish at the 2012 European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague Main Event. Additionally, he’s secured five cashes in World Series of Poker (WSOP) online bracelet events on GGPoker in 2020 and 2021.
Gonzalez’s colorful personality earned him the nickname “The Lion” after he sported a lion costume during the aforementioned EPT Main Event in Prague.
