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Updated on August 23, 2023
The allure of poker lies in its deep-rooted history, diverse personalities, and myriad stories, making it ideal for an engaging documentary. From wild success stories to captivating Old West legends, these films delve into the realities and insights of the game. success stories A well-crafted documentary can unveil the dynamics of poker, reflecting on triumphs and defeats, historical anecdotes, and the game's growth over the years.
For those who appreciate documentary films and have an interest in poker, there are a wealth of fantastic options available.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most remarkable poker documentaries that stand out in this category:
1 – ALL IN: THE POKER MOVIE
This documentary highlights the game's journey, focusing particularly on how poker transformed dramatically during the 2000s, featuring insights from some of the most renowned players.
Overview: Directed by Doug Tirola, this film authentically portrays the game’s transition from smoky, modest venues to grand tournaments held in luxurious casinos. It places this evolution against the backdrop of poker's entire history, showcasing pivotal moments like Chris Moneymaker’s groundbreaking win in the 2003 Main Event. World Series of Poker Audiences gain valuable perspectives from interviews with prominent figures in the poker world, including insights into how major events spurred the game's popularity from icons such as... online poker and many more. In addition, influential personalities like World Poker Tour founder Steve Lipscomb elaborate on the impact of enabling viewers to witness the strategies behind the game, fundamentally altering how poker was presented on television. The documentary, All In, effectively narrates the Phil Hellmuth , Daniel Negreanu , Antonio Esfandiari Memorable quote: Scott Nguyen confidently states, “Poker today is more popular than the Super Bowl.” hole cards 2 – A UNIQUE STORY: THE RISE AND FALL OF STU UNGAR story of poker .
Setting: U.S. during the poker boom
Release date: 2009
Stu Ungar is one of just two players who has claimed victory in the Main Event three times, and his untimely death in 1998 left many pondering the heights he could have reached had he lived longer.
Overview: Despite his exceptional talent as a poker player, Ungar’s life was marred by personal struggles. His career boasted impressive milestones, including consecutive WSOP Main Event wins in 1980 and 1981, followed by another title in 1997. However, he faced significant challenges, including addiction and personal strife. He passed away shortly after his final tournament victory, the victim of long-standing substance abuse. The film features insights from noted poker personalities like Mike Sexton and...
who share their perspectives on his life. Director Al Szymanski beautifully chronicles both Ungar's brilliance and the darker aspects of his existence. WSOP Main Event Memorable quote: Sexton reflects on Ungar's capabilities, stating: “In his domain, no one was quicker, smarter, or better.”
3 – SPORTS FOCUS: WORLD SERIES OF POKER Doyle Brunson While it may not be widely recognized by all poker enthusiasts, this documentary produced by CBS Sports takes a fascinating look back at the 1973 World Series of Poker Main Event. It's one of the earliest films to genuinely portray the true nature of poker table and the colorful personalities gracing the tables.
Setting: New York, Las Vegas
Release date: 2006
Overview: Although created for television, this film offers an engaging snapshot of the WSOP's inception. Fans will be transported back to the early days of the series held in downtown Las Vegas, narrated by legendary gambler Jimmy 'The Greek' Snyder. The film showcases figures like Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, Puggy Pearson, Johnny Moss, Bob Hooks, and Jack Straus, providing a vintage glimpse into the world of old-school poker. The rights to this classic have now been acquired by PokerGO as part of its offerings.
Setting: Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, Las Vegas
Memorable quote: Benny Binion, the founder of the WSOP, hinted at his aspirations for growth, stating: “This year we had thirteen players in the Main Event... Next year, I expect it to surpass twenty. It could potentially reach fifty or even more.” high stakes poker The dark chapters of poker's history have left the community shaken, and Ultimate Bet tells the whole story.
Overview: Prior to the infamous Black Friday, Ultimate Bet was a leading online poker site, but a cheating scandal in 2007 caused its downfall. Users noticed a few accounts consistently making winning plays, including one oddly named ‘Potripper.’ Investigations revealed these “superuser” accounts allowed select players to see their opponents' hole cards. This conspiracy led back to Russ Hamilton, the 1994 WSOP Main Event champion and a consultant for the site. Undercover recordings caught him admitting to the fraud, which was estimated to have cost players over $20 million. Director Scott Bell masterfully unveils this scandalous saga. WSOP Classic series .
Setting: Las Vegas and various other locations
Release date: 1973
Memorable quote: Russ Hamilton, the 1995 WSOP champion, candidly stated regarding the stolen money: “I did take this money, and I'm not trying to make it right, so we’ve got to address that upfront.”
4 – ULTIMATEBEAT: TOO MUCH TO LOSE
In 2007 one of the biggest cheating Daniel Negreanu is a renowned figure in the poker world, boasting six
titles, two World Poker Tour championships, and over $42 million in career earnings. His extraordinary journey from a young boy in Toronto to becoming a poker sensation in Las Vegas is chronicled in this documentary.
