Las Vegas, NV — PokerGO and PokerStars have officially announced the long‑anticipated return of the iconic National Heads‑Up Poker Championship, presented by PokerStars. The revival marks the tournament’s first running in more than a decade and signals a bold comeback for high‑stakes, one‑on‑one poker.
Episodes will debut exclusively on Peacock in Fall 2025, with additional streaming on PokerGO and PokerStars platforms to follow.
Format & Buy‑In
The National Heads‑Up Poker Championship will once again feature its signature single‑elimination, bracket‑style format. With a $25,000 buy‑in, the event is expected to draw a powerhouse mix of elite professionals and celebrity competitors. Fans can expect the intense, head‑to‑head drama that helped define poker’s golden era on television.
Star‑Studded Lineup
The initial roster blends poker legends with well‑known personalities from sports and entertainment:
- Michael Mizrachi
- Jason Koon
- Liv Boeree
- Bryce Hall
- Richard Seymour
- Chris Moneymaker
- Erik Seidel
- Doug Polk
- Phil Galfond
- Shaun Deeb
- Nick Wright
- T.J. Lavin
- Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano
More celebrity participants will be announced in the coming weeks.
Executive Commentary
“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.”
“Bringing back shows like the National Heads‑Up Poker Championship is one of the most exciting ways to reignite interest in poker,” added Francine Watson, Associate Director of Content & Creative Services. “With a mix of celebrities and top pros, it’s the kind of event that draws in poker enthusiasts while appealing to the masses.”
A New Era Under PokerGO
This will be the first edition produced under PokerGO’s ownership, following its acquisition of the brand and archived content from NBC Sports. The relaunch highlights PokerGO’s broader strategy to revive legacy poker properties and expand the game’s presence across mainstream entertainment platforms.
