As 2025 turns into 2026, we’re talking to some of our favorite people in the poker world and reflecting on the year’s biggest stories and events.
Justin Hammer is a valued contributor to PokerOrg with his incisive features covering tournament poker from the perspective of a Tournament Director. With years of experience across live, online, and casino operations, Justin has established himself as a trusted leader in the poker world.
What’s the best thing that happened to you in poker in 2025?
I got to travel to Cyprus for the WPT event. Running a series in a new country is always exciting. I got to experience new food, new culture, and meet new people in the industry to gain a better understanding of how poker is viewed in another part of the world.
And the worst?
I bought a piece of someone in a Mystery Bounty, and they got 12th for zero bounties. I just want to sweat a bounty while having a piece just one time!
Did you fulfill your New Year’s resolutions?
Poker related ones I did. Got to run events, shoot fun promos, play a little, and expand my resume. Personal goals fell off in the second half of the year, unfortunately, but 2026 is a new year!
Justin Hammer wants competing poker brands to get along better in 2026. 'Find a way to get along'
What are your resolutions for 2026?
Work out regularly, eat well, and spend more time at home with the family.
What are you most looking forward to in poker in 2026?
The New Table Captain product by PokerAtlas, and the launch of a brand-new feature called ValueTown. It will soon be available to everyone and provide lots of benefits.
What’s your Christmas wish for poker in 2026?
That competing brands find a way to get along, and no one misses any guarantees.
What are the most significant changes you think need to be made regarding tournaments in 2026?
I would say less rebuys and changes in late registration. Also, the bigger tournaments limiting re-entry and starting with fewer chips. Tournaments are better for the rec player when there is a limit on entries, and being better for the rec player is better for the pros. We may need to lower expectations on prize pools a tad, but overall, I think it would be a benefit to poker.
Justin Hammer is the Live Events Director for PokerAtlas, online Tournament Director for the Texas-based poker app Hijack, and a Tournament Director for Thunder Valley Casino Resort. He also brings his expertise as a consultant and minority owner of Desert Bluffs Casino in Kennewick, Washington.
For more info, visit PokerAtlas.com, HijackPoker.com, and bluffs.poker. Follow Justin on X.
