PokerStars The Big Game on Tour

Season 3 of The PokerStars Big Game on Tour started airing in May 2026 on PokerStars’ official YouTube channel. The first episode of the new season went out on May 17, 2026, featuring an interesting concept.

Instead of a new set of auditions, Season 3 of The Big Game brings out several candidates who didn’t make the cut for Season 2.

Filming for Season 3 took place during the 2025 NAPT in Las Vegas, but the whole thing was kept on a downlow. Although there were rumors’ about the new season, nothing was official until PokerStars made an announcement during the 2026 EPT Monte Carlo, just a few days before the show was set to air.

Unlike previous seasons, we don’t have details about all Loose Cannons, and it seems they’ll be revealed as the show progresses. Andy Taylor is the first one to take the hot seat.

On this page, we bring you all the latest info on The Big Game on Tour, including air dates, info on Loose Cannons, rules of the game, lineups, full overview of all episodes as they go live, and all the historical information about Seasons 1 and 2.

The Big Game on Tour Overview

First season of The Big Game was announced in 2023, with PokerStars organizing qualifying tournaments during their NAPT stop in Las Vegas. Those who managed to get through the tournaments proceeded to the audition, where an expert panel selected two players who got their opportunity to sit at the big table.

After a hugely successful comeback, the operator brought back the show for the second season, with sessions once again filmed during the NAPT in Las Vegas in 2024. This time around, PokerStars decided to keep the information about Loose Cannons hidden until a week before show’s official air date (May 24, 2025).

The rules of the show haven’t changed much compared to the original two seasons, other than the fact loose cannons are now staked $50,000 (instead of $100,000). Each of them has to play 150 hands, and after the last hand, they get to keep any profits they made over the original $50,000.

Season 1 featured two sets of five episodes, both of which were filmed in November in Las Vegas. The lineup for the first set of episodes included the likes of Phil Helmuth, Maria Ho, Phil Laak, Alan Keating, and Jennifer Tilly. The second set of episodes saw the likes of Lex Veldhuis, Dave Krosky, and Sam Grafton join the mix.

Season 2 came back with three sets of five 150-hand episodes, giving three Loose Cannons opportunities to win big. The lineup included the likes of Jen Tilly, Andre Akkari, Sam Grafton, Nick Wright, Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, Antonio 'The Magician’ Esfandiari, Phil 'Unabomber’ Laak, and more.

Season 3 started airing on May 17, 2026, giving opportunities to several Loose Cannons who didn’t make it past the audition stage. Keeping Loose Cannons company at the table are Shaun Deeb, Matt Berkey, Jason Koon, Sean O’Malley, and Randy ‘3Coin’ Sadler.

Season 3 Loose Cannons

For Season 3 of The Big Game on Tour, PokerStars did not reveal the names of all LCs for the entire season. So far, we only know the name of the first player appearing in the hot seat, and his name is Andy Taylor.

Andy Taylor

An operations manager hailing from Canada, Andy is a recreational poker player who took his shot at The Big Game for Season 2. While he did not make the cut on that occasion, he was invited back for Season 3, and now he has the opportunity to test his skills against a pretty tough lineup. However, he’s not afraid to mix it up.

The Big Game on Tour Season 3 Lineup

The Big Game on Tour Season 3 features an interesting lineup, with a mix of top-tier pros and action-prone amateurs, promising some fireworks.

Jason Koon

One of the best poker players in the world and currently occupying the third-place on Poker’s All Time Money List, Jason Koon is as tough as they get. In terms of skills, he’s not someone you want at the table as a Loose Cannon, but Koon actually goes out of his way to make games fun and relaxed. To an extent, of course, as he’ll gladly take any chips coming his way.

Shaun Deeb

With two WSOP Player of the Year titles to his name, huge experience at the tables, and extraordinary reading abilities, Shaun Deeb is certainly a presence at the table. He’s seated to Andy’s immediate left, so it’s not the best of spots to be in if you’re a Loose Cannon.

Matt Berkey

If there is one environment Matt Berkey feels comfortable in, it’s a high-stakes cash game setup. An experienced poker player, coach, and more, he’s not someone to let your guard down against.

