High Stakes Poker Warms Up as Nick Schulman Takes Over from Gabe Kaplan

The announcement of the replacement co-host for the legendary Gabe Kaplan was never going to be an easy one to make. So on Tuesday night, when Nick Schulman was heralded as King Kaplan’s new heir, the poker world held its breath. Fortunately, as least as poker fans can be gauged, it seems like PokerGO made exactly the right pick.

The History of High Stakes Poker

High Stakes Poker is a hugely popular televised then streamed series that originally aired from 2006 to 2011 on the Game Show Network. With some of the world’s most elite poker players competing in the high stakes cash games broadcast, blinds have ranged from $100/$200 to $500/$1000 over the course of the series. Initially, the goal of the show was to showcase the best players in the world battling it out in high stakes games, with the hopes of capturing the excitement and drama that those sorts of games are known for.

Originally hosted by AJ Benza and Gabe Kaplan, who provided expert commentary and insights into the players and their strategies, High Stakes Poker is filmed in a studio setting and has a lively atmosphere, with bright lights, a pulsing soundtrack, and an impressive lineup of players that have participated in the show. The roster included many of the biggest names in poker, including Phil Ivey, Antonio Esfandiari, Daniel Negreanu, Tom Dwan, and Barry Greenstein among others.

These players brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, making each hand a high-stakes showdown filled with tension and excitement. High Stakes Poker has been notable for its format. Unlike other poker shows that relied on tournament play, High Stakes Poker features a cash game where players can come and go as they pleased. This has allowed for a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, where players could take more risks and play more aggressively.

From TV to PokerGO

One of the most memorable moments in High Stakes Poker history came in Season 6, when amateur player Faraz Jaka faced off against Phil Ivey in a hand that would go down in history as one of the most intense and dramatic moments in poker TV history. Jaka made a bold move by pushing all-in against Ivey, who was widely considered to be one of the best poker players in the world at the time.

The hand lasted for several minutes, with both players analyzing the situation and trying to read each other’s body language. In the end, Jaka emerged victorious, winning a huge pot and becoming an instant legend in the poker world. But it was the commentary that made it so memorable, with Kaplan and Benza bringing the action to glorious life.

Back in 2011, High Stakes Poker was cancelled after its seventh season, but the series was brought back by PokerGO – along with Kaplan and Benza – when it relaunched a few years ago. It has inspired a new generation of players to take up the mantle, with recent legends like Xuan Liu taking part in recent seasons.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual fan, High Stakes Poker is a must-see for anyone interested in the world of poker and Kaplan’s departure left a huge hole. It turns out that PokerGO has brought in a triple WSOP bracelet winner to replace the retiring 77-year-old Kaplan.

Schulman Gets the Gig and Thanks Gabe

Nick Schulman is both a popular player and commentator and indeed seems the natural heir to Kaplan, whose emotional thank you on Twitter reminded us all of just how great he has been for the game.

The 38-year-old Schulman, who is himself one of the best high stakes players in the game, combines a trio of difficult to find qualities. Schulman not only knows what he’s talking about when it comes to playing for the biggest pots, but he is witty enough to make it sound interesting and dry enough to hold weight commentating on this level of game.

“To join the show that started it all and replace the best to ever do it is a tremendous honor,” said Schulman. “Thank you to Gabe for having his blessing, see you soon.”

“Nick represents the modern era of poker as one of the most knowledgeable, dignified minds in the game, and we are thrilled to welcome him to High Stakes Poker,” Mori Eskandani, President of PokerGO, said upon the announcement being confirmed. “When Nick first started working with PokerGO, it quickly became apparent that he had a bright future on this side of the felt. Nick’s fresh, insightful perspective has added immense value to PokerGO over the years, and we believe he is the perfect fit to carry on the legacy of poker’s most iconic cash-game show.”

On Twitter, Schulman was only too quick to credit Kaplan after his remarkable body of work.