The National Heads-Up Poker Championship is one of the most famous televised poker tournaments in U.S. history. First aired in 2005 on NBC and became the first poker show produced by a major American broadcast network, the event used a single-elimination, bracket-style format and featured some of the biggest names in the game.

The original tournament was invitation-only and had a $25,000 buy-in. The first season was filmed at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. Gabe Kaplan and Matt Vasgersian were the commentators. Phil Hellmuth won the first title, defeating Chris Ferguson in the final match and earning a $500,000 prize.

First Televised by a Major U.S. Network in 2005

The National Heads-Up Poker Championship first aired in 2005 and was recognized as the first poker series produced by a major American television network. The event was initially filmed at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. Commentary for the first season was provided by Gabe Kaplan and Matt Vasgersian.

The 2005 event used a single-elimination, bracket-style format and featured an invitation-only field. Players competed in heads-up matches until a final winner was crowned. In that first season, Phil Hellmuth defeated Chris Ferguson in the championship match and won the $500,000 top prize.

Caesars Palace Becomes the Long-Term Venue

In 2006, the tournament moved from the Golden Nugget to Caesars Palace, where it remained for the duration of the televised series. Starting with the second season, Ali Nejad replaced Kaplan in the commentary booth.

The show maintained its single-elimination format and continued to invite top-tier players from both live and online poker communities. Notable participants across the years included Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Mike Matusow, Erik Seidel, Doyle Brunson, and online player Tom Dwan.

One of the most recognized moments in the event’s history occurred in 2008 when Tom Dwan eliminated Phil Hellmuth in the first round.

Complete Archive to Be Released on PokerGO

As part of the acquisition, PokerGO now holds the full library of past National Heads-Up Poker Championship episodes. The company confirmed that these episodes will be made available across its distribution channels, including its owned-and-operated streaming platform.

Between 2005 and 2013, the event crowned eight different champions. No tournament was held in 2012. Below are the outcomes of each final match:

• 2005: Phil Hellmuth defeated Chris Ferguson
• 2006: Ted Forrest defeated Chris Ferguson
• 2007: Paul Wasicka defeated Chad Brown
• 2008: Chris Ferguson defeated Andy Bloch
• 2009: Huck Seed defeated Vanessa Rousso
• 2010: Annie Duke defeated Erik Seidel
• 2011: Erik Seidel defeated Chris Moneymaker
• 2013: Mike Matusow defeated Phil Hellmuth

Statement from PokerGO President

PokerGO President Mori Eskandani described the acquisition as a “monumental moment for poker fans.” He said that the National Heads-Up Poker Championship was one of the most innovative and prestigious televised poker events in the game’s history. According to Eskandani, PokerGO is committed to preserving the legacy of the series by releasing the classic episodes and launching a new era under its banner.

PokerGO Streaming Access and Devices

The PokerGO streaming platform is accessible on Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. It can also be accessed via mobile web browsers.

PokerGO offers multiple subscription plans:

• Monthly subscription for $19.99
• Quarterly subscription for $39.99
• Annual subscription for $99.99

For the 2025 WSOP season, users can receive $20 off an annual plan using the promo code WSOP25. All annual subscribers are automatically entered into the PokerGO Annual Subscriber Dream Seat Giveaway. Winners of this giveaway will be announced on November 1, 2025.

PokerGO also offers a VIP membership priced at $299.99 per year, which includes access to PokerU—over 100 elite-level poker strategy videos from Run It Once—along with exclusive VIP events and a $25 credit at the PokerGO Shop.

WSOP 2025 Streaming Coverage

The 2025 World Series of Poker is taking place from May 27 through July 16 at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. PokerGO’s livestream coverage began on May 31.

Highlights of the streaming schedule include:

• June 1: $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship
• June 16–17: $250,000 Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em
• June 26–28: $50,000 Poker Players Championship
• June 29: $1,000 Ladies Championship
• July 1: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship

Coverage of the $10,000 Main Event will run from July 2 to July 16. Day 1 (flights 1A–1D) begins at 7:00 p.m. PT. Days 2 through 4 coverage starts at 3:30 p.m., while Days 5 through 8 begin at 1:00 p.m. Final table coverage starts at 3:00 p.m. on July 15 and concludes on July 16.

Select WSOP events will be available for free on the PokerGO YouTube channel.