Daniel Negreanu Could Be Facing Worst Year in Tournament Poker

Daniel Negreanu Could Be Facing Worst Year in Tournament Poker
By Sean Chaffin
Fact Checked by Jim Tomlin

Always an open book when it comes to his play on the felt, poker pro Daniel Negreanu recently outlined how 2023 has become his worst year in tournament poker. The 49-year-old Las Vegas-based poker pro has been much more transparent than most through the years, often documenting his own wins and losses for all the world to see.

That continued Oct. 30 as Negreanu, who grew up in Toronto, offered an honest assessment of his year. He spelled out two main reasons for this year’s downturn: Luck and simply playing too much poker. “Kid Poker” says that his age may be playing a part. Folks in and around Toronto who know of his exploits can play at Ontario online poker sites to sharpen their skills.

“As you get older, fatigue is real,” he noted on Twitter. “I don’t make decisions as clearly in the moment when tired and I played too many events overall.”

Packed Tournament Schedule in 2023

With $51.5 million live tournament winnings, Negreanu is one of the most successful players in history. He has six World Series of Poker bracelets, two World Poker Tour titles, and numerous other big finishes.

Negreanu is also a regular player in some of the biggest televised cash games, such as High Stakes Poker. Unlike many players, he occasionally offers insight on the financial ups and downs of life as a poker pro. He’s not shy about pulling back the curtain on his life.

From Tweeting to vlogging to podcasting, Negreanu is media friendly. He also still plays some of the biggest tournaments in poker. Prior to the 2023 World Series of Poker, that included outlining his plans to play 49 tournaments with buy-ins totaling $1.8 million.

As he grows older, that kind of packed schedule may be becoming too much, at least according to his recent comments. On Twitter, Negreanu pointed to too much poker as part of the reason his year hasn’t gone as well as in years past.

“When I get to play too often, I don’t care as much about the event I’m in,” he noted. “When I have extended breaks in between events I look forward to them and try harder.”

 
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Negreanu Taking a Break

Despite his misgivings about 2023, the last few years have been good for Negreanu. He won a PokerGO High Stakes Duel matchup this year against Doug Polk for $200,000. Last year also brought a Super High Roller Bowl title for $3.3 million and two wins on the PokerGO Tour for more than $500,000. Just variance and luck may have contributed to the poorer results this year as well.

Poker fans – many of whom could play at Ontario online casinos – can catch Negreanu in action in the coming weeks. The GGPoker ambassador will be part of the brand’s upcoming Poker After Dark’s Game of Gold, a new series combining high-stakes poker and reality TV.

The show features plenty of big names competing for a $456,000 top prize including Fedor Holz, Josh Arieh, Daniel Cates, Jason Koon and more. Episodes drop on the GGPoker YouTube channel throughout November.

“Game of Gold takes all the best parts of traditional poker shows, adds some exciting new elements, and mixes them together with reality TV to make something truly revolutionary,” Negreanu said. “If you have even the smallest bit of interest in poker, you have to check Game of Gold out. As to the question of whether I won the $456,000 or not – well, just watch and you’ll find out for yourself!”

Making some honest assessments about his play has been a hallmark for Negreanu and he said he plans to take some time off in November to gear up for the WSOP Paradise series in the Bahamas in December. And while 2023 may have been a struggle, a few big finishes could be a great Christmas gift to turn that rough year around.

You can give yourself the gift of knowing more about online casino apps Ontario by sticking with us at OntarioBets.com for reviews and more.

Photo courtesy PokerGO

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Author

Sean Chaffin

Sean Chaffin is a longtime freelance writer, editor, and former high school journalism teacher. He has covered the poker and gaming industry for many years. Follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions.

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