PokerGO and PokerStars Revive Iconic National Heads-Up Poker Championship for Peacock Debut
The legendary National Heads-Up Poker Championship is officially returning after more than a decade off the air. PokerGO and PokerStars have partnered to revive the iconic bracket-style tournament, which will premiere exclusively on Peacock this fall.
A Return to the “Golden Era”
The single-elimination, bracket-style tournament was a hallmark of poker’s “golden era” on television, known for its high-stakes drama and memorable personalities. The new edition will stay true to its roots with a $25,000 buy-in and a renewed focus on one-on-one competition.
“The National Heads-Up Poker Championship helped define the golden era of televised poker,” said Mori Eskandani, President of PokerGO. “We’re proud to partner with PokerStars to bring back a truly iconic brand and share it with a new generation of fans.”
This is the first time the event will be held under PokerGO’s ownership, following its recent acquisition of the brand from NBC Sports.
A Mix of Poker Legends and Celebrity Power
The tournament will once again feature a blockbuster mix of poker legends and celebrity amateurs, a formula that was key to the original show’s success. The initial list of confirmed players is a who’s who of the poker world, including Chris Moneymaker, Erik Seidel, Doug Polk, Phil Galfond, Jason Koon, and Liv Boeree.
They will be joined by a diverse group of celebrities and personalities, including former NFL star Richard Seymour, actor Rob Riggle, social media influencer Bryce Hall, and “Boston Rob” Mariano of Survivor fame.
“Bringing back shows like the National Heads-Up Poker Championship is one of the most exciting ways to reignite interest in poker,” said Francine Watson of PokerStars. “With a mix of celebrities and top pros, it’s the kind of event that draws in poker enthusiasts while appealing to the masses.”
The revival comes with a modern distribution strategy designed to maximize its reach. The new episodes will premiere exclusively on the streaming service Peacock.
Following the exclusive run on Peacock, the episodes will become available to stream on the dedicated poker platforms PokerGO and PokerStars at a later date. This tiered release strategy ensures the show can first reach a new generation of potential fans before being served to the hardcore poker audience.
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