Poker Innovations and NFL Draft Highlights Dominate the Week

This week was filled with exciting developments in the poker world and notable events in the sports arena. From new game formats to strategic partnerships and significant tournament wins, here’s a rundown of the key highlights.

PokerStars on FanDuel Introduces Mixed Games

PokerStars on FanDuel is set to launch mixed games, with 8-Game expected to be the first variant. The exact launch date is unclear, but it could be as early as this month. This addition is anticipated to bring a fresh and diverse gaming experience to players.

Adrian Mateos Wins Ninth PGT Title

Adrian Mateos secured his ninth PGT title at the 2026 Poker Masters, leading the race for the purple jacket. Mateos won event no. 5, claiming a first-place prize of $229,500. He defeated Nick Schulman in a brief heads-up play, while Schulman earned $148,750 and 400 Card Player Player of the Year points.

Vitalijs Zavorotnijs Secures Second PGT Title

Vitalijs Zavorotnijs won Poker Masters Event No. 4, securing his second PGT title and $224,000. The seasoned player from Riga, Latvia, outlasted a strong field including Clemen Deng and Nicholas Palma.

888.es Enhances Cash Games with Run It Twice Feature

888.es has introduced the Run It Twice feature, allowing players to deal the board twice after an all-in. This new functionality enhances the cash game experience by adding an extra layer of excitement and strategy.

NFL Files Brief Against Prediction Markets

The NFL has taken a strong stance against prediction markets, filing a brief in support of New Jersey against Kalshi. The league argues that these markets lack adequate regulation and consumer protections.

Blanche Lincoln Lobbies for Kalshi

Former Arkansas senator Blanche Lincoln, who once opposed prediction markets, is now lobbying for Kalshi, a leading prediction market firm. Kalshi has paid Lincoln $480,000 since 2024.

GGPoker's Ocean KO Format Sparks Debate

GGPoker's new Ocean KO format has taken the online MTT poker world by storm, but not everyone is thrilled. The format, which features progressive knockouts with random multipliers, has been criticized for its high variance and potential for manipulation.

BetRivers Poker Brings Back Double Glitch Promo

BetRivers Poker is offering extra cash to players who finish in second and third place in Cub3d games with its Double Glitch promo. The promotion runs until October 25 and doubles all Glitch prizes accumulated by the player throughout the day, up to a maximum of $25.

R Mason Thomas Selected in NFL Draft

R Mason Thomas, a standout defensive player from the Oklahoma Sooners, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thomas's journey from college football to the NFL has been marked by his exceptional skills and dedication.

Stake Poker Announces Stake Showdown

Stake Poker has announced the Stake Showdown, a $1,000 buy-in tournament with a $125,000 prize pool. The event is scheduled for September 27, 2026, and will feature satellites allowing players to qualify for as little as $0.50.

Joey Weissman Wins Fifth PGT Trophy

Joey Weissman secured his fifth PokerGO Tour trophy and $218,400 at the 2026 Poker Masters. He defeated a strong field including Jeremy Ausmus and Daniyal Gheba.

ScatterKings and Stake Partner to Expand Game Library

ScatterKings has partnered with Stake to boost the latter’s portfolio of casino games, providing a list of acclaimed and cutting-edge titles. Stake has been rapidly scaling its game library, adding EveryMatrix recently.