The annual Global Poker Awards has been the epitome of success since 2019, with professional poker players as well as media personalities merrily receiving the recognition they earned throughout the year. Hard work and dedication greatly paid off for Bosnian-American pro Almedin Imsirovic this 2021 as he captured a trio of awards, including the Global Poker Index Player of the Year title. The crowning festivities, which recently took place at the PokerGO Studio, Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, also celebrated icons such as Mike Sexton, Jamie Kerstetter, and Veronica Brill among others.
“It’s been 23 months of misery, and here we are”, highlighted Eric Danis, President of the Global Poker Index and The Hendon Mob. “I’m proud to say that we have representation from 13 countries this year, making this truly the global poker awards.”
With a two-year gap following the Covid-19 health situation, many were thrilled to finally see the return of the Global Poker Awards ceremony this February 2022, which was hosted by Jeff Platt and Drea Renee. The festivities kicked off with the announcement of three outstanding performances on the felt, including Ali Imsirovic as GPI Player of the Year, Nadya Magnus as GPI Female Player of the Year, and David Mzareulov as GPI Mid-Major Player of the Year. Best Twitter Personality Jamie Kerstetter likewise defended his title for the second year in a row along with other repeat winners, such as Paul Campbell for the Best Tournament Director and Brad Owen for the Best Vlogger award.
“This is not just an individual award. I have the greatest tournament staff in the world. I love this job. I love this industry. I love the players, and I’m just so proud of the recognition and so proud of what we’ve accomplished at Aria.”, said Campbell in his acceptance speech.
More renowned winners followed suit, including Russian-American writer Maria Konnikova, who received the GPI Award of Merit for her work “The Biggest Bluff”, and poker personality Veronica Brill who received the Charitable Initiative award for her efforts in raising money to specially assist Kenneth “K.L.” Cleeton’s transport for the live 2021 World Series of Poker. Additionally, legend Mike Sexton also sealed his legacy with the 2021 Poker ICON award, accepted by longtime broadcast partner Vince Van Patton on his behalf.
While famous characters in the industry graciously accepted their newly minted awards, it was 27-year-old Imsirovic who found himself returning to the spotlight for a second time after scooping the Player’s Choice for Toughest Opponent award in the Global Poker Awards. Well-deserved, Imsirovic is a poker beast in his own right, having claimed over a dozen six-figure scores and PokerGO Tour titles alone in 2021, the largest of which was the $50K NLH Super High Roller Bowl Europe back in September where he bagged $598,000 for his win.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was possible, It feels surreal. I couldn’t even describe the shock and disbelief my 18-year-old self would have,” commented Imsirovic.
2021 Global Poker Awards Winners
- Charitable Initiative: Veronica Brill
- GPI Award of Merit: Maria Konnikova
- GPI Female Player of the Year: Nadya Magnus
- GPI Mid Major Player of the Year: David Mzareulov
- GPI Player of the Year: Ali Imsirovic
- PokerGO Tour Player of the Year: Ali Imsirovic
- Poker ICON: Mike Sexton
- The Hendon Mob Award: Kevin Mathers
| Award | Winner | Country |
| Best Final Table Performance | Adam Friedman, WSOP 10K Dealer’s Choice 6-Max Championship | USA |
| GPI Breakout Player | Johan Guilbert | France |
| Player’s Choice for Toughest Opponent | Ali Imsirovic | Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Twitter Personality | Jamie Kerstetter | USA |
| Best Streamer | Benjamin “Spraggy” Spragg | England |
| Best Vlogger | Brad Owen | USA |
| Best Industry Person | Matt Savage | USA |
| Best Tournament Director | Paul Campbell | USA |
| Best Event | World Series of Poker Main Event | |
| Best Podcast | Poker in the Ears – James Hartigan | England |
| Poker in the Ears – Joseph Stapleton for PokerStars | USA | |
| Best Broadcaster | Jeff Platt | USA |
| Best Live Reporter | Christian Zetszche | Germany |
| Best Media Content: Written | Lance Bradley for PocketFives (Isai Scheinberg: His Company, His Legacy, and How Black Friday Impacted Both) | Canada |
| Best Media Content: Photo | Enrique Malfavon for PokerGO: The WSOP Main Event Bubble Bursts | USA |
| Best Media Content: Video | Remko Rinkema for PokerGO: Run it Back with Stefanie Ungar | Netherlands |
| Fans Choice: Best Hand | Doug Polk makes epic fold vs. Phil Hellmuth on High Stakes Poker | USA |
| Fans Choice: Best Trophy | Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup | |
| Fans Choice: Poker Personality | Masato Yokosawa | Japan |