In what appears to be quite a strange move, the Game Show Network has yet to renew their contract with High Stakes Poker. The show has become quite popular over the years, with pots worth houses being the norm, featuring some of the best cash game players in the world, such as veteran live players, Doyle Brunson, Barry Greenstein, and some of the best online, such as Brian “sbrugby” Townsend, and Phil “Jman28” Galfond. High Stakes Poker has been extremely important, in the sense that it brings a different kind of poker to the public eye. Where the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker have brought high stakes tournaments with million dollar payouts to the forefront, High Stakes Poker has given poker fans a look at high stakes cash games, with massive pots, and a different type of poker.
Despite the level of intrigue that comes along with millions of dollars in live cash, as well as the great players and aggressive action that comes along with it, the level of attention it has received has not been on the level that WSOP and WPT events have reached. Whether that is due to being on GSN as opposed to ESPN, or perhaps another network, or whether it’s due to the public’s interest in cash games, remains to be seen. High Stakes Poker has been popular, but the excitement that swirls around tournaments have seemed to catch on much quicker, with the undeniable drama and tension involved with them.
It is very likely that no matter the outcome with the Game Show Network, that High Stakes Poker will have a home, as poker’s popularity is still quite high, and many different channels may be vying for the exciting format, should GSN decide against bringing High Stakes Poker Back.
However, one thing is for sure. The sooner that High Stakes Poker finds a long-term home, the better. It provides a different look at poker, while being riveting, interesting, and exciting at the same time.
Keep posted to FTR Blogs, as High Stakes Poker’s future pans out.