Randy '3Coin’ Sadler

Randy Sadler, better known for his nickname '3Coin,” is someone poker public is very familiar with. Randy has been a regular on many high-stakes live streams, and having fun seems to be his primary goal at the table. He may be a recreational player by definition, but he certainly knows how to put on the pressure in tough spots.

Sean O’Malley

A former UFC champion, Sean O’Malley had only discovered poker recently, but he quickly fell in love with the game. Although he played in many private games, his appearance on The Big Game represents O’Malley’s TV debut.

The Big Game on Tour Rules

Most poker fans are familiar with the rules of The Big Game, but since show hasn’t been on since 2012, it doesn’t hurt to run through the basics quickly.

• Each loose cannon is staked $50,000
• Stakes played are $100/$200, with $200 big blind ante
• The action is pot-limit before the flop, and no-limit after the flop
• Each loose cannon has to play 150 hands
• At the end of the session, the loose cannon will keep all profits over the original $50,000
• If the loose cannon ends up with $50,000 or less, they don’t get any money

The loose cannon must be present at the table for all 150 hands. There are no additional requirements in terms of how many flops they have to see or anything along those lines, so, for example, if a player doubles up on the very first hand, they are allowed to fold the remaining 149 hands and lock up the profit.

In previous seasons, loose cannons were extended the same courtesy as pro players when it came to running the board multiple times and similar options, so we don’t expect any changes in that department.

These rules made for some interesting, exciting, and sometimes emotional situations during the first two seasons, forcing loose cannons to make some tough decisions on the spot. Season 2 of The Big Game was pretty much guaranteed to bring forth some of that emotion, and it did not disappoint.

The Big Game on Tour Season 3: Watch All Episodes

Season 3 of The Big Game on Tour kicked off with Andy Taylor, an operations manager from Canada, taking his seat as the Loose Cannon, starting with $50,000, playing $100/$200, with occasional $400 straddles.

Part 1

• Episodes aired: 2
• Total hands played: 51

Episode 2 (May 24, 2026)

• Loose Cannon: Andy Taylor
• Lineup: Shaun Deeb, Jason Koon, Matt Berkey, Randy '3Coin’ Sadler, Sean O’Malley

It’s an action packed episode, with chips flying across the felt in all directions. Several big all-ins, some interesting decisions, and much, much more on this episode of The Big Game on Tour.

For UK viewers

Episode 1 (May 17, 2026)

• Loose Cannon: Andy Taylor
• Lineup: Shaun Deeb, Jason Koon, Matt Berkey, Randy '3Coin’ Sadler, Sean O’Malley

Andy Taylor gets off to a good start, showing he’s not afraid to mix it up with the pros and give himself a chance to walk away with a profit. O’Malley struggles to pick up momentum over the first couple of dozen hands.

For UK viewers

The Big Game on Tour Season 2 – Full Oveview

Lineup

For the second season of The Big Game on Tour, PokerStars once again mixed things up, bringing in some seasoned pros and poker-loving celebrities to fill the seats.

Andre Akkari

Andrea Akkari is the most successful Brazilian poker player and a member of the PokerStars Team Pro. Akkari is the most deserving person for the explosion of poker in Brazil, inspiring generations of young players to take up the game. His presence at the tables is certain to bring many eyeballs.

Jennifer Tilly

RHOBH star Jen Tilly is a welcome addition to any poker show lineup and it’s great to see her back for the Season 2 of The Big Game on Tour. While she may not be the pro by the strictest definition of the word, Tilly has been around the block a few times and she’s always ready to spice things up at the table.

Gerard Pique

While he may not be that famous in poker circles, Gerard Pique’s name is very well known among all soccer fans in Europe and beyond. Best known for his stellar performances with FC Barcelona, Pique has recently turned to poker more seriously, and his presence at The Big Game table will help show seriously extend its reach.

Sam Grafton

A pro poker player and a PokerStars Ambassador, Sam Grafton brings his charisma and unique sense of humor to the table. With over $15 million in live tournament winnings, his poker prowess is unquestionable, but you’d never guess it by his devil-may-care attitude.

Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski

Another player from the non-pro group, Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski made his claim to fame as a long-time NFL player. Gronkowski has a lot to learn about the game, but he’s not the one to back away from the challenge, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in The Big Game on Tour environment.

Griffin Benger

A poker pro hailing from Canada, Griffin Benger has over $4.5 million in tournament winnings to his name. Benger is no stranger to winning in PokerStars-staged shows, either, having claimed the Shark Cage title a few years back, so he certainly has the experience on his side.

Nick Wright

Nick Wright is a sports media personality and an enthusiastic recreational player who’s dabbled in poker for years. He also loves the challenge, which he proved by taking on none other than Phil Hellmuth in the PokerGO $50k Heads Up Challenge.

The Big Game on Tour Season 2: Watch All Episodes

The Big Game Season 2 features three loose cannons, with each loose cannon playing a session of 150 hands split into five episodes. The first to take the seat is Jordan Handrich, followed by Luke Moy.

Part 3

• Episodes aired: 5
• Total hands played: 150

Episode 5 (April 5, 2026)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Wakelin (Eliminated)
• Lineup: Rania Nasreddine, Antonio Esfandiari, Nick Wright, Phil Hellmuth, Rob Gronkowski, Phil Laak

It’s the final session of The Big Game on Tour! Rania starts off as the big winner. Esfandiari is ready turn on the heat. Gronk is trying to keep the momentum going and get back to even. And then there are two Phils, both playing pretty snug, but one of them doing all the talking.

For UK Viewers

Episode 4 (March 29, 2026)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Wakelin (Eliminated)
• Lineup: Rania Nasreddine, Antonio Esfandiari, Nick Wright, Phil Hellmuth, Rob Gronkowski, Phil Laak

The Loose Cannon may be out, but the show goes on. It’s Gronk firing on all cylinders in this session, pulling some crazy stunts and somehow making it work. This may not be the best lesson on how to play poker, but it could be one of the most enjoyable episodes of The Big Game on Tour since the show’s return!

For UK Viewers

Episode 3 (March 22, 2026)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Wakelin (Eliminated)
• Lineup: Rania Nasreddine, Antonio Esfandiari, Nick Wright, Phil Hellmuth, Rob Gronkowski, Phil Laak

Luke Wakelin decides to draw the line in the sand on this episode of The Big Game. Phil Laak takes his seat at the table and emotions get real as he and The Magician remember the good old days.

For UK Viewers

Episode 2 (March 15, 2026)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Wakelin
• Lineup: Rania Nasreddine, Antonio Esfandiari, Nick Wright, Phil Hellmuth, Rob Gronkowski

Antonio Esfandiari is the force to be reckoned with as he is in almost every pot, and cards are falling his way. Rania is slowly racking up profits, while Luke is still trying to find some good spots to put his chips to work, but things aren’t quite going his way.

For UK Viewers

Episode 1 (March 8, 2026)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Wakelin
• Lineup: Rania Nasreddine, Antonio Esfandiari, Nick Wright, Phil Hellmuth, Rob Gronkowski

The game kicks off, and there is no a dull moment. Rob is finding his poker legs, Antonio keeps the mood light, and Phil proceeds to name-drop. In the midst of it all, the Loose Cannon is looking for his opportunity and, for better or for worse, he shows he’s not afraid to put the chips in the middle.

For UK Viewers

Part 2

• Episodes aired: 5
• Total hands played: 150

Episode 5 (October 26, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Moy
• Lineup: Alan Keating, Jason Koon, Lex Veldhuis, Morgan Jay, Chance Kornuth

It all gets down to this, It’s the last session and the last opportunity for the Loose Cannon. Luke Moy is starting with a profit of about $11k, and he has to decide whether to try and lock it up or go all out for a big win.

For UK Viewers

Episode 4 (October 19, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Moy
• Lineup: Alan Keating, Jason Koon, Lex Veldhuis, Morgan Jay, Chance Kornuth

Alan Keating continues to drive action, playing over 90% of the hands dealt. Luke manages to sneak one small bluff past Mr. Keating to stay in the black but he is still waiting for that one big hand that could make him or break him.

