THE 5TH ANNUAL GLOBAL POKER AWARDS 2024 RECAP

By Dana Craven

Over twenty years ago, Global Poker Index and The Hendon Mob started with five categories in what was the first European Poker Awards in 2001. Fast forward to 2019, over twenty categories made up the re-branded Global Poker Awards and took place in Las Vegas and each year since. The expansion of categories certainly represents the growth seen in the poker industry over the last decade.

In celebration of the countless accomplishments of the recipients and their fellow nominees, a total of 29 trophies were handed out on February 24th, 2024. Jeff Platt and Drea Renee hosted the livestreamed ceremony from the PokerGO® Studio, located at the Aria Resort & Casino. Many industry who’s-who were dressed to the nines, seated around gold-top poker tables throughout the room.

Several of this year’s categories focused on poker media along with poker content creators. For one reason or another, not all viewers, listeners, or readers of poker media and content are able to get to the poker table as often as they’d like – but they’re engaged, they’re tuning in, and they’re talking about the game. The expansion of poker media and content creators categories certainly speaks to the growth of the poker audience and their engagement.

Additionally, with the uptick of players both live and online, the virtual “Arena of Poker” continues to get bigger and bigger at an exponential rate. This year, the Global Poker Awards awarded outstanding players while also showing thanks to the work and dedication of industry professionals, casinos, tours, livestreams, along with poker media and content creators worldwide.

Highlighting this year’s awards were Bin Weng, who won the GPI Player of the Year, Kristen Foxen who took home her fourth career Female Player of the Year award, and Nick Pupillo, who won the Mid-Major Player of the Year.