SharePokerStars has announced that the classic TV poker show The Big Game will be making a return to our screens in 2024.
The show was incredibly popular back in the day even though it only ran for two seasons before becoming a casualty of the Black Friday controversy in 2011.
Loose Cannon in The Big Game
One of the unique features of the format for The Big Game was the presence of a qualifier — the Loose Cannon — who would be staked to enter the game alongside true world-class players.
Each session is 150 hands, and if the Loose Cannon manages to keep hold of the bankroll, they are allowed to take home any profit they made. Sounds like a good deal.
On November 5, qualifiers were held at the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) to decide who would be lining up against an as yet undecided line-up.
Steve Preiss, VP AT PokerStars North America, said:
“The Big Game was one of the most beloved poker programs of all time. As we continue our focus on creating the best poker content, re-imagining and re-launching The Big Game was a no-brainer.
“The Big Game on Tour will bring a level of play that hardcore fans expect from poker content. But we also will capture the journey from start to finish of our Loose Cannons in a way that hopefully reaches new audiences as well.”
Tonight marks the end of the auditions from the 20 satellite qualifiers who go up in front of a panel of judges, including the show’s hosts James Hartigan and Joe Stapleton.
From the pool of 20 hopefuls 2 players will be handed $50,000 to play in The Big Game on Tour.
While the final details are all sorted out, a high-stakes cash game will run on November 8-9 with many familiar faces, including top Twitch streamer Lex Veldhuis.
The Dutchman made an appearance at the beginning of his career back during the original series run.
A series of 10 episodes will be filmed for release during 2024.
