The Rail Last Week
November 28
Sauce123 AMA is over on RIO to view in full.
Run It Once held a special Ask Me Anything with Ben “Sauce123” Sulsky, one of the sharpest minds in poker. The thread is now locked, but you can still check all the questions and answers via the link.A shot at poker glory in Cyprus.
Corey Eyring documents his deep run at the World Series of Poker event in Cyprus, sharing the ups and downs of tournament play. The main question: will he finally grab his first WSOP ring?
For more, his Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Black Friday brings poker training deals your way.
Our very own Ivan Potocki highlights Black Friday deals from PokerCoaching offering serious discounts on annual memberships and bundles. If you’ve been waiting to invest in your poker game, the odds just got much better.icymi: 888poker releases its 2026 live schedule and it’s set to be a doozy.
888poker has announced its 2026 live event schedule, featuring stops in Madrid, Glasgow, and Barcelona. The new year promises affordable tournaments and a strong start, with events beginning in January. If you like your poker live, you’ll want to check out those dates.BetRivers Poker Gobberknocker series starts today!
The Gobbleknocker Series, will run from November 28 to December 7. It’s a ten-day, bounty-only schedule with 26 events, modest buy-ins, and at least $200,000 guaranteed across Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia.Still in a food coma? Then sit and back enjoy Brad Owen’s latest vlog.
Owen faces a gold bracelet winner in a $15,000+ pot where neither player is backing down. The straight flush versus flopped nuts scenario adds an extra layer of tension to what is already a sharp look at high-level live poker.After five years away the Borgata Fall Poker Open returns stronger than ever.
Pokerati reports that Borgata’s $2,700 Fall Poker Open Main Event exceeded expectations, breaking through its million-dollar guarantee.
The combination of a strong brand and affordable online satellites keeps the festival popular among both regulars and newcomers.
Hard work pays off, even if you skip school.
PokerNews profiles Samuel Mullur’s swift ascent in the world of high-stakes poker. From dropping out of school to racking up over $10 million in live earnings, Mullur credits mentorship and discipline for his rapid success at events like Triton and WSOP Paradise.Every player has a backstory; Esther Taylor’s is just a little more interesting than most.
In a feature on PokerOrg Esther Taylor talks about being adopted from Korea and rising through the poker world. She discusses her learning process, handling the pressures of tournaments, and why balance outside the game matters.November 27
Whilst you wait for the Turkey to cook…
Jump into the live stream of the Triton Poker Series cash game invitational.A little WSOP docudrama précis in case you need catching up.
Sarah Herring brings it to you straight, with a little help from Will Jaffe.Wait what?! Two dealers?
This is definitely non-standard… someone please explain.Irish Open 2026 expands ladies events.
The 2026 Irish Open will feature 3 ladies events for 2026.
✨ €250 Ladies Championship
✨ €1,150 Ladies High Roller (a brand new tournament)
✨ Kings & Queens: men vs. women
Steven Jones brings his poker face to Squid Game.
In an interview with PokerOrg, Steven Jones discussed how his poker skills helped him nearly win Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix. Filmed last winter in London, Jones described the experience as both harrowing and, at times, fun. He ultimately finished third and banked serious prize money.Lonis may be done with poker social media.
He won almost $5 million in one week, and none of us even noticed (thanks to the WSOP and Abby Merk drama).
I’m lurking in the comments, and they are worth a doom scroll if you have the time today.
Winner of PokerOrg WSOP Paradise package revealed.
Lexy Gavin-Mather has whittled down a flood of poker-themed “tell-me-you’re-a-poker-player-without-telling-me” videos to pick Chase Downing as the winner of the WSOP Paradise package.
According to PokerOrg, Downing’s family got in on the act, with his daughter nearly stealing the show.
If you’re nervous about telling your family you play poker, you’re not alone.
In an article on PokerNews, tips are offered for breaking the news to your family about your poker lifestyle over the holidays.
From hosting a casual game to bringing an impressive dish, the advice aims to make your announcement less awkward and maybe even fun.
Fill in Josh Arieh’s job roles for his new casino.
I’m putting Pads (aka Patrick Leonard) forward for Head of Credit dept and Doug Polk for marketing but the rest I am mulling.Some good advice for staying sane on social media.
And specifically on X. Love number 3 the most.Foxen selling action for upcoming Triton series in the Bahamas.
Head over to PokerStake to find out more!November 26
Boeree thinks AI WSOP drama “blown out of proportion.”
