Welcome back to the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast! This month’s episode is a HUGE one for tournament grinders and Vegas dreamers — we break down the official 2026 World Series of Poker summer schedule in Las Vegas and talk about which events are worth your bankroll, which ones to avoid, and how to plan the perfect WSOP trip.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned player, we go event-by-event discussing buy-ins, structure, field sizes, value tournaments, and realistic expectations for players heading to the biggest poker series in the world.

We also crack open some awesome poker mail:
• Unboxing The Complete Poker Workout: 100 Key Tournament Hand Quizzes by Jonathan Little (from D&B Publishing)
• New gear from Bluff Everyone Apparel
• Hoagie officially appears in CardPlayer Magazine 👀

The highlight of the show is definitely our full WSOP 2026 Vegas strategy breakdown — this is the episode you want to watch before booking your flight.

If you love poker strategy, WSOP talk, tournament prep, bankroll advice, and poker community content, this episode is for you.

📚 Book available from D&B Publishing and Amazon

🎧 Listen to the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast for:
WSOP analysis, poker strategy discussions, hand reviews, tournament prep, home game stories, and interviews from the poker community.

👇 Comment below:
Are you going to the WSOP 2026? Which event would you play?

Welcome to the January 2026 episode of the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast!This month, the crew kicks things off with a fun unboxing of new poker merch and collectibles, including a freshly signed autograph from a former Sopranos guest star that every fan of poker, pop culture, and memorabilia will appreciate.After that, we shift into full grind mode with a Winter/Spring 2026 East Coast poker preview, breaking down some of the biggest and most notable tournaments coming up in our region — including:WSOP Circuit eventsBorgata OpenRun Good Poker SeriesWe talk buy-ins, locations, what events are worth traveling for, and where players can find the best value fields over the next few months.Whether you're into poker gear, celebrity collectibles, or planning your 2026 tournament schedule, this episode has you covered.🎙️ Hosted by the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast team♠️ New episodes covering poker, casino culture, tournaments & real player storiesGamble responsibly. 1-800-GAMBLER.Check out our sponsors:The Slot Squad - SlotSqaud.tv📍 Follow Nerdthusiast for more:Website: nerdthusiastpoker.comTwitter: @nerdthusiast#GlobalPoker #BorgataPoker #WSOP #TurningStone #PokerPodcast #PokerTrophies #PokerUnboxing #NerdthusiastPoker #PokerLife #Borgata #RattlesnakeOpen #WSOPCircuit #pokerwins Hosts Social Media Contacts:Anthony: Twitter (X)- eatahoagie TikTok - tttps://tiktok.com/HoagiePokerInstagram- hoagiecasino Twitch.tv/Eatahoagieyoutube- ‪@HoagieCasino‬ Brian:Twitter (X)- keane0513 Intro Art & Graphics by: Bernardo Del CastilloFan Mail can be sent to:Nerdthusiast PokerPO BOX 514, Riverside NJ 08075

What happens when a PhD scientist brings a data-driven mindset to the poker table?

In this episode of the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast, we sit down with DrDadPoker — a Michigan-based poker streamer, biomedical researcher, and recent WSOP final table finisher. DrDad made an incredible top-5 run in the $600 WSOP PokerNews Deepstack Championship, cashing for around $85,000, and proving that brains + discipline can go a long way in poker.

We dive deep into:

• How DrDad balances real-life research, fatherhood, and poker

• His PhD background and how science impacts his poker mindset

• What it was like going deep at the World Series of Poker

• His BetRivers Poker streaming deal and what it means for U.S. online poker

• Whether BetRivers Poker is coming to New Jersey

• Advice for players juggling poker with full-time careers

This is a must-watch episode for poker players, streamers, and anyone who loves stories of unconventional paths to success.

This month on the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast, we dive deep into the brand-new Netflix casino film Ballad of a Small Player. We compare the movie to the original novel, break down the biggest changes, explore key themes, and talk about whether Netflix improved the story—or missed the mark. Full spoilers ahead, so watch the movie (or read the book) first!

NJ’s Online Poker King REVEALS His Secrets! | Exclusive Interview with Jeremy ‘Jermz’ Sissman

In this month’s Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast, we sit down with one of New Jersey’s most dominant online poker players — Jeremy “Jermz” Sissman! 🃏 From crushing cash games to dominating tournament leaderboards, Jermz shares insider stories, strategy tips, and how he built his online poker empire. 🎙️

Whether you’re a grinder, a fan of NJ online poker, or just love hearing from the best in the game, this episode is packed with gold. Don’t miss it!

👉 Hosted by the Nerdthusiast Poker Team
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
💬 Drop your poker handle in the comments and tell us your favorite NJ site!

#NerdthusiastPoker #Jermz #OnlinePoker #PokerPodcast #NJOnlinePoker #PokerLife #BetMGM #PokerStarsNJ #PartyPoker #WSOPOnline

WHATS HAPPENING AT BORGATA ?

Kellie DeCelis (Borgata Director of Poker Ops) and David Mileaf (BetMGM Senior Poker Manager) join the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast to break down the hottest Fall poker events at Borgata. From the Big, Big Buy Series to Lions of the Atlantic and the Fall Poker Open, plus the launch of Borgata’s brand-new BetMGM Poker Tournament Room, this fall is stacked!

