Los Angeles, January 30th – The 4th annual American Poker Awards, presented by Pokerstars, are headed back to Hollywood on February 22nd to celebrate the game’s brightest stars, breakout players, as well as standout industry influencers and media contributors throughout the Americas. This year mark’s the American Poker Awards most ambitious awards line-up, with a record 20 trophies to hand out.
Among the new award types set to find owners this year at the American Poker Awards are Video Blogger of the Year, Poker Broadcaster of the Year & Biggest Influencer.
Popular veteran categories again to be contended this year include Moment of the Year, Industry Person of the Year, and the ever-popular Breakout Player of the Year. Yet, its probably the People’s Choice Award that fans will be most happy to see back on the roster – the only award in awards lineup determined by popular vote rather than the APA voting committee. Bryn Kenney & and Kristen Bicknell will be in attendance as well to receive their Male & Female GPI Player of the Year trophies as well.
We’re excited to add another chapter to the American Poker Awards legacy. Be sure to follow all the winners at 7 p.m. on February 22nd as the American Poker Awards gets under way at the Andaz West Hollywood, 8401 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, 90069. Click here to reserve your spot at the awards.
American Poker Awards Categories
GPI AMERICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR (Bryn Kenney)
Determined by 2017 GPI Player of the Year criteria
Presented to the player who scored the most points Global Poker Index (GPI) Points during the 2017 poker season. A player’s Top 13 qualifying GPI scores for events played starting between January 1 and December 31, 2017 are tabulated to determine total GPI Points for 2017.
GPI FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR (Kristen Bicknell)
Determined by 2017 GPI Player of the Year criteria
Presented to the female poker player who scored the most points Global Poker Index (GPI) Points during the 2017 poker season. A player’s Top 13 qualifying GPI scores for events played starting between January 1 and December 31, 2017 are tabulated to determine total GPI Points for 2017.
TOURNAMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the player judged to have had the single best tournament performance on the worldwide live circuit during the 2017 poker season
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the player judged to have enjoyed a breakout campaign on the live tournament circuit in 2017. A player cannot have won a major poker title prior to 2017
MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Each year poker produces extraordinary moments. From a historic victory to a jaw-dropping elimination and everything in between, this Award is presented to the person who created THE moment that will remain forever etched in every poker fan’s memory
POKER JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Looking to place the spotlight on those who shine brightest in the poker journalism, this Award is presented to the person judged to have been a leader in their field during 2017.
The most talented poker journalists have the ability to connect poker fans with the poker world through articles, live reporting, and photography
POKER MEDIA CONTENT OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the best poker article, blog post, book, picture or interview published by a journalist, industry member, blogger, player or media contributor during 2017
POKER PODCAST OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the podcast series judged to be the best for 2017. Nomination Panel and Jury members should focus on overall quality and frequency of published episodes
VIDEO BLOGGER OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the “vlogger” who not only releases quality, well-produced, content but must also show the ability to connect with the audience
POKER STREAMER OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the most dedicated poker streamer who continued to provide quality entertainment to their most dedicated fans while attracting and educating the most novice of players
POKER BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the best Poker Broadcaster of the Year
MID-MAJOR CIRCUIT OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the organization who presented the best Mid-Major Circuit events and festivals during the 2017 poker season
EVENT OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the event judged to have been the best single tournament event presented during the 2017 campaign
INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the casino employee, tournament staff member or tour operating member deemed to have gone over and beyond for the game of poker in 2017
BIGGEST INFLUENCER IN POKER
Selected by Nomination Panel and Jury
Presented to the individual who moves the needle most in the poker world. Whether it’s a player, an industry member or even a celebrity, this Award winner is judged to have been one of the biggest influencers in the game in 2017
CHARITABLE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Selected by GPI team
Presented to an individual, organization, venue, tournament or tournament series that raises awareness as well raise funds for a noteworthy charitable cause
POCKETFIVES LEGACY AWARD
Selected by PocketFives and GPI teams
Presented to an online poker legend who has also made significant contributions on the live tournament circuit
AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN POKER
Selected by Jury
Presented to the person judged to have devoted a significant portion of their life to poker; a person who has positively impacted the poker world. These accomplishments will be celebrated with the presentation of this special Award. This trophy is to be Awarded at the Jury’s discretion
JURY PRIZE
Selected by Jury
A special Award may be presented by the members of the Jury to a person, group or organization who deserve special recognition for their contributions to poker in 2017
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD FOR POKER PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Voted by poker fans around the world
Presented to the poker personality judged to have been one of the game’s best ambassadors in 2017, making a positive impact in the poker world while engaging his or her audience.
Poker fans will determine the winner of this Award. This Award isn’t a simple popularity vote; the winner should be someone who works hard on and/or off the felt; someone who promotes the game of poker.