High Stakes Poker:
Season Two
by Rich Belsky

The first season of GSN's High Stakes Poker was a roaring success. The show consisted of a rotating cast of poker professionals putting up a minimum of $100,000 of their own money, and then battling each other in $300-$600 no-limit hold'em. Season one players included Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Sam Farha, Barry Greenstein, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Todd Brunson, Jennifer Harman, Daniel Alaei, Antonio Esfandiari, Dr. Jerry Buss, Sean Sheikhan, Dr. Amir Nasseri, Fred Chamanara, and Bob Stupak.

High Stakes Poker provided viewers with a completely different kind of televised poker. Not only did the players showcase their amazing poker abilities, but viewers were given a glimpse of life and customs inside the elite world of high-stakes cash-game players. Players were miked up so that every conversation that occurred at the table was audible to viewers. Concepts such as "running it twice" and "going south" were not just discussed, but seen in action. We were even treated to a 16-bleeper by Phil Hellmuth after he lost a hand to Daniel Negreanu. High Stakes Poker provided the kind of intimate access to this game that has previously been available to only those who have sat in the "big game."

And now, it's back.

The new season of High Stakes Poker began filming at the Palms Casino in April. This season features many returning veterans, as well as newcomers Mike Matusow, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, and several others.

Check out the lineup as the first group took their seats:
Seat No. 1: Daniel Negreanu
Seat No. 2: Michael Mizrachi
Seat No. 3: Fred Chamanara
Seat No. 4: Mike Matusow
Seat No. 5: Phil Laak
Seat No. 6: Antonio Esfandiari
Seat No. 7: Daniel Alaei
Seat No. 8: Sam Farha

Mike "The Mouth" Matusow was in usual form, reminding the table frequently about how badly they all played. "I'd love to find myself locked in a cash game with a bunch of tournament donkeys … Oh, wait, I am!" Mike yelled after raking in a pot. The players took it all in stride, as ragging on each other is just part of the High Stakes culture. GSN Vice President of Programming Kevin Belinkoff stated, "This is by far the best poker on television. It's the greatest collection of poker players you'll ever see at one table. You'll never see Roger Clemens pitch to Willie Mays, but here you can see Daniel Negreanu push Doyle Brunson all in. It is certainly a sight to behold."

While gunning for the millions on the table, players are treated to a first-class buffet and a fully stocked open bar, both of which are part of the set. There are plush couches and chairs from which invited guests can watch their favorite players, and guests are even permitted to crowd the table when a big pot occurs. It is an amazingly intimate setting, and it makes the show truly unique.

Be sure not to miss the second season, which premieres on Monday, June 5 on GSN.