People News: Hellmuth on for HU rematch vs Dwan; Rob Yong proposes poker union, pledges $1.2M; Polk considers opening a poker room; Covid case puts Poker Face movie on pause

In this column, we deliver you the latest and most interesting news and gossip from our favourite poker people.

Phil Hellmuth on for HU rematch against Tom Dwan

Poker fans across the globe will be happy to know that a Round 3 for PokerGO’s latest High Stakes Duel series is in the works, again featuring two of the industry’s most legendary players Phil Hellmuth and Tom Dwan. While Round 2 saw Hellmuth faced with his first loss after seven consecutive wins, the Poker Brat looks determined to regain his formidable victory through another match against the former Full Tilt pro.

I texted my boy @TomDwan to let him know that I am officially challenging him to a match for $200,000 ($400,000 total) in “High Stakes Duel,” only on @PokerGo App. Tom is a great great poker player, and he beat me last match. I’m sure next round will be a battle! #POSITIVITY pic.twitter.com/ITo0xV6NFP

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) September 4, 2021

The first round of High Stakes Duel III featured Fox Sports host Nick Wright, who eventually decided not to proceed to Round 2 after losing the initial match to Hellmuth. An awaited heads up duel against Tom Dwan served to be the second round of the series with Dwan locking up the $200,000 prize money, as well as the glory of ending Hellmuth’s win-streak. This time around, Round 3 will see both players battle it out for an even bigger sum of $400,000 to complete the challenge.

So far, the schedule for the upcoming match is yet to be determined. However, many believe the duel would be played prior to the annual World Series of Poker which kicks off this September 30th, with the heads up battle as always, set to take place at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Rob Yong proposes poker union, pledges $1.2M towards project

Dusk Till Dawn founder Rob Yong took to social media last week to gain insight on another similar proposition relating to bringing the poker community together as a whole. This time, Yong was dedicated to establishing a poker union which tackles familiar issues within the realm of the game. In the partypoker partner’s post, he mentioned a few ideas the union would serve to accomplish, including mainly lobbying international regulators, lobbying operators to improve policies ~such as rake and promotions, and also, overall promoting the game itself.

RE: Poker Union / Association / Voice

Ive seen lots of comments over years about having a united voice to;

1-Lobby regulators eg. Countries closing/ segregating/5.3% tax German players

2-Lobby Operators 2 have policies that r good 4 poker

3- Promote Poker

Would this be;

— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) September 3, 2021

With the majority of the feedback collected leaning on positive results, Yong committed to supporting the project for at least the first five years as well as $1.2 million in funds. The monetary guarantee comes from an estimated cost of running a website at $20,000/ month as noted by Yong in his video post. Yong further highlighted that he would not head the cause, but will be followed through with an election process once members are in.

RE: Global Poker Organisation/Lobby

Thx 4 feedback.This is my commitment to this project, 5 years of “something”, $1.2m for basic running costs + my time,gives time 2 try & get it self financing

Please RT/like 4 awareness if you wanna support this long shot 💪

Cheers Rob 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nZg1RTPPD4

— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) September 5, 2021

Familiar characters have already begun to express their support towards a possible poker union, with fifteen-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth definitely signing up once it gets started.

Would be nice to have this!! https://t.co/JDl5994nUa

— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) September 4, 2021

“ for being the impetus behind a very much needed and worthwhile endeavor. Please let me know if I can help in any way!”, replied Maria Ho.

“Count me in as a member, and willing to give input and feedback on things I know MTT players are most concerned about short and longer term online and live“, replied bracelet-winner Ryan Laplante.

Doug Polk considers opening a poker room in Texas

One of poker’s top content creators, Doug Polk may sooner or later be dabbling his feet in the live poker business. Spotted in his latest tweets is the looming idea of opening a poker room in Austin, Texas where the heads up pro is currently based. Given that Polk is not highly knowledgeable of running a club himself, the semi-retired pro leaned on his Twitter followers to obtain some information on the business’ operational logistics.

Considering the idea of opening a poker room in Austin. Have plenty of support on the finance/marketing side but would like to talk with some people who are familiar with operational logistics.

If you are interested you can email me [email protected]

— Doug Polk (@DougPolkVids) September 6, 2021

Having moved recently from Vegas, local games may have inspired the three-time bracelet winner to consider putting up a room himself. In one of Brad Owen’s poker vlogs, Doug Polk is seen to be enjoying a friendly game of cards at Texas Card House, Austin.

Covid Case puts Russell Crowe’s Poker Face movie on pause

Production of Russell Crowe’s upcoming movie entitled Poker Face has been put on pause following a noted positive Covid case, along with a possible second case amongst the crew. The transmission occurred despite strict safety protocols which included “cast and crew being tested 3 times a week for the past 11+ weeks” and wearing of masks the entire time.

Unfortunately 6 days from the end of our shoot on PokerFace we have had a confirmed positive COVID case amongst our crew and a second possible positive under further investigation by our PokerFace Covid team and NSWHealth.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 31, 2021

“We feel for the crew members involved, like all the people on this show they are both very committed team players and diligent in their approach to their work responsibilities.”

“We also feel for the wider community going through these difficult times. We hope this situation will be confined and we can be back up and running very soon”, Crowe added.

Poker Face is expected to be out sometime next year with Crowe starring as the main character and tech billionaire Jake. The story begins with a high stakes game of poker set up by Jake (Crowe), involving his childhood friends in what seems to be an “elaborate scheme designed to bring a certain justice to all of them.”