Some have lambasted those stories as mere strokes of luck or “gambling,” but those who have kept a closer eye on the game of poker know that it’s all about skill. Rugs-to-Riches Stories Inspiring New PlayersĪs the Internet advanced, so have the stories of people making money from poke proliferated. Some have suggested that making poker into a global network of tournaments and localized events would be impossible, but many people within the community – and the idealists of the community – have stuck together to make poker a thriving industry.Īs a result, poker is today a global and thriving phenomenon and much of this is owed to the early-day pioneers who realized and recognized the potential of the activity and said that they would do their best to turn poker into a thriving ecosystem. In fact, there have been many challenges to making poker work as an ecosystem and these challenges had to be weathered for years on end. Poker community has not always been a thriving one. Some even go on to become pretty decent players, and this is a fact. Although these movies have been criticized for their factological inaccuracy and lack of realism in how the actual game of poker is being played, many people have at least tried poker because of seeing those flicks.

Then, there is Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels which is another brilliant stroke of cinematic genius that allowed the game of poker to come front and center. The game enjoys a high status in in many movies that have become absolute hits at the box office, with Rounders and Casino Royale perhaps two of the best known movies amongst poker fans. The first reason is undoubtedly to do with the fact that there are so many references to poker in popular culture. Popular Culture Contributes to Poker Popularity Of course, there are contributing factors and we take a look at all of those. Indeed, blockbuster movies contribute to the game’s veneration with flicks such as Rounders and Casino Royale really helping inspire more people to try their hand at the green felt. At least 100 million people around the globe play the game today, and even though poker has an intimidating status – or a rather romanticized one if you believe Hollywood movies – the game is appealing to more players.

Poker is gaining a lot of momentum around the world.

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