Phil Ivey first? Doug Polk launches new high-stakes heads-up challenge

Doug Polk
Dave Woods
Dave Woods
Posted on: February 20, 2026 14:17 PST

Doug Polk has issued a new open heads-up no-limit hold’em challenge.

He is ready to take on challengers over 5,000 hands at stakes of 100/200 (the equivalent of $100/$200) or higher on ClubWPT Gold.

The challenges will take place across three days. If anyone beats him, they get a $25K bounty. Each match Polk wins sees that bounty rise by another $25K, up to a maximum of $100K if he wins three matches in a row.

The money is significant, but this challenge is also for YouTube views. Polk has said he’ll select opponents based on who “will make the most compelling match for viewers.”