The 5 best television poker personalities
Just like not every terrific athlete has what it takes to go pro and not every actor has the makings of a $20 million leading man, not every big name poker player has what it takes to carry a televised poker show!
Players do not have to be loved, or hated for that matter, to be good television personalities; what they do need is personality, and a personality that doesn’t seem forced.
Because of this you might notice that certain players are on virtually every televised poker show imaginable, despite their monetary performances on the show, or in the poker world. So with that in mind I give you the 5 best television poker personalities!
•1. Tony G
While Tony G rubs many people the wrong way, there are players out there -like myself-who just can’t get enough of the Australian/Lithuanian poker pro and poker mogul. Tony doesn’t just bring a verbal entertainment to the table, he also has a way of inciting action due to his loose/aggressive style, and willingness to mix it up.
•2. Phil Laak
Laak’s zany personality makes for some very interesting TV. But in addition to the lunacy that is the UnaBomber, with Laak you also get a terrific poker mind, which is also well-known for crazy stories and interesting prop bets. Amazingly, Laak is quite a tight player, which many people fail to realize due to his personality.
•3. Phil Hellmuth
When people see Phil Hellmuth’s name scheduled for a TV poker show they tune in for the same reason many people watch NASCAR: the possibility of a horrific crash! Hellmuth has a terrible personality, but when things go bad people just love to watch the Poker Brat blow-up. Additionally, Phil tends to bring out the best in his opponents, as they all take turns needling the Poker Brat, and looking to send him on tilt.
•4. William Reynolds
Reynolds has had limited TV time, but has made the most of it when he has appeared on television. Reynolds is just quirky enough to not be a Paul Magriel type, and seems to have an incredibly quick wit. Expect to see a lot more of young Mr. Reynolds on TV in the future.
Reynolds debut on the PokerStars Big Game will surely catch the eye of many a TV producer.
•5. Gavin Smith
Smith is jovial, fun-loving, and always ready to make a side-bet at the poker tables. You can be certain that if Gavin Smith’s name is listed for a televised poker show many people will tune in just to see what the Canadian poker pro is up to!
Unfortunately we don’t get to see enough of Smith, as he mainly plays tournaments as opposed to high-stakes cash-games.
