GGPoker already boasts an ambassador stable that includes Daniel Negreanu and Fedor Holz. On Thursday, the site announced the signing of another major poker name – “King of Instagram” Dan Bilzerian.
Bilzerian has become one of the world’s most recognizable poker players and social media influencers. On Instagram alone, Bilzerian has more than 32 million followers.
“Dan joining Team GGPoker is a huge win,” Negreanu noted in a news release announcing the signing.
“No one in poker has a bigger reach than Dan. He has won millions in cash games and isn’t afraid to get into the mix against the sharks in the high-stakes streets at GGPoker.”
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Bilzerian comes with some controversy
While he may bring plenty of eyeballs, Bilzerian has also been a polarizing figure in the world of poker. His social media posts frequently involve plenty of partying, global travel, and scantily-clad women.
When it comes to poker Bilzerian has made some big claims. At varying times he’s said to have won more than $10 million in a single session and $50 million over the course of a year (2014).
Bilzerian also has various business interests ranging from electronic cigarettes to CBD oil to vodka. He’s also worked as an actor on occasion.
https://twitter.com/DanBilzerian/status/1269910950171127808?s=20
His winnings and wealth have been disputed through the years. His father, Paul Bilzerian, was the subject of a Wall Street Journal investigation in 2014.
The elder Bilzerian is a former corporate takeover specialist. He battled the Securities and Exchange Commission over a $64 million civil judgement for 25 years. That involved self-exile on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and even renouncing his US citizenship.
As the Journal noted, many believed his father had “assets set aside for son Dan Bilzerian, a social-media star who has attracted millions of online followers by flaunting his exploits with cars, guns, bikini-clad women and high-stakes poker.”
Bilzerian told the paper that his father did endow him a trust. However, he says much of his wealth has come from private high stakes poker games.
“People are going to believe what they want to believe,” Bilzerian said in the article.
What’s in it for GGPoker?
While Bilzerian comes with an edgy background, that’s nothing new for the world of poker. Vice has come hand in hand with poker at various times.
Some may even view Bilzerian as a nice addition and contrast to a more sanitized version of the game. Marketers may see a little controversy as just an opportunity to get the GGPoker brand in the public eye.
The company has made big headlines in recent months with its partnerships with the World Series of Poker. That even includes the $10,000 Main Event, with much of the tournament now played online.
GG has grown at a rapid clip since its launch in 2017. Bilzerian coming on board may introduce the site to a more mainstream audience. His social media following allows the site to potentially reach those who might be new to the game.
That’s the hope for any brand ambassadorship nowadays – converting fans to real-money players. The social media star certainly has an audience and GG hopes some of those may want to play poker.
“In these crazy times, GGPoker is the best option to get my poker on – they cater to the recreational players and that’s the future of poker, not a bunch of math nerds,” Bilzerian said in a news release.
“I’ve battled guys from the $2 buy-in to the $200,000 buy-in tables at GGPoker, and will be working with GG to make cash game tables even better for the average player out there.”
GGPoker celebrates signing with $100,000 freeroll
To celebrate, GG is hosting a special 40th birthday party for Bilzerian on Dec. 7. The $100,000 Birthday Freeroll is open to all new players.
At least 50% of the field will earn some cash and the winner takes home at least $10,000. Additionally, the champ also is rewarded with a $3,000 buy-in for a heads-up match against Bilzerian.
There are also some extras planned. The player eliminating Bilzerian wins an all-expenses paid trip to party with him in Las Vegas in summer 2021.
Anyone knocking out another Team GGPoker player or one of Bilzerian’s special guests wins:
- a Spin & Gold bundle valued at $200
- $1,000 in cash for one winner
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