For UK Viewers

Episode 3 (October 12, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Moy
• Lineup: Alan Keating, Jason Koon, Lex Veldhuis, Morgan Jay, Chance Kornuth

Things get even tougher for the Loose Cannon as Chance Kornuth takes up the empty seat. Keating and Lex continue their rivalry, Morgan continues to add some song and dance to the proceedings, while Luke hangs around, looking for his big opportunity.

For UK Viewers

Episode 2 (October 5, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Moy
• Lineup: Alan Keating, Alexander Wolfgang, Jason Koon, Lex Veldhuis, Morgan Jay

Luke Moy begins the session with a nice profit, but all of that, and more, will be put to the test in a hand against Alan Keating. Mr. Keating goes for a big bluff and while the Loose Cannon has a strong hand, is it strong enough to make a river call for $50,000 and drop below the profit line?

For UK Viewers

Episode 1 (September 28, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Luke Moy
• Lineup: Alan Keating, Alexander Wolfgang, Jason Koon, Lex Veldhuis, Morgan Jay

The action kicks off for the second session of The Big Game on Tour. Luke Moy takes his seat as the Loose Cannon and stakes are higher than ever. Luke starts with $100,000, with blinds set at $200/$400, and he is up against a rather aggressive lineup, including Mr. Keating who’s always up for action. Can the Loose Cannon get off to a good start?

For UK Viewers

Part 1

• Episodes aired: 5
• Total hands played: 150

Episode 5 (June 21, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Jordan Handrich – eliminated
• Lineup: Jennifer Tilly, Griffin Benger, Andre Akkari, Sam Grafton, Gerard Pique, Jonathan Tamayo

With the Loose Cannon out, there are still 30 hands left to play. Jen Tilly is coming in, looking to further solidify her profit for the session while Gerard Pique is trying to turn things around and get out of the hole. The newcomer Jonathan Tamayo doesn’t have much time to get the ball rolling, but he is the only one with a Bomb Pot Card remaining.

For UK Viewers

Episode 4 (June 14, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Jordan Handrich
• Lineup: Jennifer Tilly, Griffin Benger, Andre Akkari, Sam Grafton, Gerard Pique, Jonathan Tamayo

The excitement builds up as the Loose Cannon finally finds a hand to go with and a player to take her on – but when cards are on their backs, Jordan’s prospects don’t look so great. Can she find a miracle to save her?

For UK Viewers

Episode 3 (June 08, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Jordan Handrich
• Lineup: Jennifer Tilly, Griffin Benger, Andre Akkari, Sam Grafton, Gerard Pique

The session enters its second half as Jordan sets on a path to recoup some of her losses and get closer to a profit position. Meanwhile, Tilly continues to rake in pots and Pique is struggling to find his groove.

For UK Viewers

Episode 2 (May 31, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Jordan Handrich
• Lineup: Jennifer Tilly, Griffin Benger, Andre Akkari, Sam Grafton, Gerard Pique

It’s a bomb pots’ galore as players take advantage of the newly introduced feature for this season of the Big Game on Tour. Chips are flying, big pots are brewing, but can Jordan Handrich find some good fortune to get her stack moving in the right direction?

For UK Viewers

Episode 1 (May 24, 2025)

• Loose Cannon: Jordan Handrich
• Lineup: Jennifer Tilly, Griffin Benger, Andre Akkari, Sam Grafton, Gerard Pique

The new season of the Big Game on Tour kicks off. Jordan Handrich is the first to take the loose cannon seat, and over the course of 34 hands, Jordan shows she came to play. But will the cards cooperate?

For UK Viewers

The Big Game on Tour Season 1 – Full Overview

The first season of the renewed Big Game on Tour aired May – Aug, 2024. Below, you’ll find all the historical information about Season 1, including all episodes and short descriptions.

The Return of the Loose Cannon

After making their way through the qualifying tournaments and undergoing the audition, two players were selected to fill in the loose cannon seats for Season 1: Nikki Limo and Lily Newhouse.

