As someone who lives and breathes the game of poker, there’s always something special about anticipating an upcoming live event. With the return of the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) to Resorts World Las Vegas and the absolute thrill of Cardplayer Lifestyle having partnered with PokerStars for the occasion, I can’t help but feel extra excited for the impending festivities. This live poker event is going to be extra special, indeed.
Here are the top five things I’m looking forward to at 2024 NAPT Las Vegas:
1. Hosting Mixed Game Festival IX
What started as a dream a few years back has now blossomed into a beloved recurring event that draws a fun crowd of mixed-game lovers from all over. Mixed Game Festival IX will be held from November 3-7 and besides all the great dealer’s choice action–a packed variety of games from Drawmaha to Badeucey and other niche poker games you just don’t see enough of in typical poker rooms–there are going to be plenty of giveaways and extra bells and whistles on schedule.
For me, it’s a joy and privilege to showcase and promote non-Hold’em and PLO poker games, watching people of all skill levels dive in and enjoy the unique poker camaraderie that mixed games foster. And it’s going to be even better this time, running alongside a grand poker festival like the NAPT.
2. Playing LOTS of Poker
I don’t just host and promote poker games, I’m also a poker player! Part of the idea behind innovating the Mixed Game Festival concept was creating a live event that I’d love to attend and play in. Plenty of poker players will be descending on Resorts World to play at the NAPT, which means the cash game action will be buzzing as well. I’m positive we’ll be filling plenty of mixed game tables!
As a recreational poker player, I usually manage to get in one 6-hour long home game session each week. When you love poker as much as I do, that’s simply not enough. I intend to “put in the hours” at the felt during NAPT!
Due to my hosting duties and the fact that I’ll also need time to produce content and cover the goings on at NAPT, I won’t really be able to hop into a tournament, but I’m ready to (at least try to) boost my bankroll further in the cash games. My understanding is that some folks will be calling Razz when I’m at the table, thinking that’s my weakest game. Well, I’ve been practicing and they’ll be in for a rude awakening. 😉
You know what’s fun?
Being the big winner in your last 3 home game sessions and boosting your bankroll by 10% 😁
Glad to be heading into @PokerLifeMedia Mixed Game Festival IX “riding on high” and feeling like I’m on my A Game 💪
Can’t wait to hit the tables! pic.twitter.com/vL7Ijxh4NS
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) October 27, 2024
3. Reunions: Catching Up with “Regulars” and Friends
The social aspect of poker has always been one of my favorite parts of the game, and an event like NAPT is the perfect gathering ground for friends new and old. I’m especially excited to reconnect with the Mixed Game Festival regulars who have come from all over to play and hang out over eight iterations of the event thus far.
There’s something special about a group of people who make the effort to show up event after event from all over the United States and well beyond, sharing stories, laughs, and good vibes that help to create wonderful memories.
4. The Journey Back to Vegas: A Breath of Fresh Air
Living in Israel, the journey to Las Vegas is not only long, it also comes as a very welcome change of scenery. After over a year of ongoing challenges back home, I can’t help but look forward to experiencing a taste of “normal life” for a couple weeks as a stark change from my regular lived reality.
Vegas holds a special place in my heart, and there’s always a sense of homecoming when I land at LAS and make my way to the Strip from the airport. With so many people attending the 2024 NAPT, it’s the ideal time to reconnect with longtime friends, find solace in the game, and also utilize the opportunity to forge new friendships; the kinds of relationships that make life worth living and the wonderful game of poker worth playing.
5. Awarding 3 Co-branded NAPT Trophies
As part of Cardplayer Lifestyle’s partnership with PokerStars, we’ll be awarding three co-branded NAPT trophies to the players who win the $550 H.E.R.O.S. $5,300 8-Game Mix and $550 8-Game Mix events. The idea of presenting these trophies is hugely satisfying and I can’t wait to congratulate whomever the three winners will be.
You can be sure that once I lay eyes on them upon arriving in Las Vegas, I’ll be sharing pictures of these trophies on X, so keep your eyes peeled.
Bonus: My Birthday Party
As if the 2024 NAPT Las Vegas schedule wasn’t exciting enough, it just so happens that we’ll be kicking off Mixed Game Festival IX on Sunday November 3, my 43rd birthday. Hosting a birthday celebration surrounded by my poker friends is such a treat and it’s important to party hard when special occasions like these arise. We’ll be rockin’ it Vegas-style, and it doesn’t get much better than that.
Conclusion
The 2024 NAPT Las Vegas Festival is shaping up to be one for the books, packed with poker, friends, milestones, and unforgettable experiences. Hosting Mixed Game Festival IX as part of this legendary event, playing poker till the early hours, reconnecting with friends, and even celebrating my birthday—each part adds its own unique magic to what we’re all about to experience in the coming days.
Whether it’s the shared moments across the felt, the joy of the game, or the memories that’ll last well beyond the final hand, I’m ready for it all. Here’s to a memorable 2024 NAPT Las Vegas; see you all soon!
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