Poker in movies and TV shows

Publication date: 17 Apr 2024

Poker is the most popular card game in the world. The secret of its popularity is a combination of strategy, analysis, psychology and luck.

According to the most common version, modern poker originated in America in the first third of the XIX century. Since then, this game of chance has undergone many changes and modifications. Today, there are many variations:

• 5 Card Classic Poker;
• Texas Hold’em;
• Omaha;
• 7 Card;
• Razz;
• 5 Card Draw;
• 6 Card Stud and others.

The advantage and important feature of poker is that not everything depends on the cards drawn.  An excellent game requires not only intuition and excitement, but also skill and the ability to quickly calculate combinations and probabilities, as well as to assess your chances and those of your opponents at the table.  To be a successful poker player, you need to have a knowledge of psychology and observation, the ability to control your reactions and behaviour, and to develop a “poker face”.

For this reason, in some countries, poker is considered not just a game of chance, but a sport. It is already recognized as a sport in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Ukraine and some states of the USA.  In Russia, poker was only recognized as an “intellectual sport” from 2007 to 2009. Now all Russian poker tournaments are held only in casinos operating in special gambling zones.

The world’s major poker tournaments

• The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the largest series of poker tournaments and is held every year in Las Vegas. This tournament is also known as the World Championship of Poker.
• The WPT, WSOPE, PartyPoker Live Millions, European Poker Tour and Triton Poker are major poker tournaments known for their spectacle and size.

The luckiest poker players and the biggest winnings

Fun fact: The record for the longest game of poker was set in 2012 by Nick Petren, a Swedish professional poker player. He spent 8 days, 14 hours, 22 minutes and 15 seconds playing online without a break.

The list of outstanding poker players includes

1.     Doyle Brunson – “The Godfather of Poker”. This is the first person to earn a million dollars playing poker. Later he started teaching this skill to people and wrote 10 books with important practical information. One of the most popular is “Super System: A Course in Power Poker.
2.     Benny Binion – the man who created the WSOP, was the first to hold such a tournament in his casino and also created the legendary “Poker Hall of Fame”. Read also about other important dates and holidays in the history of poker.
3.     Chris Moneymaker – the man who went from being an accountant and amateur gambler to a professional poker player. In 2005, Moneymaker published an autobiographical book entitled “Moneymaker: How an Amateur Player Turned $40 into $2.5 Million at the World Series of Poker. In the same year, the computer game “Moneymaker’s World Poker Championship” was released.
4.     Joseph Cada is the youngest winner of the prestigious WSOP event. He won the title of World Poker Champion at the age of 21, proving that you don’t have to be an experienced player to win at poker.
5.     Another key figure in poker is Daniel Negreanu. He has 6 WSOP bracelets, a Main Event win, over $40 million in winnings, books, an online school and is credited with popularizing poker.

3S.INFO has prepared a cool selection of poker films and series for you. We hope this will not only help you relax, but also inspire you to be creative and come up with new promotional ideas. And for an effective advertising campaign, choose an offer from the Top 5 on 3SNET, connect and direct traffic!

3SNET’s list of poker films and series

• The series “Poker Face” (2023) is only related to poker by name, but we think it deserves your attention!
• Read also 3S.INFO’s selections “Casinos in films and TV series” and “Bookies in films and series”.
• The film “Poker Face” (2022) tells the story of Jake, who has made a fortune from his passion and love for card games. One day he decides to get together with his old childhood friends. But suddenly a group of unknown people interfere and now not only a big cash prize is at stake, but also lives.
• The film “Molly’s Game” (2017)
• The film “Mississippi Grind” (2015) is the story of an aging but very gambling card player who is experiencing great financial difficulties. At some point he teams up with a young and promising poker player and genuinely believes that his new friend will bring him luck. Together they decide to travel across the South of the United States to hit the jackpot at the tables of New Orleans. 
• The film “Lucky You” (2007)
• The film “The Grand” (2007)
• The series “Tilt” (2005). Tilt is a poker term that describes the psychological state of a person after a big loss. The plot of the series revolves around three friends – Eddie, Clark and Ellen – who are professional poker players. Their main goal is to meet the king of card games in the final game. They all know that this is not an easy task, so foul play is called for. Will the friends be able to stick to their plans and keep a cool head until the final game?
• The film “Shade” (2003)
• The film “Rounders” (1998) starring a young Matt Damon. This is the story of a young law student and ambitious poker player who decides to play the most dangerous game of his life. In search of fame and fortune, he encounters a world of high stakes, intrigue and betrayal. And it is usually not just money that is at stake, but also his own life.
• The film “Maverick” (1994) is about a prominent gambler and cheat, Maverick, who desperately and not always honestly earns money to take part in the poker championship. Along the way, he meets charming con artist Annabelle, who has her own plans for the championship.  

What do you think of our selection? Share your impressions and write down your favourite gambling movies and series!