Seidel, Foxen, Robl and Konnikova are just a few names already on the list
The National Heads-Up Poker Championship is making its long-awaited return, and the lineup of confirmed players is already creating excitement across the poker world. PokerGO and PokerStars have teamed up to bring back the fan-favorite series with a $25,000 buy-in, single-elimination tournament that mixes some of poker’s biggest stars with high-profile celebrities and notable personalities.
This year’s competition will feature 64 players, split into four regions—Spades, Hearts, Clubs, and Diamonds—battling over three days for the top prize of $500,000. The matchups were revealed during a cocktail event at the PokerGO Studio, where the buzz around first-round pairings kicked into high gear.
In the Spades Region, Erik Seidel will go head-to-head with Andrew Robl in a marquee battle between a legend and a regular at the PokerGO Studio. Also in this section, NFL great Richard Seymour faces Matt Berkey, the current High Stakes Duel champ. Other standouts include Phil Galfond, Maria Konnikova, Rob Riggle, and Boston Rob Mariano.
The Clubs Region also boasts compelling matchups. Phil Laak will square off with Justin Young, and poker veteran Jason Koon takes on Erick Lindgren. Brian Rast is set to play Ren Lin, while Sean Winter meets Ryan Feldman in what’s expected to be a fast-paced clash.
The Hearts Region features perhaps the most anticipated showdown—Jesse Lonis vs. Kristen Foxen. Mike Matusow, the tournament’s last champion, will open against Stephen Chidwick, and heads-up specialist John Smith returns to test Justin Gavri.
Each region presents its own set of challenges, with intriguing paths toward the final. The event, taped at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, will air on Peacock this fall, followed by episodes launching on PokerGO in the spring. With big names, unpredictable matchups, and $500K on the line, the reboot of the National Heads-Up Poker Championship is shaping up to be a must-watch poker event.