Replying to a post from Barry Carter, who thought that possibly multiple episodes of No Limit have been affected by AI dubbing issues, Liv Boeree jumped into the comments to clarify how much of the documentary is actually affected.PokerListings under fire for using AI.
Sara O’Connor over on PokerListings digs into the recent WPT branding misfire and the poker community’s split reaction.
The article lays out how surface-level controversies may mask deeper issues about inclusion and responsibility in the game. But that isn’t why people are talking.
O’Connor admitted to using AI to help polish the article, and the poker community is not happy.
How does Kevmath always seem to have the right answers?
Did you know Kevmath went from answering phone calls to answering poker players’ burning questions, and now PokerOrg traces his journey to becoming the game’s unofficial customer service rep at the WSOP and, more recently, the APTC Taipei?
Apparently, his greatest skill is not tilting when asked the same question for the hundredth time.
PokerStars Ambassador Konnikova weighs in on the AI debate.
In her Substack post, Maria Konnikova unpacks the WSOP docu-series drama that resulted in all episodes being pulled due to the use of AI. She also touches on the drama that started earlier in the week, with PokerListings writer Sara O’Connor admitting to using AI to help finesse her articles.
The fallout raises questions about transparency and consent in creative storytelling.
Is the poker boom of the early 2000’s ever coming back?
Ben Wilinofsky doesn’t think so, and he makes some really good points.
The thread is super long and not entirely captured here—you would be scrolling forever—but you get the gist.
Alex Keating proposes WSOP Paradise buy-in for those players who were dubbed with AI in recent documentary.
Two Keatings were embroiled in the WSOP AI dubbing scandal. Both Alan and Alex have accused the WSOP and GG of manipulating their voices and words during episodes aired as part of the 'No Limit’ docu-series.
As compensation, Alex is now calling for the WSOP to cover the Paradise buy-in for all affected players.
Tbh, it doesn’t sound like a terrible idea.
Remember when Phil Galfond burned through $10 million starting his own poker site?
I mean he’s laughing now — BetRivers Poker very much entered the chat. But before then, things were definitely squeaky-bum-time for Phil, who created Run It Once Poker using his own money.
The documentary sheds light on the trials and tribulations of starting an online poker company from scratch.
Freeroll your way to big bucks, with one tiny string attached.
GGPoker Ontario is handing out C$100,000 in freerolls with no buy-in required. The only catch? Your winnings are 'cash dollars’ that must be played at the tables.
For more details click out our story below.
Hotel scarcity expected for Irish Open 2026.
According to the Irish Open organizers, Dublin hotel rooms will be in serious demand next March thanks to Ireland’s World Cup qualifier success which aligns with the Irish Poker Open.
If you plan on attending, consider securing your accommodation soon to avoid missing out.
Ever wondered why women get piled on in the poker social media streets?
David Baker has, and his take is worth a read.November 25
Black Friday is nearly here, and online poker rooms are already moving to capitalize on the surge in player attention.
Online poker rooms often roll out themed promotions for major calendar moments, and Black Friday is no exception. GGPoker is leading with tournament discounts of up to 90%, while BetRivers Poker is cutting prices on items in its store. PokerStars has also joined in with reduced rates on its branded merchandise.Recommended viewing from Kevmath.
Wasn’t going to watch the whole thing (a 2003 poker documentary that apparently is worth the watch), and then we meet Simon Trumper from Guildford, England.
- Guildford is just up the road from us, so immediately I’m invested from a geography pov.
- He owns a drainage company. Somehow, this speaks to me.
- “Five years ago we bought a dog. We knew I’d be allergic.” Loved the delivery on this line.
I’m totally sold. Roll the tape.
Will Jaffe is back, ladies and gentlemen, and you know what that means.
It’s time for another tough conversation, and we have never appreciate his take on the WSOP docu-drama more!PSA: Poker players in LA now have less tournament choice than ever.
Apparently, live tournament poker in LA is on the decline, with Commerce Casino cutting ties with both WSOP and WPT, leaving very few options for players in the city.Texas quietly joins the WSOP Circuit schedule.
PokerNews reports that Texas Card House will host the state’s first-ever WSOP Circuit event next spring, marking a major milestone for the Texas poker community.
The move comes after years of legal hurdles for the state’s unique club-based poker scene.
Official dates and full details are coming soon.
Linus is chipping away at his deficit.
