If you ask the legions of poker fans to name their favorite TV show, many of them would punt for High Stakes Poker. The faithful reporting of high level cash play, coupled with a close look at the skills of the world’s best, makes HSP an irresistible cocktail to anyone with poker in their veins. Season 5 concluded in May 2009 and while dedicated viewers loved it as much as ever, there was some serious doubt about whether or not the show would ever return. Thankfully for all concerned, High Stakes Poker is back in business with a new host and an all-star cast of the game’s finest and richest players.
Season 6 makes its debut this Sunday at 8:00 pm EST, on the Game Show Network (GSN). Paired-up poker nuts will immediately realize that this is Valentines Day and should begin preparing the elaborate arguments needed to convince their other halves that there’s nothing more romantic than watching Phil Ivey bluff Mike Matusow on the river. Anyone mercilessly tricked into something romantic on that divisive day should be able to sneak home in time for the encore showings at 11:00 pm EST and 2:00 am EST. In fact, you’ll have to try hard to miss some top-class poker this Sunday. In anticipation of the new series, GSN is running an I LOVE POKER marathon, containing all the best bits from High Stakes Poker seasons 1-5.
The February 14th episode will be the first to feature new host, Kara Scott. The Canadian born belle, who arrives via the UK, is a seasoned poker presenter, having fronted the European Poker Tour broadcasts from 07-08. She is also a talented player, being only the second woman in history to cash in consecutive WSOP Main Events. Rather than sticking to the commentary box with the returning Gabe Kaplan, Kara will roam the room, talking to players about the evening’s action. Once again, the action takes place at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The cast for the 6th season of High Stakes Poker is a veritable who’s who of the game’s top talent. Among the stars making their way to the felt are: Phil Ivey, Doyle Brunson, Eli Elezra, Phil Hellmuth, Barry Greenstein, Patrik Antonius, Tom Dwan, Antonio Esfandiari, Andreas Hovoid, Dennis Phillips, Mike Matusow, Daniel Negreanu, David Benyamine, Bertrand “Elky” Grospellier, Gus Hansen, Sammy George, Yevgeniy Timoshenko, and 2009 Bluff Magazine Player of the Year, Jason Mercier. Every player will sit down with at least $200,000, with straddles, running it twice, and raising the stakes presenting an ever-present catalyst to big money action.