Mary Smith

Poker is an entertaining game that is as much fun to watch as it is to play. Enjoy some of the poker action on TV with these 10 awesome poker TV shows:

1. GSN’s High Stake Poker

This show premiered in 2006 and offered a completely new format from other poker TV shows. Instead of the traditional tournament format, you get to sit in with the best poker pros in the world like Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein and Jen Harman. The best part of the show is that these players have to gamble with their own money, and a lot of it as the buy-in is $100,000. The action is very different with variations and deals you won’t see at other poker tables.

2. The World Series of Poker

The biggest live poker event is also the biggest event on poker TV. Nowhere else will you be able to witness such a variety of games played at the highest level. But surely the main draw card is the Main Event and the intrigue and suspense of finding out who will take home the multi-million dollar first prize.

3. The World Poker Tour

This show aired for the first time in 2006 and didn’t take long before becoming the highest rated programme on the Travel Channel. This show follows the WPT tournament events at casinos around the country, and is exciting and entertaining from beginning to end.

4. Celebrity Poker Showdown

This show really boosted the celebrity aspect of poker. It drew a whole new audience who were interested in the lives of their favourite celebs and how they hold up at the poker table. It does not offer the best poker on TV, but thanks to its celebrities and the humourous commentaries by popular hosts Dave Foley and Phil Gordon, its the most poker fun you can have.

5. Poker Royale

This show is great in that it brings two opposing groups to duke it out at the poker table. This can range from anything between Boys vs. Girls and even Celebrities vs. Professionals. The game consists of three players from each ‘camp’ sitting down to a game of no limit Hold’em. This is a great opportunity to see you fave celebs including Jennifer Tilly and Lance Bass at their finest.

6. Poker Stars

This is a fast paced invitations series of tournaments pitting the best professional players in the world against each other. This show is fast paced and exciting, with many viewers comparing it to online poker.

7. Ultimate Poker Challenge

This show on poker TV hosts a series of no-Limit Texas Hold’em tournaments in Las Vegas. The show features 26 weeks of non-stop poker action.

8. Mansionpoker.net Poker Dome Challenge

This unique show was shot in downtown Las Vegas at the ‘Poker Dome’. This game is different in that it pits players in a speed poker tournament where they only have 15 seconds to decide how to play then their turn rolls around. Another fun concept is that all players wear heart monitors so when things heat up, viewers can see if the players keep their cool.

9. Tilt

The only fictional show of the bunch, this drama revolves around Don ‘The Matador’ Everest (played by Michael Madsen), a poker player known for drawing suckers in. Tune in for a great escape.

10. E! Hollywood Hold’em

This is your exclusive invite to an insider Hollywood poker game. This is where celebrities and their friends are pitted against each other at the poker table. Phil Laack presented the show and acted as dealer, but the show only lasted one season.

Author bio

This article was written for All Africa Poker and lists the best poker TV shows.

Just be yourself when you’re playing Texas Hold’em poker. Don’t bother to emulate some other, smooth player when it doesn’t remain true to who you are. Stay true to your character and you should be more comfortable, which will in turn help you to win more often. [Read more…] about Top tips on how to win Texas Hold’em Poker