GPI Announces Categories for Third American Poker Awards
The categories have been revealed for the third annual Global Poker Index American Poker Awards with a revamped selections of awards and a new sponsor.
On Feb. 23, the awards will be presented at a ceremony in Beverly Hills. New awards for 2016 winners include Tournament of the Year, Mid-Major Circuit of the Year, Twitch Streamer of the Year and Podcast of the Year. There will also be a special presentation sponsored by PocketFives, the PocketFives Legacy Award. That will go to "an online legend who has made significant contributions on the live tournament circuit," according to the GPI's announcement.
Additionally, PokerStars is stepping in as a new sponsor for the event. The American Poker Conference will be held that same afternoon, featuring the "most eminent stakeholders of the poker industry."
As in years past, the awards process begins with an open nomination period from select members of the poker world, numbering around 50 individuals. Nominations close Jan. 31 and the top four nominees will be named finalists at that time. On Feb. 23, a jury of seven selected industry experts will decide on the winners.
Here's a full list of awards to be presented:
- GPI Player of the Year
- GPI Female Player of the Year
- Media Person of the Year
- Industry Person of the Year
- Breakout Performance of the Year
- Tournament Performance of the Year
- Mid-Major Circuit of the Year
- Event of the Year
- Charitable Initiative of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Moment of the Year
- Media Content of the Year
- Twitch Streamer of the Year
- Podcast of the Year
- PocketFives Legacy Award
- The Hendon Mob Award
- Jury Prize
GPI Player of the Year and Female Player of the Year will go to David Peters and Cate Hall, respectively, with those two having topped the yearly GPI rankings. Charitable Initiative of the Year will not be voted on, but "a deserving recipient(s) will be selected to receive the trophy" on awards night. The Jury Prize and the Lifetime Achievement Award "may also be presented on stage on this special evening." The Hendon Mob Award goes to the "player who accumulated the most results" in 2016.
For more information on the American Poker Awards, including how to inquire about attending or serving on a panel, check out the official website.
Here's a look at last year's winners:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| GPI Player of the Year | Byron Kaverman |
| GPI Female Player of the Year | Kelly Minkin |
| Media Person of the Year | Donnie Peters |
| Industry Person of the Year | Matt Savage |
| Breakout Performance of the Year | Josh Beckley |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Anthony Zinno |
| Event of the Year Up to $2,000 | WSOP The Colossus |
| Event of the Year Over $2,000 | WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | WSOP online bracelet event |
| Charitable Initiative of the Year | Charity Series of Poker (Matt Stout) |
| Poker Presenter of the Year | Kara Scott |
| Moment of the Year | Daniel Negreanu 11th place in WSOP Main Event |
| Media Content of the Year | Joe Giron photo of Negreanu in WSOP Main Event |
