Broadcast journalist Jeff Platt has become one of the most trusted voices in poker over the last few years – and for good reason.
He’s best known for anchoring coverage during the World Series of Poker Main Event, where he guides global audiences through the drama and excitement unfolding on the felt.
This past week, the Ryan Seacrest of poker — Platt seems to be everywhere you turn — announced he would be transitioning to a full-time position with the WSOP as Global Broadcast Talent, leaving the PokerGO broadcast booth behind.
During the upcoming summer series, Platt intends to produce a new pregame show, improve the overall viewer experience both on the rail and during televised livestreams, and ‘strengthen the bridge that connects the WSOP and its community.’
A love for the game
Platt's rise to being one of poker’s best on-camera journalists is rooted in one thing: his deep, genuine love for the game.
That innate passion and devotion to the game is apparent in everything Platt does, from impromptu player interviews to behind-the-scenes production, and as an entertaining color commentator from the booth and the sidelines.
“I love the game because there's just so much that can be applied to your life,” shared Platt. “A lot of it involves reading people, making decisions, and especially making the right decision, but not always being rewarded for it.
“How many times does that apply in life? And the opposite applies as well, making the wrong decision but getting lucky and becoming results oriented.
“There's just so much that you can learn from the game because it's not just the cards, it's everything that surrounds it. It's the reading of the people, the mathematics, the analytics, and the thought processes behind everything.
“There's just a multitude of things to admire about the game and how it can apply to your life and vice versa. That's what I always try to take away from poker.”
The Interview — Jeff Platt
Highlights from our exclusive in-depth conversation with Jeff include:
- What ‘unbelievable’ things does the WSOP have in store for players and fans this year?
- Who started the on-point rumor that Jeff was the Grim Reaper of the Main Event?
- How he went from covering the Dallas Mavericks to being a beloved poker broadcast journalist.
- Is Platt's X/Twitter inbox prepared for the avalanche of advice from players and fans to improve the WSOP experience?
- What audition led to Jeff’s first televised job in poker?
- How he was inspired by Moneymaker’s epic WSOP win and their current mutual admiration/you suck relationship.
- Who is Jeff’s best friend in the industry, and why?
- Is a killer mainstream distribution deal on the horizon for the WSOP Main Event?
- And much more…
Watch Jeff Platt’s full exclusive interview with PokerOrg in the video above or listen on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
Check out more in-depth interviews with some of poker’s biggest names below, including Chris Moneymaker, TJ Reid, and Maria Ho.