Both loose cannons are huge poker fans but they’re not professional players, which is what judges in the panel were looking for. Additionally, both Newhouse and Limo have a strong presence on social media, which will certainly help increase the reach of the show.

Lily Newhouse is a mindset coach for poker players and CEOs, while Limo is a variety content creator with a YouTube channel with over 530,000 subscribers and almost 1,000 videos, with new ones added regularly.

Season 1 Lineup

PokerStars gathered a nice selection of experienced pros and enthusiastic amateurs to fill the remaining seats, with every single one of them bringing something unique to the table.

Phil Hellmuth

The Poker Brat is one of the original lineup members, and he’s coming back for Season 1 of the renewed show. Hellmuth definitely needs no special introduction, and his presence at the table will definitely add some flavor to the proceedings, especially if things aren’t going his way.

Maria Ho

Maria Ho is no stranger to poker shows, as she made countless appearances on many of them, including the recently concluded Game of Gold where she ran away with the win. Her great poker skills and her always calm and friendly demeanor make Maria a great addition to any poker lineup.

Phil Laak

Many poker fans will be thrilled to see The Unabomber in the lineup for The Big Game. Whatever you may think of his playing style, this is undeniable — Phil Laak adds plenty of color to every game he sits in!

Alan Keating

Mr. Keating is making his Big Game debut, and it’s safe to assume he’ll be one of the players driving most of the action. The mysterious millionaire has been one of the most popular faces in poker over the last few years, always bringing with him his calm charm and seemingly endless purse.

Jennifer Tilly

Jen Tilly has taken up poker much more seriously in recent years, and she’s never been afraid to mix it up with the “sharks.” Always ready with some funny story up her sleeve, Tilly will, at the very least, help keep the atmosphere at the table light and friendly.

Arden Cho

Arden Cho is many things — an actress, a model, and a social media influencer, but she’s also an avid poker fan. Cho took up the game a long time ago and has a great passion for poker. It will be interesting to see how she does in this particular lineup.

Lex Veldhuis

Lex is a member of the PokerStars Team Pro, and in addition to his stellar results, he made his claim to fame as a Twitch streamer with a big following. While tournament poker is his bread and butter, Veldhuis is certainly no stranger to cash games either.

The Big Game Season 1: Watch All Episodes

The Big Game Season 1 was split into two parts, featuring five episodes each. The first part saw Nikki Limo try her luck as the loose cannon, while the second part features Lily Newhouse in the loose cannon seat.

Part 2

• Episodes aired: 5
• Total hands played: 150

Episode 10 (August 24)

• Loose Cannon: Lily Newhouse
• Lineup: Maria Ho, Phil Laak, Michael Ian Black, Dave Krosky, Sam Grafton

Lily Newhouse heads into the final session of The Big Game with a small deficit and a big dream. After a long wait, her patience pays off, as she finds a hand to get all her chips in the middle to try and double up for huge profit – but can she hold?

Episode 9 (August 17)

• Loose Cannon: Lily Newhouse
• Lineup: Maria Ho, Phil Laak, Michael Ian Black, Dave Krosky, Sam Grafton

Things are heating up as The Big Game enters its final third. Lily continues to struggle to find good spots to try and double up, but she is not giving up. Sam Grafton is in a mood to play, while Maria Ho remains the biggest winner despite a couple of difficult situations she had to navigate.

Episode 8 (August 10)

• Loose Cannon: Lily Newhouse
• Lineup: Maria Ho, Phil Laak, Michael Ian Black, Dave Krosky, Sam Grafton

The latest episode of The Big Game on Tour brings more coolers, a big-time nitroll, and Lily Newhouse battling through it all to stick around and patiently rebuild her stack heading into the final third of the session.

Episode 7 (August 3)

• Loose Cannon: Lily Newhouse
• Lineup: Maria Ho, Phil Laak, Michael Ian Black, Dave Krosky, Sam Grafton

The new episode brought just as much excitement as the first one, with big hands clashing, massive pots exchanging hands, and one player missing out on a lot of value due to an unusual incident. In the midst of all this, Lily Newhouse is trying to claw here way back and recover from from the rough start she had.

