All-Star Cast Lined Up for Return of National Heads-Up Championship

Last month saw the news that the leading poker content streaming firm had acquired the iconic tournament property.

The National Heads-Up Poker Championship debuted all the way back in 2005, quickly becoming a fan-favourite as the biggest names in the game faced off against each other.

The National Heads-Up Poker Championship returns for the first time in over a decade, presented by @PokerStars. 🏆

🤩 @TheGrinder44, @JasonKoon, @Liv_Boeree, @BryceHall, @BigSey93, and many more!

📺 Premiering later this year on @peacock, then streaming on @PokerGO and… pic.twitter.com/t0oVXZ5qHv

— PokerGO (@PokerGO) July 28, 2025

Reviving the Golden Era of Poker

Heads-up poker is the purest form of the game, leaving the smallest amount of leeway for any excuses. Of course luck still exists in the format, especially as the stacks get shallow, but this only adds to the excitement.

The tournament features a $25,000 buy-in and will premiere on Peacock later in the year before streaming on the PokerGO platform.

For the sake of nostalgia, the event will maintain its signature single-elimination, bracket-style format. No second chances here so expect the tension to run high.

Some readers might consider the National Heads-Up Poker Championship to be a relic of the past but this is unfair. The format is designed for drama and entertainment. We could see a true clash of generations here with champions of the past coming back to compete two decades later.

PokerGO already confirmed several high-profile participants, including WSOP 2025 Main Event champion Michael Mizrachi. He will be joined by superstar players Jason Koon and Erik Seidel and possibly more.

Chris Moneymaker was the man of the moment back in 2005 as the poker boom was only just getting into full swing. He too will be lining up in the coming weeks.

Mori Eskandani, President of PokerGO, is a legendary TV poker producer responsible for great shows such as Poker After Dark and High Stakes Poker, as well as the National Heads-Up Poker Championship. He said:

“The National Heads-Up Poker Championship helped define the golden era of televised poker. We’re proud to partner with PokerStars to bring back a truly iconic brand and share it with a new generation of fans.”

 Francine Watson, Associate Director, Content & Creative Services, added:

“Bringing back shows like the National Heads-Up Poker Championship is one of the most exciting ways to reignite interest in poker. With a mix of celebrities and top pros, it’s the kind of event that draws in poker enthusiasts while appealing to the masses.”

The All-Star Cast

• Michael Mizrachi: Eight-time WSOP bracelet winner, who recently took down both the Main Event and Poker Players Championship at the WSOP 2025.
• Jason Koon: High-stakes crusher and the most dominant force at the Triton Super High Roller Series.
• Liv Boeree: A former EPT champion and poker media personality, bringing strategic depth and charisma.
• Bryce Hall: Social media influencer with a passion for poker, adding a fresh face to the amateur side of the line-up.
• Richard Seymour: NFL Hall of Famer and general sporting legend who has achieved several deep runs at the WSOP.
• Chris Moneymaker: 2003 WSOP Main Event champion and the man who did more to fire up the poker boom than anyone else.
• Erik Seidel: Poker Hall of Famer with tens of millions in earnings, known for his strategic brilliance and a former winner of this event in 2011.
• Doug Polk: Upswing Poker founder and content creator, a heads-up specialist with a claim to once having been the best in the format.
• Shaun Deeb: WSOP 2018 & 2025 Player of the Year and one of the most versatile minds in the game.
• Nick Wright: Sports broadcaster and poker fan, adding media flair to the line-up.
• T.J. Lavin: BMX icon and TV host, bringing action-sports energy to the table.
• Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano: Survivor legend, known for strategic gameplay and competitive edge.

Previous Champions

Mark Patrickson

Professional Poker Journalist

Mark Patrickson is a poker journalist with over ten years of experience. He writes for VIP-Grinders.com, sharing his deep knowledge of poker. He creates interesting content about poker strategy, trends, and news for poker fans worldwide. [more]