Brad Owen Shines at WPT Montreal Meet-Up Games
Brad Owen at WPT Montreal
When the conversation turns to Meet-Up Games (MUGs) in the poker world, Brad Owen undoubtedly stands out as one of the trailblazers. Having participated in MUGs across various locations globally, Owen’s recent venture took him to Playground Poker Room during the renowned World Poker Tour (WPT) Montreal event, and it was anything but ordinary.
An Electric Atmosphere at Playground
On Monday, October 21, at 1 p.m., the atmosphere at Playground was electric, with numerous players engaged in intense $1/$3 and $2/$5 cash game action. The poker room was bustling, a testament to the popularity of the MUG format, with more than 40 tables actively in play. Owen, alongside fellow WPT Global Ambassadors and Canadian poker legends Patrick Tardif and Xuan Liu, took rotations around the tables every 30 minutes, mingling with players and sharing in the thrill of the game.
“I always have a great time at Playground,” Owen shared with PokerNews. “I’ve gotten to know a handful of the local players over the last few years. In addition to their hospitality, they continue to bring the energy at the meet-up games, which makes it fun for me to keep coming back. This event I got off to a slow start, but ending the day winning a $1,000 flip at the MUG’s most rambunctious table more than made up for it.”
A Fun and Friendly Environment
MUGs are designed to create a unique and inclusive environment for poker enthusiasts at all levels, allowing fans to connect with their favorite players. Liu expressed her excitement about these gatherings:
“MUGs are such a special way to connect with players at the grassroots level, even if they are mostly there for Brad,” she mentioned. “I always have fun and splash around a bunch, but I also kind of tried this time and booked a pretty nice win.”
Liu recounted an extraordinary moment when she showed one card at a crucial moment in the game, impacting the decision of her opponent—proof that every hand counts, especially in MUGs where fun meets strategy.
Amenities and Registration
Participants were treated to complimentary food and drinks while enjoying the action at the tables, reinforcing Playground’s commitment to creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience. Players could sign up through multiple platforms, including the Poker Atlas app, the Playground website, or in-person at the venue, making the event accessible to all.
Matt Savage playing in the WPT Montreal MUG.
Even Matt Savage, the WPT Executive Tour Director, joined the cash game festivities, affirming the event’s allure for poker professionals.
"I had a great time playing in the meet-up game. I played a little bit with Brad, ‘Egyptian’, and also with Xuan Liu. We had a lot of fun,” Savage told PokerNews. “I dusted off my chips a couple of times, but the cash action here is off the charts. It’s actually better than I’ve seen in most places. Happy to come back here and play that again."
Capturing the Moment
Throughout the MUG, talented poker photographer Alicia Skillman was on hand to capture the vibrant scenes and memorable moments. The following gallery offers a glimpse into the fun and camaraderie that defined the event.
Photo Gallery Highlights
A Continuous Journey
As the events at Playground continue throughout the week, PokerNews will remain on-site to provide updates and stories straight from the tournament floor. For players and fans alike, the WPT Montreal MUG was not just a gathering but a celebration of community, strategy, and, most importantly, fun.
Photos courtesy World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
With Owen leading the charge at MUGs around the world, there’s no doubt that the spirit of poker and its community is alive and thriving. For those interested in one-on-one experiences with some of the best in the game, the next Meet-Up Game might be just around the corner. Keep an eye out and be sure to join the lively gatherings that poker has to offer!
