After nearly two decades in poker, Xuan Liu became the first woman to claim a title at the Triton Poker Series. In Face Up with Ivy Teves, she openly discusses times when she felt unworthy of her success, a toxic relationship, her search for identity, and why today she aims to be the person she needed when she was younger.

Today, Ben Heath is a fixture in the world's most expensive tournaments. In this interview, he recounts the days of grinding $3 online tournaments, traveling by bus for supermarket points, and losing half of his then-net worth in a single high roller venture.

American player Eric Bunch reaffirmed his dominance on home turf in Tulsa by conquering the Main Event at the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Golden Expedition Hard Rock Tulsa. In a heads-up battle, he defeated Rachel Rodgers to claim his fifth career RGPS ring along with a prize of $50,173.

Erik Seidel’s exact net worth is private. Explore his $49M+ live earnings, biggest poker wins, WSOP winnings, high roller success and career finances.

Armed officers, four arrests and more than 118.000 $ seized: a police raid at 101 Poker Club has put Houston’s poker scene under scrutiny again. Yet, according to PokerNews, the Katy card room was back in business less than 24 hours later.

The names sound almost interchangeable. Both Casino Hold'em and Texas Hold'em give players two cards of their own and use familiar poker hand rankings, with a full board consisting of five community cards. Yet sitting down at either table produces a very different experience.

Most players who struggle with draws aren't missing some secret strategy. They're missing a number. Every time you face a bet, there's a price on the table and a chance you'll win the hand, and a good decision comes from comparing the two. That's all pot odds and equity are, and once you can do it in your head, a whole category of tough spots gets a lot simpler.

What happens when you achieve the success you’ve worked towards, but struggle to believe you deserve it? In the second episode of Face Up with Ivy Teves, Xuan Liu opens up about becoming the first woman to win a Triton Poker Series title, the personal struggles behind her achievements, and finding her footing after years of uncertainty.

Beyond the trophy, Xuan reflects on the fear of success, the mistakes that followed her early breakthrough, and rebuilding her confidence after a toxic relationship. She shares how a painful breakup gave her the space to immerse herself in studying before her historic Triton victory, and why understanding who she is away from poker helped her stop being afraid of making mistakes.

The conversation also explores her changing relationship with the game: taking breaks without guilt, rediscovering her passion through teaching women, and choosing when to compete with full commitment. From exploring her Chinese family roots to becoming the role model she once needed, Xuan considers what she wants to leave behind. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled to rebuild your confidence, or tried to find an identity beyond your career, this conversation will resonate beyond poker.

In this episode:

• Becoming the first female Triton Poker Series champion

• Turning a difficult breakup into renewed focus

• Fear of success, self-doubt, and self-sabotage

• Rebuilding confidence and identity after a toxic relationship

• Taking breaks and rediscovering a love for poker

• Supporting other women and creating a meaningful legacy

Face Up with Ivy Teves brings you honest conversations with the people behind the poker results. Subscribe to SpadePoker for more episodes, player interviews, tournament coverage, and stories from across the poker world.

Read the accompanying article:
Xuan Liu on Face Up: A Historic Triton Title, Fear of Success, and Life After Years of Chaos

Poker boom legend and 2003 WSOP Main Event runner-up, 67-year-old Sammy Farha, is facing allegations of physically assaulting a dealer at a poker club in Texas. The incident took place early Thursday morning around 3:30 at Houston Social Cardroom.

High Stakes Poker delivered a hand where Eric Wasserson found himself in one of the worst river spots imaginable with a full house. Stanley Tang hit his single out, went all-in, and Wasserson ultimately made a fold that the entire community is buzzing about.

The final tournament of the prestigious Poker Masters 2026 series in Las Vegas delivered ultimate drama. Sean Winter showcased his best performance at the festival's close, mastering the $51K NLH event and pocketing $620,000. Meanwhile, the overall champion of the event was decided, with Adrian Mateos earning the coveted Purple Jacket despite several unlucky moments.

A Hold’em hand begins with two private cards and develops through a shared board. By the river, the players still involved can see five community cards, but that does not automatically reveal anyone else’s starting hand. The visible picture becomes more complete while part of it stays concealed.