Top 5 Poker Documentaries Every Enthusiast Should Watch

The realm of poker is filled with hidden gems. Not many people know but there are indeed some great documentaries about the world of poker, delving deep into the lives of pokers and unveiling the minds of the greats. Considering that the game of poker is a combination of strategy and chance, it makes for an interesting story every single time. And watching a poker documentary about this very game gives you insight into not only the success stories but also the burnouts and industry growth.

With the advent of online poker games, everyone can participate in the game much more easily. People may now play from the comfort of their own homes and wager at considerably bigger amounts, thanks to this luxury. The game is all about risk-taking and ambition, and it teaches individuals to pursue dreams by taking a strategic path. Thus, it can be easily deduced that with the rise of interest in people, there has been a gradual rise in the number of documentaries in this particular genre. 

What is the Crux of Poker Documentaries?

The origin of poker arguably goes back to the Old West saloons, where great fortunes were lost and made. The setup has slowly shifted online, and here, poker games have higher stakes and there is ongoing action. Needless to say, filmmakers have chosen to depict these stories in documentaries. 

The documentaries explore various themes like exhibiting the game’s mechanics, taking the audience on a journey into the player’s life, and also letting the world know how the game has evolved over time. There are also some documentaries that give an insight into personal tales of failure and success. 

On the other hand, some documentaries may tell you how a professional poker player thinks, how he uncovers strategies and sets the stage for success. There are also documentaries that unearth the secrets behind world-famous tournaments and give you a glimpse into how winners think and strategize their moves.

Basically, it can be said that poker documentaries show you the rise of industry stalwarts who excelled in the game of mind bluffing. This way, you understand the game better and also learn from none but the best. As you study their approaches, you gain immense knowledge that can later be utilized for your own gameplay. Get immersed in the captivating narrative of the documentaries and hone your own skills. 

Read for more info: Rules to Play Online Poker Games – A23 

Poker Documentaries Every Poker Lover Must Watch

Whether playing online or at a table, watching poker documentaries and getting prepared beforehand will certainly give you an upper hand amongst your peers. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a tub of popcorn and get started with the documentaries!

All In: The Poker Movie

Want to know what happens in the backstage of poker tournaments? This movie, directed by Doug Tirola, shows you just that! The intense tension and the high-stakes conflict provide you with an immersive experience that teaches you about the nitty-gritty of the world.

One of the biggest events in the poker industry is the World Series of Poker Game, or WSOP. The players taking part in it have their strategies set, and their pursuit of dreams is explored in this documentary. It shows interviews from some of the greatest like Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, and numerous others. 

Both aspiring amateurs and professionals can learn from this documentary released in 2009. It shows player profiles, their highs and lows and everything it takes to succeed at this level. As you stream the documentary on Netflix, you will be taken on an enthralling ride of bluffing strategies, identifying opponent moves, and emerging victorious against all odds. 

One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stu Ungar

The documentary delves right into the life of Stu Ungar, a brilliant poker sequence player who has won the WSOP thrice. But the legend did not live a long life and passed away in 1998, leaving many to ponder on his probable contributions had he been alive.

Ungar won the championship back-to-back in 1980 and 1981, but he was a rather troubled soul. The documentary sheds light not only on his brilliance but also on his addiction to drugs and family turmoil. He died of drug abuse even after winning in 1997. 

Directed by Al Szymanski, the documentary leaves no stone unturned and brings Ungar’s life’s dark and bright sides in front of the audience. Doyle Brunson and Mike Sexton give their valuable insights into the film. Released back in 2006, the documentary is truly a favourite for almost all poker enthusiasts.

Sports Spectacular: World Series of Poker

A little off the route, this poker documentary might not be on everyone’s watch list. But it is a rather great watch and brings forth the events at the 1973 World Series of Poker Main Event. If you are interested in knowing about WSOP’s early days, this documentary is the one for you to stream.

Set in the bygone era of Las Vegas, the documentary was first released in 1973. One of the all-time great gamblers, Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, narrates it. Recent players can take a trip down memory lane by watching legendary players in this documentary and can surely learn from the ways and means of Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, Puggy Pearson, Bob Hooks, Johnny Moss, and Jack Straus.

If you are seeking vintage fun, this documentary is going to be the right watch! It involves high stakes, teaching poker players to learn from none but the best.

Ultimatebeat: Too Much to Lose

2007 saw one of the biggest scandals in the world of poker sequences. If you are interested to know about how this cheating scandal unfolded, there is only one thing for you to do – watch this movie!

Released in 2013, this movie did a brilliant job of exposing the sordid aspect of poker’s betting realm. Before Black Friday came into the picture, Ultimate Bet was considered one of the strongest online poker operators. But their downfall happened in 2007 with a cheating scandal stripping them of their fame. 

The scandal surrounded user accounts enabling players to see their opponent’s hole cards. Some argue that the conspiracy can be linked back to Russ Hamilton, a 1994 WSOP champion and a consultant working in Ultimate Bet. There have been undercover recordings of him confessing his attachment to the scheme.

Director Scott Bell makes an estimation that the cheating had cost players almost a whopping amount of $20 million. If you want to see how the scandal got exposed and embark on a nail-biting journey, watch this documentary right away!

Poker Queens

Are you a woman who often dabbles in online poker games? If yes, this is the movie for you! Poker Queens is an honest effort to get more women interested in the game, and you can learn a lot from strong women battling their best games out on the table.

Considered one of the newest documentaries in the world of poker films, this one highlights the inclusion of women in the game. Primarily a male-dominated game, women do not always get to make headlines in poker. But the documentary shows how the women here aim to change that. It also gives a glimpse into the game’s history and its past association with women.

Director Sandra Mohr created this brilliant documentary in 2020 and brings out the best performances from Kristen Bicknell, Jennifer Tilly, Loni Harwood, Jennifer Harman, Maria Ho, Liv Boeree, Barbara Enright, Kathy Liebert, and others. The film throws a realistic light on how women are often treated at a poker table. 

In conclusion

The realm of poker is not only about playing cards and winning money; it is a lot more where players have to bring out their best and exhibit an amalgamation of psychology, strategy, and mathematics. And watching the poker documentaries mentioned above will give you an insight into all these and more. If you are a poker enthusiast, consider watching these documentaries right away and learn the nuances of the game from the best and also refrain from making mistakes that even the greatest of the great had made.