Watch High Stakes Poker

High Stakes Poker is a highly popular television poker game show that began airing on television in 2006. Unlike some other shows, High Stakes Poker is unique in that it features real-life professional poker players competing against each other, each putting up their own funds to compete in each game. The show became famous for providing viewers with an up-close and personal look at what it takes to be a poker pro while also showcasing the skills and strategies that go into successful gameplay.

Hosted by Gabe Kaplan and A.J. Benza, High Stakes Poker was filmed at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and each episode was shot over two days. The show has seen several guest hosts over the years, with Kara Scott and Norm Macdonald taking this role in 2006. The show's premise is simple: the participants start with a minimum buy-in of $100,000 and can continue to buy in for the same amount if they lose their initial investment.

Each episode of High Stakes Poker sees some of the biggest high-stakes poker players in the game compete in various different cash games, including no-limit hold'em, pot-limit Omaha, mixed games, and more. The players come from all over the world and include some of the biggest names in poker history, such as Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, and many more.

As the game progresses, the stakes get higher, and the tension builds, with some players picking up massive pots that can go well into the millions of dollars. The show's commentators, including Kaplan and Benza, along with various other poker experts, analyze each player's strategy and provide insight into the pros and cons of their moves.

The show's format is structured so that each player has to make a decision between whether to call, raise, or fold. If a player decides to fold, they forfeit their hand and all of the money they have put into the pot. If they call, they add their bet to the pot to stay in the game, and if they raise, the amount they put in the pot is increased, making it harder for other players to stay in the game.

What sets High Stakes Poker apart from other poker TV shows is that it is one of the few shows that showcases multiple different poker variants. This allows players to showcase their skills in a variety of different games and play styles, providing viewers with an even greater insight into what it takes to be a successful poker player.

As the game progresses, participants become more competitive and strategic, with each player trying to outwit their opponents to rack up the biggest pot possible. At the same time, the show also explores the personal dynamics between the players, from rivalries and friendships to trash-talking and clever table talk.

Overall, High Stakes Poker was a groundbreaking show that helped put professional poker on the map. The show showcased the skills and strategies of some of the most talented poker players in the world, providing viewers with an up-close look into the complex and often brutal world of high-stakes poker.