The Global Poker Index (GPI) has carved out a niche in the poker world ranking the game’s best players. Over the last few years, the site’s Global Poker Awards have also recognized greatness within the game.
The company announced an agreement with PokerGO this week that will see the service streaming the awards through 2024. Like the first editions in 2019 and 2020, the 2022 ceremony will be in Las Vegas at the PokerGO Studio.
Because of COVID-19, GPI canceled the awards ceremony in 2021 and will resume in March 2022. The Global Poker Index is part of Mediarex Group sports and entertainment, which also includes Hendon Mob (THM). The awards celebrate notable poker players, media, and industry pioneers.
“We are honored to be a part of celebrating the accomplishments of the most renowned figures in the poker industry,” GPI/THM President Eric Danis said in a news release.
“After having to cancel this year’s ceremony due to the pandemic, we are so excited to welcome the poker world once again to the Global Poker Awards in March 2022 and for years to come.”
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What to expect from 2022 awards
When the awards resume in 2022, poker fans will see more than 20 awards presented. Some of those regularly given out include:
- GPI Player of the Year
- GPI Female Player of the Year
- Poker Icon
- Players’ Choice Award for Best All-Around Poker Player
- People’s Choice Award for Hand of the Year
“The Global Poker Awards recognize and celebrate the most elite poker players and significant figures making a notable difference in the industry,” PokerGO President Mori Eskandani said.
“At PokerGO, we aim to give credit to those who make a splash in our sport, and holding these awards in the PokerGO Studio for the next three years allows us to do so.”
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A look back at 2019-20
The last Global Poker Awards saw some of the biggest names in poker collect hardware for 2019 performances. Alex Foxen picked up Player of the Year for the second straight year. Kristen Bicknell claimed the Female Player of the Year for the third year in a row.
As of Thursday, American Nick Pupillo stood atop the standings for 2021. However, Foxen also has a shot to add another title and is currently in seventh.
Bicknell, a partypoker ambassador, remains at the top of the standings on the female side of the rankings. She could be in line for a fourth straight award.
Australia’s Robert Cambell won the award for Breakout Player of the Year. The honor came after a huge World Series of Poker performance that included two bracelet wins.
Phillip Hui took Final Table Performance of the Year for winning the WSOP Poker Players Championship. He won the event for $1.1 million at a final table that included Josh Arieh, John Esposito, Bryce Yockey, Shaun Deeb, and Dan Cates.
The annual Icon Award went to Johnny Chan. Other winners included:
- Stephen Chidwick – Players Choice for Toughest Opponent
- Paul Phua (Triton Poker) – Industry Person of the Year
- Matt Savage (World Poker Tour) – Tournament Director of the Year
- PokerStars Players Championship Bahamas – Event of the Year