Neil Johnson, Head of Live Poker Operations for PokerStars, has years of experience with poker in land-based venues. Having started in the business as a dealer in 2004, Johnson worked his way up to Tournament Director and then eventually assumed the role of Live Poker Specialist for the European Poker Tour and other PokerStars live events including the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA).
Johnson is one of the most influential people on the live poker scene, and he took some time out of his schedule at the PokerStars Festival at the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey earlier this month to discuss a variety of topics from the controversial William Kassouf and the difficulties with implementing rules around “speech play” to poker shot clocks and more.
He also gives a peek behind the curtain, talking about how he decides what kinds of tournaments to offer and the priorities that come into play when planning a live poker festival.
Plus, if you’re looking for a new game to try out at your home game, you’ll definitely want to check out this interview because Johnson even shares his own personal favorite poker game, and it sure sounds like fun.
