A Night of Fun and Games: PokerNews Podcast Meet-Up Game at Resorts World Las Vegas
On the vibrant evening of October 12, 2024, Resorts World Las Vegas transformed into a bustling hub for poker enthusiasts as it hosted the highly-anticipated PokerNews Podcast Meet-Up Game (MUG). This thrilling event welcomed the podcast’s dedicated followers and the poker community for a vibrant night of games, camaraderie, and competition.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The event was graced by the presence of Kyna England, Mike Holtz, Connor Richards, and Chad Holloway, the hosts of the popular PokerNews Podcast and its sister podcast, Life Outside Poker. Fans and friends came to mingle with the hosts and partake in an exciting $200 nightly tournament that highlighted their shared love for the game.
Notable participants included former World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year Jeff Madsen, poker personalities Joey Ingram and Jesse Fullen, as well as an array of other professional poker players and dedicated fans. The atmosphere was electric as veterans and newcomers exchanged stories and strategies, creating a warm sense of community in the world of poker.
The Tournament Adventure
As the night unfolded, the $200 Nightly Tournament kicked off with an impressive 57 entrants, resulting in a prize pool of $9,405, which far exceeded the anticipated $3,000 guarantee. Each player started with 25,000 chips, and with 30-minute blind levels, the tournament provided ample opportunities for strategic play and intense competition.
Connor Woodland emerged victorious by securing a coveted seat in the upcoming Jeremy Renner Celebrity Poker Showdown. The event—benefiting the RennerVation Foundation—aims to provide resources for disadvantaged youth in northern Nevada. This charity aspect garnered even more interest in the MUG, with players eager to contribute to a good cause while enjoying a night of poker.
A Memorable Evening with Challenging Moments
While the excitement of the tournament was undeniable, the evening did not come without its challenges. One participant found themselves in hot water after a standard ruling resulted in the dead hand of their cards. As tensions flared, onlookers watched with a mix of amusement and concern, especially when the participant’s frustration escalated. In a light-hearted twist, the participant in question was not the jovial Mike Holtz, a guaranteed source of laughter throughout the evening.
However, the camaraderie and sportsmanship among the other players shone brightly through these challenges. Specially designed T-shirts celebrating the event were distributed to participants, and attendees enjoyed delicious pizza, generously provided by Leon Wheeler, the Director of Poker Operations at Resorts World.
Celebrating Charity and Community
The essence of the evening extended beyond just poker. The MUG aimed to raise awareness for a $10,000 Gold Pass giveaway to the upcoming PokerStars NAPT at Resorts World, set for November 1-10. The excitement of a future event combined with the thrill of the tournament led to a lively atmosphere that resonated throughout the poker room.
As the early morning hours approached, players enjoyed the final phases of the tournament. Some familiar faces made their mark; Brandon Sunshine cashed in sixth place, while Madsen and England, both beloved hosts of the evening, could not escape the clutches of the competitive arena.
Tournament Results
The results from the PokerNews Podcast MUG tournament were as follows:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor Woodland | $3,386 |
| 2 | Daniel Kleinberg | $2,097 |
| 3 | David Oppenheim | $1,430 |
| 4 | Kyna England | $1,016 |
| 5 | Jeff Madsen | $799 |
| 6 | Brandon Sunshine | $677 |
Beyond the Tournament: Engaging Podcast Content
In addition to the MUG, the PokerNews Podcast and Life Outside Poker continue to provide ongoing entertainment and insights into the poker world.
With over 860 episodes spanning over a decade, the PokerNews Podcast remains a leading force in poker media, featuring interviews with prominent players and the latest trends and analysis from major tournament series worldwide. Episodes release every Friday at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT.
Join the Fun
For poker enthusiasts looking for more poker content and discussions, the PokerNews Podcast and Life Outside Poker are must-listens. Catch up on past episodes and stay tuned for new releases to join the ongoing adventure in the poker community.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just beginning your poker journey, events like the PokerNews Podcast MUG exemplify the community spirit that makes poker not just a game, but a way of life.
So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and dive into the world of poker—there’s always a seat waiting for you at the table!
