Bleznick has already defeated 2024 Poker Hall of Fame inductee Patrik Antonius
Matt Berkey has announced his next high-stakes opponent: Jared Bleznick, a sports card shop owner and accomplished poker player. During the “Only Friends” podcast, Berkey revealed that the two would face off in an upcoming heads-up poker battle, combining No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO).
Bleznick recently gained attention by defeating 2024 Poker Hall of Fame inductee Patrik Antonius three consecutive times, earning $350,000 in the process on PokerGO’s High Stakes Duel. Berkey is no stranger to high-stakes competition himself, having crushed Nik Airball at Resorts World Las Vegas in 2023, pocketing $1 million in just 60 hours of play. Now, the founder of Solve for Why will take on Bleznick in what promises to be an exciting clash of styles.
The official date for the PokerGO match has yet to be set, but the High Stakes Duel format typically begins with a $50,000 buy-in from each player. Rematches escalate the stakes, with subsequent buy-ins doubling, potentially reaching millions. Berkey and Bleznick plan to start at $200/$400 stakes, with a minimum buy-in of $100,000.
This matchup stands out as a meeting of specialists. Berkey is known for his No-Limit Hold’em expertise, while Bleznick is a dominant force in PLO. Berkey acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in his ability to outperform Bleznick in Hold’em, stating on the podcast, “If I can just hold my own in PLO… I’ll bury him in Hold’em.”
Unlike Berkey’s heated rivalry with Nik Airball, this encounter seems to have a friendly tone. Berkey shared that he respects Bleznick and enjoys playing with him, emphasizing their mutual history in online poker. Despite their camaraderie, the stakes remain high, promising a competitive and entertaining battle.

Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.