How the Global Poker Awards 2022 went down
The Global Poker Awards is a significant event in the gambling world akin to the cinematic Oscars. In the process, awards are presented to all those involved in the poker industry. These include not only the players themselves, but also photographers, bloggers and other personalities. The event was first held in 2019. Last year it failed to materialise due to a pandemic. The ceremony took place on the night of 18-19 February at PokerGO’s studio at the ARIA Casino in Las Vegas.
Event details
There were a total of 26 nominations, with a variety of winners. Almedin Imsirovic took home 3 awards at once. The professional poker player from Bosnia, also known as simply Ali, has shown impressive results all year in live tournaments. This has earned him the distinction of:
- GPI (Global Poker Index) Player of the Year;
- PokerGO Tour Player of the Year;
- Most Challenging Opponent by Player of the Year.
Almedine took to the stage, gave a moving speech with many thanks, and retired back to the room, smiling broadly. The reaction of his relatives present in the audience won the hearts of many. Their pride in their son and friend touched everyone.
Among the women, the GPI Player of the Year award went to Nadja Magnus. The poker player hails from Russia. Despite the fact that she didn’t manage to win a single live tournament, she managed to make 4 finals and take prizes. From the stage she thanked her friends and family as well as her coach. Pavel Veksler trained Nadia for a long time.
The event also honoured the legendary poker player and commentator Mike Sexton. He was posthumously recognised as a poker icon. It was perhaps the most moving moment of the evening.
The award for best charity campaign went to Veronica Brill. The girl commentates on games, is a journalist and also likes to play poker herself, online or offline. Last year she found out about poker player Kenneth Cleeton’s health problems.
Cleeton has been diagnosed with CMA, making him unable to take part in live tournaments but only play online. Specialised transport is required to get him to a live game. Veronica set up a fundraising campaign to make Cleeton’s dream come true. The girl’s active charity work has enabled the poker player to attend the live tournament.
“Best media content: photo” was the work of photographer Enrique Malfavon. He managed to capture the moment at the WSOP 2021. The chip of his photo is the number of smartphones held by players and spectators.
Ben Spragg was chosen as the best poker streamer. Interestingly, there were plenty of contenders for this nomination. Until the last one no one could figure out who would pick up the award after all.
Doug Polk got the award for the best hand of the year and managed to beat his ‘rival’ Phil Helmut. Polk’s hand placed in the top 5 for 2021. An added plus was the pleasant shyness of the winner.
