The Rise of Mixed-Game Festivals: Why Non-Hold ’em Events Are Gaining Momentum

 For more than two decades, Texas Hold ’em has been the most popular poker variant in tournaments and among players in general.  Other versions never disappeared, but they never had the following Texas Hold’Em did.

Recently, however, things have started to change, and many events now offer other poker variants besides Texas Hold’em.  Most commonly, these include: Stud, Omaha, H.O.R.S.E., 8-Game, and Dealer’s Choice.  In this article, we’ll discuss the trend, what shaped it, and whether it’s a novelty or a change that’s here to stay.

From Niche Sideshows to Anchors: The Mixed-Game Boom

For years, mixed-game tournaments were mostly a niche interest for poker enthusiasts who played beyond Texas Hold’em.  Therefore, the public interest and the rewards were also much smaller than with the mainstream tournaments.

However, crypto casinos have also offered other options, and a small community of players preferred them.  Over the years, interest in such casinos has grown, especially as crypto makes wagering easier and less costly.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) gradually expanded its mixed-calendar offering.  Now, there are over 15 events that include mixed-game tournaments.  The prize pool for these tournaments is now in the tens of millions.  PokerGO introduced the PGT Mixed Games series, and so did the WPT World Championship.  It featured versions such as Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, and Triple Draw.

What Exactly Is a Mixed-Game Festival?  Formats & Branding

A mixed-game festival is a poker tournament focused on non-Texas Hold ‘Em formats.  It’s presented as a unified, branded experience, rather than just a one-off event where other formats are played.  For the most part, it will include:

·         Rotational formats like H.O.R.S.E., 8-Game, 10-Game, and Dealer’s Choice.

·         Standalone games such as Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), Omaha Hi-Lo, Stud, Stud8, Big O, 2-7 Triple Draw, and Badugi.

·         Signature mixes like “Mori’s Mix,” “Turses Mix, ” or other mixes created by the event.

These festivals have a brand that makes them known.  That way, little-known games are turned into marketable events.  This is easier to achieve in Texas Hold’Em tournaments, and in lesser-known formats, branding efforts can really make a difference.  The prizes work similarly to those of any other major tournament, depending on the format’s rules.  Festivals also allow players to join both offline and online by participating in live, real-time games.

Why Players Are Flocking to Non-Hold ’em: Skill, Fun, and Freshness

 There are many reasons players are interested in non-Hold’Em poker tournaments.

The field is softer, and there’s a higher skill edge.  Hold ’em is the most studied variety of poker, and there are countless online resources to teach you the tricks.  Mixed games reset the playing field, since there are far fewer competitors to deal with.  There are fewer perfected strategies to fight against.  Recreational players can also take part.

There’s often a sense of burnout among professional players who play in too many tournaments throughout the year.  Mixing up versions can prevent burnout and make the game feel fresh again, even for professional players.

There’s a strong community culture around these less popular formats.  They are still smaller and more interconnected than high-end Texas Hold’Em tournaments.  Players who are looking for a close-knit community that shares their hobbies and interests usually love such festivals.

Why Operators Love Mixed-Game Festivals: Differentiation and Ecosystem Health

Operators also benefit from setting up mixed-game festivals.

Every poker room in the world offers NLHE.  As in any market, those who stand out are much easier to market and therefore more profitable.  Offering something other than NLHE makes the operator stand out.  Players who want to take part in such a tournament live would travel to find one that offers different formats.

Mixed events can be scheduled when interest in Texas Hold ’em poker is somewhat lower.  That way, the tables are always used, and the operator incurs fewer expenses without taking away from the “main event”.

Series like Seminole Hard Rock’s mixed-game leaderboard encourage players to participate in multiple events during a single week.  This bolsters engagement compared to somewhat repetitive Texas Hold’Em events.

The Streaming & Content Factor: Making Mixed Games Watchable

One of the problems mixed formats had to face was that they are not as easy to stream and follow as Texas Hold’Em.  However, as streaming technology improved, fans at home soon found ways to keep track of the new format.  PokeGo and other platforms introduced:

·         Rotating games are displayed on screen at the same time

·         Player, explanation, and commentary are also displayed alongside the game

·         Consistent characters and storylines are prominent

·         Simple and digestible hand explanation and breakdown

Global Footprint: From Vegas to Malta

The interest in new formats is a global phenomenon, just as Texas Hold’Em was for a long time.  There are tournaments taking place in Las Vegas, where interest first began, and in Malta and Ireland.

Resorts World and Bellagio frequently host mixed-game festivals with low stakes.  The European Mixed Poker Championship in Dublin is a dedicated mixed-game series.  Malta hosts a championship rotation as part of a larger “poker celebration,” and there are US regional events with dedicated spots for mixed tournaments. 

There are still challenges in beating the learning curve for new players and in starting something from the ground up, but there are also successes stemming from an engaged fan base and a player base

To Sum Up

Poker tournaments are no longer about Texas Hold’Em only.  There are also many events dedicated to less popular poker formats, including Stud, Omaha, H.O.R.S.E., 8-Game, and Dealer’s Choice.  These are now streamed and televised, often attracting large audiences and featuring big prize pools.

There are benefits to these events for both players and operators, as they fit well with Texas Hold ’em and are popular on their own.  The field is also different from that of Texas Hold’Em, as the bar for success is still lower, and there’s a strong community among players and fans.