LinusLLove seems to have found his mojo, cutting his losses with a $100k upswing over the weekend, according to PokerStrategy.
The so-called king of the 8-high call might be eyeing black numbers soon…
The growing stack of WSOP bracelets raises eyebrows.
Some poker fans are questioning whether the WSOP is diluting the prestige of its bracelets by awarding too many each year.
nb. (We’ve been questioning this for over a year, but no biggie; no one ever cites us.)
In a recent PokerNews Podcast, the panel discussed whether the value of a bracelet is changing with the times. The conversation is now available as a highlight on the WSOP Bracelets channel.
Kabrhel is just one of those we all love to hate.
Martin Kabrhel caused a stir at the BSOP Millions, securing a win in the Super High Roller while drawing accusations of marking cards. As PokerOrg highlights, his antics ensured he was the loudest player in the room, if not the most popular.Billups hopes his legal hand beats the house.
NBA coach Chauncey Billups is pleading not guilty to charges of cheating in high-stakes poker games allegedly rigged by the mafia.
As reported by PokerNews, Billups is out on a $5 million bond, with his Colorado home on the table.
Just another million-dollar day on Hustler Casino Live.
PokerNews reports that Hustler Casino Live will host a 24-hour cash game on December 2, featuring Alan Keating, Nik Airball, and other high rollers, each bringing at least $1 million.
The game kicks off with $500/$1,000 blinds and promises to be one of the biggest livestreams of the year.
The December clash is real between EPT Prague, WPT Championships and WSOP Paradise.
Poker coach Faraz Jaka actually thinks the clash is a good thing.
To be honest, the buy-ins for all of them are so big (apart from EPT Prague) that it’s hard to fathom it being a difficult decision to choose between them if you are a recreational player who has not won a package.
This is the best take on the WSOP docu-drama we have seen yet.
Eric honestly sums up my feelings on the documentary perfectly.BetMGM Poker’s Merk wins APT tourney.
Abby Merk, who is over in Taipei reporting on the APT Championship, jumped into a tournament yesterday and went on to win! Congrats to Abby!November 24
This is an absolute joy to watch.
Kabrhell (who is as polarizing as Will Kassouf) gets served during the BSOP Super High Roller. And it is excellent.Dominik Niesche jumps into the WSOP docu drama with a hot take on rake.
What do you think? Should GG lower its rake?Paging Brian Koppelman.
We can but only dream.“With a level of hubris that would have made Icarus blush.”
Honestly can’t get enough of Lappin’s writing style. 👏
To find out what he’s alluding to, check out his article over on VegasSlotsOnline.
Poker’s reality hit lands on Canadian TV.
Game of Gold the breakout poker reality show from GGPoker, has made its way to Canadian television with a new run on Sportsnet.
The show’s future after this broadcast remains unclear, as fans await news on whether a second season will be happening.
Do yourself a favor. Watch this immediately.
It. Is. Excellent.
Although we almost forgot all the drama from last week—what with the WSOP documentary debacle taking center stage—this is a must-watch.
Charity and high stakes poker meet atop the Vegas skyline.
PokerNews covered the One Drop charity tournament at Resorts World, where Steven Jones outlasted a star-studded field to win just under $74,000.
The event, emceed by Phil Hellmuth, highlighted not just poker skills but the cause of safe water initiatives championed by the One Drop Foundation.
“A poorly rendered mess of a docuseries that lacks conflict, drama, and a coherent premise.”
David Lappin takes to VegasSlotsOnline to give his take on the recent WSOP drama.
In case you missed it, WSOP’s latest documentary, 'No Limit,’ is drawing heat for using AI-generated audio to misrepresent poker pro, Alan Keating.
When you’ve got the temerity to post an 882-word diatribe on how the poker community is creatively bankrupt, when you’ve got the gall to claim that your next project is going to be a game-changer in the space, when you have the audacity to declare that you’ve turned “poker sessions into cinematic experiences,” then you sure as hell better not deliver a four-hour snoozefest that exploits its subjects, putting words in their mouths when it suits your “narrative.” Yet that is exactly what Dustin Iannotti has done with “No Limit,” a poorly rendered mess of a docuseries that lacks conflict, drama, and a coherent premise.
We take a break from the WSOP drama to bring you pure Poker Brat antics.
I do not love the phone smack. Why can’t we all do better?The deleted tweet from Iannotti explaining the use of AI in his documentary.
It is not a good look.
Why is this giving me BBC-Trump-Panorama edit vibes?