Wednesday’s episode of the UB.com sponsored poker news program “Poker2Nite” featured Full Tilt Poker pro and Deep Stacks University instructor Mike Matusow threatening to run naked down the Las Vegas Strip. “Poker2Nite” airs on Versus at 11:00pm ET each week.
The show began with the headlines of the week, including Nicolas Chouity winning the European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo Grand Final to the tune of $2.3 million. In a special interview from the famed Monaco casino, Chouity told “Poker2Nite” viewers, “I had the confidence to win this because I had the chip lead, but it’s poker. I’ve seen many final tables with the chip leader going out [early].” Despite his seven-figure bankroll boost, Chouity was humble in his plans for the money: “It’s a huge amount of money, but I’m happy as I am. Same old Nicolas.”
While the number of entrants for EPT events continues to grow, attendance on the World Poker Tour (WPT) has dropped dramatically. Is the EPT surpassing the WPT in prestige? “Poker2Nite” host Joe Sebok weighed in, “I think it’s a bit of a tough question. When you see guys like David Williams win the WPT Championship, what does he say? ‘This has always been a dream of mine. This is something I’ve always wanted to do.’ I don’t hear that from the EPT side yet.” Williams’ WPT Championship run marked his last as a sponsored pro of Bodog.
As part of the show’s ongoing World Series of Poker (WSOP) preview, Sebok told “Poker2Nite” co-host Scott Huff and viewers that the $1,000 events, $5,000 Six-Max tournament, and Main Event provide the most value to players. On the latter, Sebok elaborated, “You cannot beat this tournament for anything in the entire world. The most players, the most money, and the most prestige – you can’t get away from that.” The 2010 WSOP Main Event kicks off on July 5th with the first of four starting days.
So far, 2010 has proven to be the Year of the Woman in poker. UB.com pro Annie Duke took down the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, Liv Boeree brought home the gold in EPT San Remo, and Vanessa Selbst won the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) Mohegan Sun Main Event. Three weeks ago on “Poker2Nite,” WSOP Vice President Ty Stewart predicted that women would take home three bracelets at the 2010 WSOP. Matusow, however, disagreed: “If three women win a bracelet at the WSOP, I will run naked down the Strip with a camera behind me.” That should be epic.
During the weekly segment “On the Clock,” which features guests answering rapid-fire questions from Sebok and Huff, it was revealed that 11-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth’s middle name is Jerome. Other segments included “P2N Online,” which included response to a doctored image of Phil Ivey from ClubPoker.net and Kentucky Derby Tweets from Hellmuth and Beth Shak.
Rounding out Wednesday’s episode of “Poker2Nite” was poker mindset coach Sam Chauhan, who told viewers where his income stream comes from: “I try to build somebody’s inner self, their inner core. If someone’s inner core is strong, it doesn’t matter what happens in the external world, they can snap right back.” He added, “Your thoughts are steering wheels of your life, but many people don’t know what to do when their thoughts go the wrong direction.” Among Chauhan’s clients is Victory Poker front man Antonio Esfandiari.
Next week, Sara Underwood will join the set. “Poker2Nite” airs every Wednesday at 11:00pm ET on Versus, although its schedule has been somewhat erratic with the NHL Playoffs. Check your local listings for more details.
