As the Big 20 Rewind gets underway this week, several major moments in PokerStars’ receive the spotlight. Site ambassador and streamer Parker Talbot offered his own look at a big World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) moment.
That huge online series is the focus of this week’s action in the new series. In other news, PokerStars teamed up with YouTuber True Geordie in late October for a live event in London.
The company also recently announced an addition to its efforts to involve more women in poker. The site has announced a new partnership with the group Women Who Code.
♠♠♠ For a complete look at 20 years of big PokerStars moments, click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2. ♠♠♠
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Parker Talbot talks 20 years of PokerStars
The Big 20 Rewind series kicked off on Sunday as part of PokerStars’ 20th anniversary celebration. The series runs through Dec. 4 and looks back at some of PokerStars most memorable moments.
Players will find 20 special tournaments with some additional big prizes on the line in each event.
PokerStars ambassador Parker Talbot offered a look at his own special moments on the site this week. That included some big finishes in WCOOP tournaments for the popular Twitch streamer.
“Way back, before I was even a PokerStars pro I actually came second on stream in the $215 WCOOP Warmup,” he says. “That one was super special to me as it came sort of in the peak of streaming. The viewership numbers were mad, and I believe I made a royal flush three-handed. It was just truly a wild ride.”
Talbot topped that finish recently in another WCOOP. The score turned around what had been a rough series up until then.
“My recent WCOOP win on the other hand was kind of the opposite of a minefield like the warmup. It was a $5,000 buy-in high stakes, smaller-field tournament, battling a bunch of strong opponents. It also came during a very bad series for me overall, so it almost felt like more of a relief and a pat on the back like, ‘Don’t worry buddy, you aren’t the worst player on the planet after all.’
“After snagging a couple of WCOOP titles now it is time for the SCOOP title and maybe once and for all to win the million. My second place will not stand.”
Looking back on the launch of the WCOOP is a major part of the series. The $1,050 “Year of WCOOP” tournament is set for Nov. 16. The tournament features a $250,000 guaranteed prize pool as well as a complete trip around the world.
PokerStars hosts True Geordie’s live Hippodrome collaboration poker night
In other poker news, PokerStars hosted YouTube star Brian “True Geordie” Davis’ poker night with his Twitch community on Oct. 27. The event was held at the iconic Hippodrome Casino in London.
Guests played a shootout poker tournament and each table included a bounty with PokerStars merchandise up for grabs. Each table winner went on to play in the final against True Geordie himself for a £4,000 prize pool. A £500 bounty was also placed on the YouTuber’s head.
Some renowned poker names attended including Laurence McKenna, Rory Jennings, Adam McKola, Laurence Bury. PokerStars team pros Mason Pye, GJ Reggie, and Spraggy also appeared. PokerStars commentator James Hartigan hosted the event.
Davis described the scene as a “poker game with the atmosphere of a boxing match.” Ultimately, Jack Brian took the top spot to win £2,500 and a PokerStars spade trophy.
Amazing night 🙌🏼 https://t.co/3SZg3jZJej
— True Geordie (@TrueGeordieTG) October 27, 2021
As part of the festivities, True Geordie’s community was able to meet and have some fun playing cards. Some have followed him for years, from early poker days to his big wins in the PokerStars Stadium Series and Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP).
True Geordie and his team reflected on the event’s success on their stream the following Friday.
Women’s technology group partners with online poker site
PokerStars has officially partnered with the largest and most active global community for women in technology, Women Who Code. The group’s goal is to “improve female representation and diversity and encourage women to grow their career within the industry.”
Women Who Code partners with industry leaders to redefine the talent pipeline. The group supports intentional, strategic, and impactful diversity and inclusion programs.
WomenWho Code aim is to create pathways to leadership within companies and the greater community. As a partner, PokerStars will be included in Women Who Code’s newsletters, social media and blog posts, and events.
“We are proud to officially become the first gambling partner of Women Who Code and recognize the same values and desire to inspire women to excel in their technology careers,” PokerStars associate director of public relations Rebecca McAdam Willetts said in a news release.
“Together, we hold a vision of a world where women are proportionally represented as technical leaders, executives, founders, VCs, board members, and software engineers.
“At PokerStars we are allies to all the amazing women in the industry. Bet on yourself, join our team and make your next chapter the best one yet. Remember, all it takes is two words … I’m in.”
PokerStars also works for the growth of poker by reaching and engaging new players from all walks of life. This includes engaging female players by shining a light on women in poker and in the industry.
Those efforts include unique content, special giveaways, and enhancing events and promotions. PokerStars’ online community “Our Voices” ensures female thoughts in the game are heard.
* Photos courtesy PokerStars