PokerNews Podcast

In the 964th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are once again joined by Jeff Madsen, who reflects on the 20th anniversary of his 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year win. The trio also discusses the new dealer rating system announced by the WSOP, and whether or not it'll be a net positive for the game.
They also discuss the new rule put in place to combat third-party WSOP influence, like what happened with the Milly Maker last year. But could it have unintended consequences when it comes to staking, swapping, and the $25K Fanatasy Draft? Speaking of controversial things, there was a brouhaha when Matt Savage announced that headphones would be a topic discussed at this year's Tournament Directors Association (TDA) Summit. That led to Nick Palma and Victoria Livschitz getting into it.
Plus, hear about winners from the Aussie Millions and European Poker Tour (WPT) Monte Carlo, and Joe "Stapes" Stapleton leaving his gig at the EPT after many successful years.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:35 | 2026 WSOP
01:00 | New Dealer Ranking System
06:40 | Worrisome WSOP Rule?
15:12 | Remembering Doyle Brunson
16:00 | TDA Summit
16:30 | Headphones Ban?
21:30 | 20th Anniversary of Jeff Madsen's POY
24:05 | PokerNews MyPlayers
24:47 | Aussie Millions
28:46 | EPT Monte Carlo
29:35 | Stapes departs EPT

In the 963rd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to talk about the recent concerns and unanswered questions surrounding CoinPoker. The offshore site has come under fire for deceptive and unclear marketing, as well as concerns over player funds. Poker pro Manig Loeser recently spoke out about them, and there's been mounting pressure on social media from the likes of Pokerbots1 and Todd Witteles accounts. 
The crew also takes a look at the set-over-set cooler that benefited Alan Keating in a $1.2M pot, poker thriving in Texas with the WSOP Circuit at TCH, and the High Roller for One Drop at the EPT Monte Carlo. Speaking of big tournament series, PokerNews is on-site in the southern hemisphere at the recently relaunched Aussie Millions. Chad turned to his colleagues in the land down under for an update on all things Aussie Millions.
Finally, mark your calendar for the upcoming Mixed Game Festival XIV, which will kick off at the end of the month and continue into the summer.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:00 | CoinPoker controversy
14:55 | Alan Keating $1.2M pot
18:10 | Texas poker thriving + TCH WSOPC
21:02 | PokerNews MyPlayers
21:50 | High Roller for One Drop
24:20 | MSPT Potawatomi
25:40 | Aussie Millions
29:30 | Highlights from Aussie Millions
30:35 | Mixed Game Festival XIV

In the 962nd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to catch you up on all the latest in the poker world. That includes Daniel "Jungleman" Cates getting kicked off Hustler Casino Live (HCL), a $5-million live-streamed cash game pot, and David Peters getting called out by Dylan Linde over an outstanding debt.
The crew also wraps up the U.S. Poker Open, including David Coleman winning the $25K finale and Brock Wilson topping the overall leaderboard to become the U.S. Poker Open champ!
Finally, Chad goes one-on-one with Sorel Mizzi to discuss his amazing weight loss and body transformation, which was a part of a $300,000 prop bet with Bill Perkins. Mizzi opens up about his inspiration, life changes, and what he's up to now when it comes to poker.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:32 | Jungleman gets kicked off HCL
05:31 | $5M pot Largest in Live Stream history
08:40 | David Peters called out by Dylan Linde
13:52 | Interview with Sorel Mizzi
27:00 | 888poker XL Series May 3-12
27:30 | David Coleman wins USPO final
28:20 | Brock Wilson named overall USPO champ
30:22 | Teaser – Art Parmann & Justin Young from Table 1 Podcast

In the 961st episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back for a special episode to discuss the recent Grand Jury verdict regarding The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas. Spoiler Alert: It was good news for Doug Polk and company as potential charges were dismissed, and seized funds and equipment will be returned. Not only that, the cardroom has plans to reopen as soon as possible.
It was the best case outcome considering the situation, and the poker world, including co-owners Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme, celebrated en masse. There are still a lot of lingering questions as to what may come next, but the crew dives into it all in this episode.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:28 | Charges dropped
02:28 | Doug Polk shares the good news
05:00 | Was it a witch hunt?
06:45 | The Lodge Card Club issues statement
07:45 | Another legal win for Texas poker
10:26 | Is this good long term?
11:00 | Poker community celebrates
15:30 | Brad Owen & Andrew Neeme
17:10 | WSOPC at Texas Card House
18:30 | Influencers & Live Stream

In the 960th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Maurice Hawkins, who finally took them up on their long-standing offer to come on the show and share his side of the story.
Maurice discusses his recent Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, his dealings with Randy Garcia, and why he feels unjustly targeted. The 24-time WSOP Circuit ring winner also touches upon the situation with Denise Pratt, his backing situation with Cody Stanford, family obligations, and much more.
Things became heated at times over the course of the 40-minute uncut interview, but it marks the first time Maurice has come on the PokerNews Podcast to discuss the various allegations and judgment against him.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:35 | Maurice Hawkins joins the show
02:13 | Situation with Randy Garcia
06:27 | Cody Stanford backer situation
08:56 | Great year, but unable to pay
09:37 | Should it be considered scamming?
13:00 | Failing to live up to the agreement
17:30 | Is Maurice a legend?
20:35 | Could Maurice be a beloved player?
29:36 | Who is the victim?
34:35 | Final words