In breaking news from the World Poker Tour (WPT), Tony “Bond18” Dunst, who made wearing tailored suits at live poker tournaments “hip,” is joining the WPT broadcast team as its “Raw Deal” host.
The on-air segment will feature Dunst commenting on hands during WPT broadcasts in his witty style, which is sure to liven up the longstanding poker tour’s ninth season when it airs on Fox Sports Net. The WPT was searching for the “Simon Cowell of Cards” and explained what qualities its perfect candidate would have in a July press release: “If you’re opinionated, fearless, watch and play hours of poker, and find yourself offering brilliant insight from the comfort of your couch, it’s time for you to take a new seat – right next to WPT stars Mike Sexton, Vince Van Patten, and Kimberly Lansing. Plus, get your chance to share the screen with the stunning WPT Royal Flush Girls.”
“Raw Deal” tryouts were held in Los Angeles during the WPT’s Legends of Poker stop at the Bicycle Casino in August. Those who turned out to try their luck included pros like Bryan “badbeatninja” Devonshire, Clonie Gowen, and UB.com front man Joe Sebok. On his competition to be the first “Raw Deal” host, Dunst told Poker News Daily on Monday, “Devonshire would have been excellent for that role. He’s a guy who does a great job in poker and is fun to have around. I’ve played with Clonie before and have found her to be lovely. Even though we run in similar social circles, I have never met Joe Sebok.”
Dunst will primarily be involved with U.S.-based WPT events and will head to the Festa al Lago to conduct interviews when the tournament begins in 10 days. Given his success on the felts and a background in theater, being the “Raw Deal” host is a perfect fit for “Bond18,” who told Poker News Daily, “I have a theater background and almost got a degree in it. I always like speaking about poker, which is why I’ve been involved on TwoPlusTwo for so long. I was given an opportunity to get a foothold on the business side of poker and it combines everything I’m good at.”
Dunst’s acting career ended when he began succeeding on the virtual and live felts in poker. In fact, he used to play online during class and has become a force to be reckoned with. Dunst owns two PocketFives.com Triple Crowns and has recorded wins in the Full Tilt $65,000 Guarantee, Absolute Poker $1K, Full Tilt $40,000 Guarantee, and CEREUS Network $75,000 Guarantee.
If you’ve been watching the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event on ESPN every Tuesday, then you’ve seen Dunst battle it out as the best-dressed player in the field. He ultimately bowed out in 50th place from the $10,000 buy-in tournament, adding $168,000 to his bankroll. In 2008, he won a $3,000 No Limit Hold’em preliminary event during the Bellagio Cup for $193,000, besting a final table that included former WPT champion Olivier Busquet and New York’s Will Failla.
He’s produced training videos for PokerSavvy and coached his ex-girlfriend, Celina Lin, to be one of the most popular Chinese players on the poker circuit. Dunst has also contributed a wealth of feature articles to sites like PocketFives.com, sharing his thoughts on everything from the WSOP to self-improvement.
Dunst’s addition is one of several changes for Season 9 of the WPT. Matt Savage was hired as the WPT’s Executive Tour Director, bringing a wealth of respect and experience to the table. The Royal Flush Girls will add a risque spark to WPT broadcasts, while Kimberly Lansing returned as the tour’s anchor. Season 9 will begin airing in January.
Congratulations from all of us here at Poker News Daily to Dunst on his new role. Check your local listings for WPT broadcast information.