Overview: While many poker fans may recognize Negreanu's face at the tables, they might not know the personal stories behind his rise to fame. This film takes us through his early days, playing wild games with friends back in Canada, to his initial experiences at tournament events in Las Vegas, which included periods of going broke. The documentary also tells the story of how Negreanu’s family emigrated to Canada and charts his swift ascent in the poker world. The filmmakers succeeded in providing an authentic portrayal of this influential player.
Release date: 2013
Box office: NA
Memorable quotes: Negreanu shares his outlook on success: “I always believed I was destined to be successful, regardless of my path.”
5 – KID POKER
This compelling documentary shines a light on female poker players competing at the tables. WSOP bracelets Overview: This recent addition to the documentary landscape spotlights women in the poker arena, who often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Viewers will see a range of talented players like Jennifer Tilly, Kristen Bicknell, Jennifer Harman, Loni Harwood, Maria Ho, Barbara Enright,
, Kathy Liebert, and others. Poker Queens also delves into the history of women in poker, and filmmaker Sandra Mohr shares her own experiences playing in various casinos while presenting as a man. This juxtaposition offers valuable insight into the treatment of women versus the experiences of their male counterparts at the tables.
Setting: Toronto, Las Vegas
Release date: 2016
Box office: NA (Netflix film)
Memorable quote: Kristen Bicknell remarks: “Boys don’t like being beaten by girls.”
6 – POKER QUEENS
With an effort to get more women into the game Many players have pondered the idea of leaving their jobs to pursue poker as a full-time career. This film explores that very concept.
Overview: When an unemployed filmmaker finds himself needing to support his wife and newborn, he turns to poker, documenting his experiences of trying to make ends meet through playing. Set in Toronto’s underground poker scene, viewers are given a glimpse into the pressures of being a regular player and the colorful characters encountered along the way, including Gallagher himself. This unique film presents the challenges and joys of chasing the dream of earning a living from a passion for poker. Will he manage to generate enough income to support his family? Liv Boeree Memorable quote: Gallagher expresses his frustration: “I need a condo, a new car, a watch, and ultimately a better life.”
Setting: Las Vegas
Release date: 2020
Box office: NA
Featuring insights from pros such as
7 – GRINDERS
, Maria Konnikova, and others, this poker documentary chronicles the experiences of players and influential individuals in the industry as they participate in the inaugural WPT World Championship poker festival.
Overview: Through interviews with participants, \"Dreamers\" uncovers the nuanced world of the often-misunderstood poker community, revealing both the triumphs and challenges faced by its members. The film encapsulates the intense pressure associated with high-stakes tournaments alongside the friendships that develop among players, highlighting the essence of being part of the dedicated poker community and the Above the Felt team.
Setting: Toronto
Release date: 2011
Memorable quote: Jaman Burton shares his insight about camaraderie at the poker table, saying, \"These people are your friends, but you’re still trying to outsmart them.\"
8 - DREAMERS
An aspiring player aims to refine his skills under the mentorship of Matt Berkey and Christian Soto. This documentary includes interviews with accomplished players such as Erik Seidel, Nick Shulman, and Maria Konnikova, delving into the contemporary poker scene. Chris Moneymaker , Jeff Platt, Matt Berkey Overview: After spending years battling at low-stakes tables, Oscar is ready to elevate his game. The guidance from his mentors, Matt Berkey and Christian Soto at the Solve for Why Academy, holds the potential to help him overcome personal obstacles and achieve the poker success that has eluded him for a decade. The outcome remains uncertain and awaits discovery.
Memorable quote: Jurado reflects on his initial encounters with poker, stating, \"I didn’t want a 9-5 job. I wanted independence and wasn’t sure what skills I could apply to land a good job.\"
Setting: Las Vegas
Release Date: 2023
FURTHER READING: Interested in more poker films?
9 - TO BE DETERMINED
Oscar Jurado, a longtime low-stakes poker Sean Chaffin is an experienced freelance writer based in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He covers various topics, including poker, gambling, and the casino industry, among others. You can follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions and reach out via email at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net.
2 – A UNIQUE STORY: THE RISE AND FALL OF STU UNGAR
Overview: While many poker fans may recognize Negreanu's face at the tables, they might not know the personal stories behind his rise to fame. This film takes us through his early days, playing wild games with friends back in Canada, to his initial experiences at tournament events in Las Vegas, which included periods of going broke. The documentary also tells the story of how Negreanu’s family emigrated to Canada and charts his swift ascent in the poker world. The filmmakers succeeded in providing an authentic portrayal of this influential player.
Release Date: 2021
3 – SPORTS FOCUS: WORLD SERIES OF POKER
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Originally Published on February 24, 2021