Reads of the Week
Key Takeaways
  • Dirk Oetzmann, provides an interesting perspective on where the game of poker is developing its best players.
  • The idea that No Limit Hold’em might be detrimental to poker is nothing new, but QuadJacks columnist Coffee brings the concept to the forefront once again in his article on the topic.
  • John Mehaffey examines exactly what makes up gambling and how fantasy sports compares to poker, sports betting and other traditional gambling games.

Who’s Got Next? Meet the 2015 Spirit of Poker Rising Star Nominees

Sponsorships in poker for the most part are driven by star power, and usually it is success on the felt that ignites careers. Those looking to stay a step ahead of their competition in identifying the next up and comers are probably already familiar with the nominees for the PokerListings 2015 Spirit of Poker Awards, but for everyone else the list, along with the background information compiled by Dirk Oetzmann, provides an interesting perspective on where the game of poker is developing its best players.

Notably, with online poker virtually unavailable in the US except for the three states where it is regulated and a handful of gray market rooms that operate offshore, the only nominee from America to make the list is Claudico, and artificial intelligence No Limit Hold’em poker bot that was pitted against some of the games top heads-up players earlier this year.