Poker Champs Meeting on TV

Kicking off the news season will be a spectacular Champions Week. Players returning to the felt from last season include Jamie Gold (2006), Chris Moneymaker (2003), Carlos Mortensen (2001), Chris Ferguson (2000), Johnny Chan (1987-1988), and Doyle Brunson (1967-1977). (Brief profiles of each of the players can be read following the article).

This week's match will see former World Champions Joseph Hachem (2005), Greg Raymer (2004), and Huck Seed (1996) play it out. Most interesting will be the clash between Hachem and Raymer, who have never yet participated in Poker After Dark's previously aired episodes. The heads-up battle for the title will entail a full finale episode, as well as a detailed overview and insight in to what goes on in the players mind as he fights for the tile.

The first match is being screened until June 15th at 2.05am. The exclusive Directors Cut program will air on Saturday June 16 at 1.00am (immediately following Saturday Night Live). This episode will sum up the week with behind-the-scenes footage, highlights, individual player interviews, and a one-on-one between Shana Hiatt and the weeks winner to discuss the match details. The other two matches will be aired on Monday June 18 at 2.05am, and again on Monday June 25th.

With old poker stars returning for more, and new ones coming to take a shot, this season is looking up to be the most exciting yet!

Player profiles:

Seat 1: Jamie Gold

Began interning in the entertainment industry at age 16
Was once a Hollywood talent agent, now a TV producer
Won $12 million at the World Series of Poker Championship by crushing a staggering 8772 players, which is the highest sum won in a tournament in gambling history

Seat 2: Joseph Hachem:

Former Lebanon resident, now an Australian immigrant with his family.
Worked as a chiropractor and mortgage broker before become a poker pro
Ranks 2nd on the all-time money list, with a total claim of $10.32 million in tournament winnings throughout his career
Won the 2006 World Poker Tournament Doyle Brunson North American Poker Classic

Seat 3: Greg Raymer

Ranked 17th on the all-time-money list, having won over $5.79 million in tournament winnings
Prior to winning the World Series of Poker Championship in 2005, Raymer worked as a patent attorney for the behemoth pharmaceutical company Pfizer, Inc.
Recognizable as the one wearing inimitable reptilian-eye 3-D hologram sunglasses while playing

Seat 4: Huck Seed

Owner of 4 World Series Of Poker bracelets
Was an electrical engineering student at Caltech, yet when he took a leave of absence in 1989 to play poker, he never returned to his studies
Ranked 45th on the all-time-money list, with a total tournament earnings of $3.42 million.

Seat 5: Doyle Brunson

Regarded as the greatest player of all time despite his age of 73
Ranked 24th on the all-time money list, he has won in excess of $4.96 million in poker tournament winnings
Author of many books, including the Super Systems series
Proud owner of 10 World Series of Poker bracelets

Seat 6: Johnny Chan

Ranked 14th on the all-time-money list with over $5.90 million in tournament winnings
Known as the orient express
Owns 10 World Series of Poker tournament bracelets