Poker on Twitch: The Future of Online Poker?
The streaming platform Twitch has skyrocketed in popularity for players to broadcast their gameplay and for an online poker table to interact with their player base. The platform initially answered how other individuals watch gamers play video games.
However, since its conception, it has grown exponentially to include much more. Poker streaming is now a big part of that, and the platform gives many people in the business more opportunities. The poker streaming scene feels like a buffet of choices, as there appears to be a streamer for everyone, regardless of style, stakes, or interest.
There are now alternatives in many languages, and poker streamers blend their preferences and interests into their presentations. Are you looking to get into the ecosystem? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Twitch?
Twitch is currently one of the most popular websites where users may stream and watch digital video broadcasts. It began with a nearly exclusive emphasis on video games but has since grown to include streams for music, chat programs, artwork production, and the occasional TV series. You can watch almost anything, including video games, cooking videos, live music performances, and even Q&A sessions with famous streamers, professional e-gamers, and celebrities.
As you might have guessed, Amazon is the company that owns Twitch. For $970 million, the e-commerce behemoth purchased Twitch in 2014. And if you’ve been around long enough, you may be familiar with Justin.TV, an early live streaming service. Its creators have been made aware of how in-demand and popular streaming was among the gaming community and the potential it could have.
Thus, the birth of Twitch.
Twitch receives more than 15 million active users daily, with more than 3.8 million different broadcasters in just February 2020. In reality, one of the primary sources of internet traffic in North America continues to be Twitch. Hence, it could be considered the largest streaming platform currently available online.
Is Poker on Twitch?
Some may protest, “but poker isn’t a video game!” And you are correct in that assumption. However, you can best believe that the popular game is also popular on the streaming platform!
After purchasing Twitch, Amazon tried to expand the options available to broadcasters and spectators. Millions of players were already playing on high-tech, expansive gambling websites where poker online had already developed from modest operations in the 1990s.
As stated, there’s every kind of content for everyone on the streaming platform. There is plenty of poker-related content on Twitch, from a simple Texas Hold em game to live streams of WSOP games!
There are never-ending streams of poker action on the website. Everything is available, including tutorials, hand highlights, and individuals discussing the game, in addition to live tournaments and cash games. Most major poker sites frequently hold programs intended to improve your game. Even the amateurs are entertaining to watch, and Twitch is a terrific place to witness poker masters in action, as well as earn some poker chips yourself if you’re up for it!
Why Should You Try Watching Poker on Twitch
Twitch has proven to be a tremendously helpful tool for poker players who want to live stream their games. With this fact, you, as the viewer, could also get a few tips and tricks from the comfort of your own home!
There are several benefits of comparing this live streaming service to more traditional ways to learn a more global poker strategy. First, seeing real professionals play will help you become a better player. Through Twitch, you can observe how a grinder responds to certain circumstances, like 3-betting or folding. They frequently justify their decisions, which helps you comprehend their thinking.
Besides, learning strategy isn’t the only benefit of watching poker professionals on Twitch.
Additionally, it’s exciting to learn about the game while still having fun. The top Twitch streamers excel at both poker and interacting with their viewers. They have engaging stories to tell and can discuss strategies without being too dry. When learning poker strategy through other channels, such as articles, books, and training videos, you just can’t receive the same level of fun or engagement.
Though some content does come with a small fee to see a professional’s gaming session, it’s a small price to pay for the in-depth experience. Others, however, are generally free for public consumption, so you should take advantage of the information right at your fingertips. Professional gamers now frequently Twitch stream their practice sessions. Most of the time, their stuff is free and doesn’t require a subscription.
Wrapping Up
Everyone seems to be jumping into the poker bandwagon on Twitch. Poker juggernauts such as Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu joined GGPoker’s team on Twitch, which already includes great players like Kevin “K-Mart” Martin, Michiel “Easterdamnz” Van Elsacker, and Hristivoje “ALLinPav” Pavlovic.
Even though it feels daunting to jump into the Twitch bandwagon, the pros of joining yet another streaming service certainly outweigh the cons. And not only can you watch riveting GGPoker matches, but you can also apply the neat tips you’ve gathered on the GGPoker, “the world’s largest poker room.”
