American Poker Awards to Return Feb. 22 With Record 20 Categories
Another year in poker has ended, and that means it's time for everyone to look back on 2017 and reflect on its major events and developments. PokerNews has its own way of doing that by reviewing the top 10 stories of the year, but the people at Global Poker Index will once again be handing out actual hardware, as the American Poker Awards will return for its fourth running with PokerStars once again serving as the title sponsor.
The ceremony has been scheduled for Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., and it was announced on Jan. 30 that a record 20 trophies will be awarded. Those interested in attending can follow this link.
One major change does come with the venue. Having been held at SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills in years past, the event stays in Los Angeles but moves to Andaz West Hollywood.
"We are very excited to return to the Los Angeles area for a fourth straight year to reward the most deserving poker players, industry leaders and media members in the business,” said American Poker Awards President Alexandre Dreyfus.
What to Expect
In the past, award categories have typically changed a bit each year as the event and the industry it reflects continues to evolve. Some constants have included Industry Person of the Year, Moment of the Year, Tournament Performance of the Year and Breakout Performance of the Year, all of which will be back on the docket at this year's ceremony.
Also returning is the only award determined by popular vote rather than by the APA committee, and that's the People's Choice Award for Poker Personality of the Year. Among the new award categories this year are Video Blogger of the Year, Poker Broadcaster of the Year and Biggest Influencer.
PokerNews has enjoyed some success at the event, with former editor-in-chief Donnie Peters taking home Media Person of the Year in 2016, while several others have received nominations.
As always, there will be several already-confirmed winners including the top male and top female player on the GPI's points ranking system for the Americas. This year, Bryn Kenney and Kristen Bicknell will take home the male and female honors, respectfully, although the Spaniard Adrian Mateos narrowly overtook Kenney late in the year to claim the overall male GPI honors.
Kenney, however, maintained his position atop the GPI rankings for the Americas after cashing for just over $8.5 million in live tournaments on the year, including five high roller wins and plenty more final table finishes to go with them.
Bicknell followed up her 2016 bracelet win with over $550,000 in cashes. She hit the circuit in force from start to finish, traveling to seemingly every stop, and she closed the year with a win in a $5,000 side event at World Poker Tour Five Diamond for just shy of $200,000.
Complete award categories can be found here, while nominees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, check out PokerNews' looking back at the inaugural event:
Editor's Note: The original article was updated on Jan. 30 to reflect APA announcement of Awards categories.
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