Episode 6 (July 27)

• Loose Cannon: Lily Newhouse
• Lineup: Maria Ho, Phil Laak, Michael Ian Black, Dave Krosky, Sam Grafton

The second part of the Season 1 got up to an exciting start, as the Loose Cannon found herself in a big pot against Sam Grafton only a few hands into the session, while Maria Ho had a rough welcome to the table as well, getting into a set-over-set situation right off the bat.

Part 1

• Episodes aired: 5
• Total hands played: 150

Episode 5 (June 8)

• Loose Cannon: Nikki Limo
• Lineup: Phil Hellmuth, Arden Cho, Jennifer Tilly, Lex Veldhuis, Griffin Benger

It’s the final episode of the first half of The Big Game Season 1, and it has it all: sick coolers, huge pots, and Nikki Limo, the loose cannon, trying to make something happen with less than 25 hands to go. Can she do it? In the meantime, Arden Cho and Jen Tilly play a pot of $400,000!

Episode 4 (June 1)

• Loose Cannon: Nikki Limo
• Lineup: Phil Hellmuth, Arden Cho, Alan Keating, Jennifer Tilly, Lex Veldhuis

The loose cannon is running out of time at the Big Game table and is on the lookout for opportunities to get her chips in the middle. Arden Cho is on a serious comeback trail, with cards finally coming her way, while Keating continues to brawl without even looking at his cards. In the meantime, Lex is struggling to find a winning path.

Episode 3 (May 25)

• Loose Cannon: Nikki Limo
• Lineup: Phil Hellmuth, Arden Cho, Alan Keating, Jennifer Tilly, Lex Veldhuis

Alan Keating is determined to get back in the black, and Lex Veldhuis is more than happy to provide the action Mr. Keating is seeking. Hellmuth’s slow and steady approach continues to pay off dividends, and things are finally starting to look up for Arden Cho.

Episode 2 (May 18)

• Loose Cannon: Nikki Limo
• Lineup: Phil Hellmuth, Arden Cho, Alan Keating, Jennifer Tilly, Lex Veldhuis

Things are heating up as the loose cannon gets active and Phil Hellmuth picks up a few hands he likes. Mr. Keating is trying to get back some of his losses, while Arden Cho is struggling to catch a break and get things moving in the right direction. All this and more on Episode 2 of the PokerStars Big Game on Tour!

Episode 1 (May 11)

• Loose Cannon: Nikki Limo
• Lineup: Phil Hellmuth, Arden Cho, Alan Keating, Jennifer Tilly, Lex Veldhuis

The action gets underway in Las Vegas as cards get in the air. Nikki Limo takes her seat as the loose cannon, with $50,000 in her stack. Everybody else starts with the same amount, except for Mr. Keating, who has the entire table well covered, sitting with $250,000 in front of him – and he’s here to play some cards!

The Big Game on Tour FAQ

What is The Big Game on Tour?

The Big Game on Tour is the third season of PokerStars’ popular poker game show The Big Game, in which a selected contestant (the loose cannon) is staked to play against five other players and allowed to keep all profits over the original stake amount after playing 150 hands.

Where can I watch The Big Game?

All episodes of The Big Game are readily available on PokerStars’ YouTube channels. You’ll find all episodes from the original two seasons, as well new episodes from Season 1 and 2.

How are loose cannons selected for The Big Game?

For The Big Game Season 1, loose cannons were selected during the 2023 NAPT in Las Vegas. They first had to qualify via live freeroll tournaments, after which all the winners faced the panel of judges who eventually selected two players to get a seat in The Big Game.

How much money is a Loose Cannon staked for The Big Game?

Loose cannons are staked $50,000 each, and allowed to keep any profit over that original $50,000.

Can anyone become a loose cannon on The Big Game?

Almost everyone is allowed to try and qualify. PokerStars has different rules for different seasons, but as long as you meet the criteria like the age (which was at least 25 for Season 1), you can give it a try.

Does a loose cannon really get to keep all the money they win on the show?

Yes, every loose cannon gets to keep 100% of whatever they win over the original stake amount. They don’t have to split any of their winnings with PokerStars or anyone else. All winnings are entirely theirs to keep.