🎙️ Don’t miss insider details, VIP perks, and how to qualify online for as little as $10!

📍Subscribe for more interviews, poker stories, and behind-the-scenes content from the felt.

#NerdthusiastPoker #PokerPodcast

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Follow Nerdthusiast for more:

Website: nerdthusiastpoker.com

Twitter: @nerdthusiast

The Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast sits down with actor Robert Funaro, best known for his role on The Sopranos. In this exclusive interview, Funaro talks about his career and his surprising link to poker—his character once ran Tony Soprano’s underground poker games in the iconic HBO series. Fans of The Sopranos and poker enthusiasts alike won’t want to miss this unique conversation blending mob drama history with real-life poker culture.

🎙️ In this episode of the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast, Hoagie sits down with the founders of the newest poker apparel brand taking the tables by storm — Bluff Everyone. We dive into the inspiration behind the brand, how it’s catching fire in the poker community, and the hilarious (and profitable) reactions players are getting while rocking the gear.🃏 One Vegas grinder even claims he made $10,000 in a weekend because everyone thought he was bluffing just by wearing the shirt — but he wasn’t!Whether you’re a poker pro, a cash game regular, or just love cool card-themed fashion, this is one podcast you don’t want to miss.📍Subscribe for more interviews, poker stories, and behind-the-scenes content from the felt.#BluffEveryone #PokerApparel #NerdthusiastPoker #PokerPodcast #VegasPoker #BluffLife #PokerFashion #WPT #WSOP #PokerMerchandise #PokerMindGames #HoagiePokerCheck out our sponsors:The Slot Squad - SlotSqaud.tvSpade Society - ClubGG join with code # 788597📍 Follow Nerdthusiast for more:Website: nerdthusiastpoker.comTwitter: @nerdthusiast#GlobalPoker #BorgataPoker #WSOP #TurningStone #PokerPodcast #PokerTrophies #PokerUnboxing #NerdthusiastPoker #PokerLife #Borgata #RattlesnakeOpen #WSOPCircuit #pokerwins Hosts Social Media Contacts:Anthony: Twitter (X)- eatahoagie TikTok - tttps://tiktok.com/HoagiePokerInstagram- hoagiecasino Twitch.tv/Eatahoagieyoutube- ‪@HoagieCasino‬ Brian:Twitter (X)- keane0513 Intro Art & Graphics by: Bernardo Del CastilloFan Mail can be sent to:Nerdthusiast PokerPO BOX 514, Riverside NJ 08075

In this special live driving episode, Hoagie hits the road with Brian "Not the Man" Keane and guest Matt Mamunez as they head to the airport for their 2025 WSOP Vegas adventure! 🎰✈️

Buckle up as we discuss the brand new WSOP Plus app, Jonathan Little's bracelet win, and why Nerdthusiast might be the luckiest poker podcast on the planet. Brian and Matt also break down their excitement for this weekend’s WSOP Monster Stack Tournament 🃏🔥

💬 Don’t miss this unfiltered ride-along packed with laughs, poker insights, and Vegas vibes!

➡️ Subscribe for more live podcasts, poker strategy, and Vegas behind-the-scenes!
#WSOP #PokerPodcast #JonathanLittle #MonsterStack #VegasPoker #Nerdthusiast #WSOPPlus #PokerVlog #RoadTripPodcast #BrianKeane #HoagiePoker

🎙️ Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast |🎙️ Exclusive Interview with BetMGM Pro Darren Elias In this week’s episode of the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast, we sit down with one of the most accomplished and consistent players in the game today—Darren Elias, a four-time WPT champion and BetMGM sponsored pro! 🎉Darren opens up about his early years in poker, his mindset during deep runs, and what it really takes to stay sharp in today’s highly competitive tournament scene. We also dive into his partnership with BetMGM Poker, and his take on the future of live vs. online tournaments.Whether you're a grinder looking for insight, a recreational player curious about what it’s like behind the scenes, or just a fan of the game, this episode is packed with strategy talk, personal stories, and exclusive behind-the-velvet-rope poker wisdom.🃏 Highlights include:Darren's WPT legacy and most memorable handsTips for tournament consistency and mental focusUpcoming ARIA live events and what’s next for Darren👉 Don’t miss this in-depth look at one of poker’s most respected pros.📲 Subscribe, like, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of the Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast.🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more! Check out our sponsors:The Slot Squad - SlotSqaud.tvSpade Society - ClubGG join with code # 788597📍 Follow Nerdthusiast for more:Website: nerdthusiastpoker.comTwitter: @nerdthusiast#GlobalPoker #BorgataPoker #WSOP #TurningStone #PokerPodcast #PokerTrophies #PokerUnboxing #NerdthusiastPoker #PokerLife #Borgata #RattlesnakeOpen #WSOPCircuit #pokerwins Hosts Social Media Contacts:Anthony: Twitter (X)- eatahoagie TikTok - tttps://tiktok.com/HoagiePokerInstagram- hoagiecasino Twitch.tv/Eatahoagieyoutube- ‪@HoagieCasino‬ Brian:Twitter (X)- keane0513 Intro Art & Graphics by: Bernardo Del CastilloFan Mail can be sent to:Nerdthusiast PokerPO BOX 514, Riverside NJ 08075