Robbie Strazynski

Throughout the decades-long history of the modern game of poker, Jewish poker players have experienced notable success. As per Al Alvarez‘ legendary poker book The Biggest Game in Town, back in the early 1980s, Doyle Brunson once bet Hollywood star Gabe Kaplan at the World Series of Poker “Texans versus Jews”, meaning that there were plenty member of both “tribes” competing in the WSOP Main Event even in its formative years.

Poker at the Olympics With 2012 being an Olympic year (hello, London!), I explored the potential inclusion of poker as an Olympic sport, emphasizing the need for a shift from monetary rewards to a focus on competition and national pride. I proposed a format featuring both individual and team events, with tournaments in various poker disciplines such as H.O.R.S.E., awarding medals to top finishers and overall performers.

As the Associate Director of Creative & Content at PokerStars, Francine Watson has played a key role in shaping the visual identity and storytelling approach of one of the most recognizable brands in the industry. From producing high-profile content to ensuring PokerStars remains at the forefront of poker entertainment, her influence is undeniable. Francine’s exceptional work was recently recognized at the 2024 Global Poker Awards, where she was honored as Industry Person of the Year.