GGPoker Looking to Open New Doors with Daniel Negreanu Deal

November 22nd, 2019 | by Kaycee James

Daniel Negreanu is a sponsored poker pro again just six months after leaving his long-term partner, PokerStars.

GGPoker has signed Daniel Negreanu as it attempts to become the biggest brand in the industry. (Image: GGPoker)

Announced on November, the deal sees Negreanu join Bryn Kenney part of Team GGPoker. The signing will be seen as the Asian poker network’s latest effort to gain traction in the west.

Negreanu Finds New Home

Alongside a series of recent updates and innovations, GGPoker has drafted in arguably the world’s most recognizable poker player.

In a short video announcing the move (see video below), Negreanu outlined some of the networks. In addition to tournament guarantees increasing from $3 million to $50 million over the course of a year, the Canadian said he’s most impressed with the software.

His personal highlight is a staking feature that allows players to sell pieces of their action in the site’s MTTs. While a certain amount of bias and marketing speak is to be expected, GGPoker has made noise over the last two years.

The GGNetwork went live back in 2014. With an aim to “maker poker fun again,” it’s initial focus was on the Asian market.

In 2016, the company began its expansion efforts by moving into Europe and Canada. Today, it holds licenses in various regulated regions, including the UK.

GGPoker Vying for Top Spot

Although it’s not operational in US markets, GGPoker is locked in a battle for industry dominance with PokerStars and another Asian network, IDNPoker. With all three trading ranking spots in 2019, the online poker industry is as open as it’s ever been.

With no one site able to assert a clear dominance, there’s a sense everyone has something to play for. GGPoker will hope the reputation of Negreanu not only generates interest within the poker community but the world at large.

Although the celebrity status of any poker player is relative, Kid Poker does have some media kudos. As well as featuring in a Netflix documentary, he appeared on Millionaire Matchmaker Season 6 back in 2013.

Between his mainstream media presence and million or so social media followers, Negreanu as a brand is a popular one. For GGPoker, the deal is a chance to piggyback off this reputation and solidify its reputation as an emerging force in the online poker world.

What’s more, it’s a potential route into the US. With two North American stars among its team of pros, the company may stand a better chance of building up a US fanbase ahead of applying for a license.

In the meantime, the site is celebrating its new signing by a $100,000 challenge. Eight qualifiers will get the chance to play against Negreanu in a bid to win a share of $100,000.