A Win for Poker: Live Philadelphia Cash Game Stream Impresses
Doug Polk earns more than $80,000 in blue-ribbon beatdown.
Day 1 cast brings in 75 Ratings Share with 4,300 concurrent Twitch Poker viewers.
Congratulations to Poker Night in America & Sugarhouse Casino.
Massively disgusting.@DougPolkPoker
Phil does not approve. pic.twitter.com/nE3qqU4WFp— Matt Glantz (@MattGlantz) March 17, 2017
(Mar 17, 2017 – Philadelphia, PA) It was an epic evening of high stakes poker, fun and intrigue this Friday at the Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia, PA.
Professional poker players Doug Polk, Shaun Deeb, Phil Hellmuth, Olivier Busquet, Kane Kalas, Tom Cannuli, and Chicago businessman Jeremy Kaufman teamed up with Poker Night in America to bring televised high stakes US cash game action to Twitch fans worldwide ahead of this Sunday’s Cate Hall vs. Mike Dentale grudge match.
WATCH: PokerNight TV Video on Demand (Full Show Twitch Poker – Mar 17, 2017)
The $25/$50 USD No Limit Hold’em cash game showcased some of today’s established poker superstars, featuring more than a healthy dose of Doug Polk humor throughout a 7-hour, 40-minute telecast. The Twitch Poker record holder even considered a $60,000 coin flip against Kaufman once the blinds escalated to $100/$200 USD near the end of this weekend’s kickoff program (see 7:15:47).
Polk: “By the way, if you want to flip for a bunch at the end I’ll flip you,” Doug told the Kaufman/Jacobs CEO. “I’m just letting you know I’ll flip you if you want it.”
Kaufman: “What’s your max? What’s the most you’ve ever flipped for?”
Polk: “I would flip you for like $60k on stream if you want. I’ll flip you for it. I was going to say max $40k but just for you I’ll do $60k ’cause F*** it… if it’s an even flip who the F*** cares!”
yo @DougPolkPoker did the Kaufman flip go down? The people need to know.
— gN Ryan (@RyanFeePoker) March 18, 2017
The 7-handed action finalized with Doug’s stack at $107,075 according to the live stream, resulting in a profit of $82,075 from his original $25,000 buy-in; an hourly rate eclipsing $10,000 with a 30-minute break included.
Things are going pretty well on PNIA pic.twitter.com/quSNWHqFaT
— gN Doug Polk (@DougPolkPoker) March 18, 2017
Day 1 Twitch Poker Ratings Show Promise
Unofficial live cast numbers were extremely impressive, peaking at over 4,300 concurrent viewers, which represented more than 75% of the Twitch Poker category. The numbers point towards an increase in Saturday’s engagement leading up to Sunday’s headline event pitting Cate Hall against Mike Dentale heads-up.
Even 14-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth seemed giddy once he learned of the genuine buzz the program created. The table talk was dominated by Polk, and the dynamic of having the two seated next to each other made for some entertaining moments as the Poker Brat and other competitors afforded Doug the opportunity to showcase his personality and promote poker to a wider audience.
Great Job Poker Night in America, Sugarhouse Casino
PocketFives Community Manager Kevin Mathers was quick to share his thoughts with his 32,000 Twitter followers within the first hour of the show.
This may be a good weekend to bring out the commentator-free stream @PokerNightTV No offense to Kane, Tom, Doug, etc.
— Kevin Mathers (@Kevmath) March 17, 2017
From that point on, the seven players seated at the table were given full reign, authority and responsibility for carrying their weight to give viewers a legitimate glimpse into the live poker cash game environment in 2017.
If the quality entertainment put forth by Poker Night in America, Sugarhouse Casino and the high stakes poker talent is any indicator, this weekend could mark one of the most binge-worthy poker viewing sessions this side of 2011.
@PokerNightTV that was the best PNIA stream ever, @DougPolkPoker @shaundeeb and Jeremy Kaufman were awesome
— steven rhodes (@Steven_Rhodes) March 18, 2017
Day 2 Action Starts Soon
The all-star cast will be back in action starting Saturday at 3:30pm EST. Can Hellmuth, Deeb, and others get a beat on Doug, or will the top-rated YouTube Poker personality pull off another big-time score?
Don’t miss the high stakes No Limit Hold’em action. Here’s hoping ONLINE poker in Pennsylvania is right around the corner!
