With the Global Poker Awards looming on the horizon, it's important to note that as part of the Fans' Choice section there are several write-in and ballot categories that audiences at home can wield their influence heavily in, including the Fans Choice for Most Entertaining Player.
According to the Global Poker guidelines, this award should be presented to, "the poker personality judged to have been one of the game’s best ambassadors in 2024, making a positive impact in the poker world while engaging their audience, on any platform."
While the sentiment behind the award has its merit, the listed requisite attributes aren't exactly the criteria that jump to mind when considering the Most Entertaining Player. Rather, the Most Entertaining Player is the player who does just that: entertains.
The 6th annual Global Poker Awards will honor poker's players, builders, and content creators. Now, there are countless entertaining figures in poker – each of them part of what makes this community special – but because the write-in only allows for one nominee per email address, we've whittled our list down to three front runners.
Obviously, you should abide by the Global Poker Award criteria when submitting your own nomination, but, below, you can read about a few figures who simply, in my opinion, entertained.
Vladimir 'Gambledore' Korzinin
If you weren't watching the Triton Super High Roller Series coverage live from Monte Carlo, you missed out on one of the most unexpected runs from the most unexpected figure. Vladimir Korzinin, or 'Gambledore' as the stream chat dubbed him, emerged from complete anonymity to leave a lasting impression on the super high roller scene with a display of wizardry unsolved by any computer.
After securing his first cash – only the second of his career – in Event #3: $40K Mystery Bounty, Korzinin rode his unique style of play all the way to a runner-up finish in Event #8: $200K Triton Invitational. The $3,470,000 score saw Korzinin take an immediate and commanding lead on the Estonian All-Time Money List, but 'Gambledore's' run wasn't over yet.
As the intrigue around Korzinin continued to blossom in the wake of his podium finish in the Invitational, information about the man behind the unorthodox play began to trickle through. An inventor of some kind, new to poker, but diving deep into the game. Still, to this day, not much is known about Korzinin beyond the rumors and scattered mentions found on the internet.
There's one thing we could be certain of when it came to Korzinin, however, and it's that his wizard-like intuition at the table was getting the better of the super pros. In Event #12: $150K No-Limit Hold'em, Korzinin outdid himself – and the field of 121 entrants – to claim his first Triton title, along with $4,350,000 in prize money.
While tournament gameplay isn't everyone's cup of tea when it comes to poker content, watching this completely unknown entity contend with the game's top professionals using his one-of-a-kind strategy was a complete joy to behold. As quickly – and mysteriously – as he arrived, Korzinin disappeared into the Monte Carlo sunset in similar fashion. Wherever and whenever Korzinin next pops up on the poker map, you can be sure the entertainment will follow.
Jared Bleznick
In terms of pure entertainment at the poker table, few players come close to the levels Jared Bleznick puts out each time he takes his seat. Over the course of the last year, Bleznick has become a much more visible player with appearances on several PokerGO shows and big final tables boosting his signal on poker fans' radars.
While his antics on No Gamble, No Future kept viewers watching intently throughout the show's fifth season, it was his lights-out performance on High Stakes Duel 5 that solidifies his inclusion in these picks.
Bleznick, or 'The Backer' as he chose to be known for the duration of the duel, squared off against 2024 Poker Hall of Fame inductee Patrik Antonius in a mixed No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha heads-up match.
Over the course of three rounds – each with mounting stakes – 'The Backer' got the best of the Finn consistently, taking home $50,000 in the first round, $100,000 in the second, and $200,000 in the third and final round.
Antonius, to his credit, fought hard and, more often than not, was the recipient of the colder half of the deck. After taking his third straight hiding, Antonius threw in the white flag of surrender while Bleznick donned the High Stakes Duel 5 Champion's Belt.
"I'm going to tell you this right now – I'm being honest – win or lose, I've completely outplayed you," Bleznick said, as the potential final hand of the duel still hung in the balance. Even if his style isn't your particular brand of medicine, you have to admit it – 'The Backer' knows how to put on a show.
Caitlin Comeskey
The final name on this list of poker entertainers is – without a doubt – the most qualified to hold the title thanks to her degree in Drama from New York University. After a stint in the stand-up comedy and improv worlds, Comeskey found her niche in the poker world by creating raw, no-holds-barred, short-form content about current events and characters within the community.
Comeskey wears many hats – metaphorically, as aside from comedy she hosts a podcast, plays poker professionally, and represents PokerStars as an ambassador; and literally, as she often dons wigs and hats in her lampooning videos.
Comeskey's talents shine in her solo work and her collaborations with other content creators, including Aceholes co-host Nikki Limo, Marle Spragg, and Jamie Kerstetter, clearly foster a collective environment where creativity flows from one performer to the next.
The audience response tells you all you need to know about how strongly her content resounds with players and fans of poker alike. As you can see, we've included some of her greatest hits, but be sure to scroll through Comeskey's social media – you won't be disappointed.
Note that your full name and email address must be supplied with all nominations and submissions.
What are your thoughts? Who deserves to take home the Most Entertaining Player award? Let us know in the comments below.
Images Courtesy of PokerStars/Triton Poker/PokerGO
