Global Poker Awards celebrates Top Performers of 2023

SMP Editor
SMP EditorEditor-in-Chief
Photo Credit – GPI
Photo Credit – GPI

The 5th annual Global Poker Awards wrapped up its festivities earlier this week with 29 trophies awarded throughout the night, highlighting exemplary player performances and standout contributions in the poker industry. Held in the PokerGO® Studio at Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, the evening ceremony saw its halls filled with its share of poker players, personalities, and well-known figures within the community.

Repeat winners were seen all around beginning with four-time recipient of the GPI Female Player of the Year, Kristen Foxen. Players’ Choice for Toughest Opponent also saw third time straight winner Stephen Chidwick, stand up to the title once again, remaining to be the only player to do so in history. First time GPA winners such as GPI Poker Player of the Year Bin Weng and GPI Mid-Major Player of the Year Nick Pupillo, were likewise honored for their outstanding performances along with Isaac Haxton who claimed the PokerGO Player of the Year title with three wins, fourteen cashes and over $7.2 Million in PGT winnings.

🌐♣️🏆 The GPI Player of the Year: Bin Weng #GlobalPokerAwards pic.twitter.com/rapZzstmCu

— Global Poker Index (@gpi) February 25, 2024

Other figures who emerged as maiden winners included Jans Arends (Breakout Player), Toby Stone (Tournament Director), Ali Nejad (Broadcaster), Marle Spragg (X/Twitter Personality), Jaman Burton (Vlogger), Daniel Sepiol (Final Table), and Bert Stevens (Streamer). Content creators who have helped transform poker into a whole new ordeal, were also recognized for their contributions including Caitlin Comeskey for the Best Short-Term Content Creator award, Greg Liow for Fans’ Choice – Personality, and The Chip Race as a returning recipient for Best Podcast.

Global brands World Poker Tour (WPT), Pokerstars, and World Series of Poker, similarly added awards to their roster of achievements with WPT Prime coming out as this year’s Best Mid-Major Tour/Circuit and Adam Pliska as Best Industry Person. Pokerstars LIVE on the other hand, was Fans’ Choice as Best Live Stream and saw its lead director for EPT Toby Stone, clinch his first career GPA. WSOP lastly, was proud to have its Main Eventdubbed as the Best Event of the year.

Photo Credit – Asian Poker Tour
Photo Credit – Asian Poker Tour

Additionally, Asian Poker Tour joined the list with its Taipei Lion Trophy voted as the Best Trophy by the community. A pillar of the industry, Doyle Brunson’s dedication to the game was also commemorated with the 2023 Poker Icon award. The night ended with Ali Nejad offering his gratitude to all those who helped him clinch this award, from mentors, inspirations, down to his fans.

Global Poker Awards Winners

Category

Winner

GPI Poker Player of the Year

Bin Weng

GPI Female Player of the Year

Kristen Foxen

GPI Mid-Major Player of the Year

Nick Pupillo

GPI Breakout Player

Jans Arends

Best Industry Person

Adam Pliska

Best Tournament Director

Toby Stone

Best Stand-Alone Festival/Series

Wynn Millions

Best Event

WSOP Main Event

Best Mid-Major Tour/Circuit

WPT Prime

Best Broadcaster

Ali Nejad

Charitable/Community Initiative

Nadya Magnus

Best Final Table Performance

Daniel Sepiol at WPT Championship

GPI Award of Merit

GGPoker Game of Gold

Poker Icon

Doyle Brunson

The Hendon Mob Award

Casey Kastle

Best X/Twitter Personality

Marle Spragg

Best Vlogger

Jaman Burton

Players’ Choice for Toughest Opponent

Stephen Chidwick

Best Podcast

The Chip Race

PokerGO Player of the Year

Isaac Haxton

Best Short-Form Content Creator

Caitlin Comeskey

Best Streamer

Bert “Girafganger” Stevens

Fans’ Choice – Personality

Greg “Greg Goes All-In” Liow

Fans’ Choice – Best Live Stream

PokerStars Live

Fans’ Choice – Best Trophy

Asian Poker Tour Taipei Lion Trophy

Fans’ Choice – Best Hand

Triton London

Best Media Content – Photo

Rachel Kay Winter “Schulman Cool”

Best Media Content – Video

PokerGO: Doyle Brunson Celebration of Life

Best Media Content – Written

The Tales of Billy Baxter: The Final Days of Stu Ungar (David Hill for WPT.com)

About the Editor

SMP Editor

The SMP Editor covers international poker and iGaming for SoMuchPoker, providing news, tournament coverage, and industry insights. With a focus on accuracy, clarity, and relevance, the editor helps readers stay informed about developments across the global poker community.