Daniel Negreanu Talks Poker, Politics, and Hollywood Cameos in Fan AMA
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GGPoker ambassador and Poker Hall of Famer Daniel Negreanu has never been shy about sharing his thoughts, and he recently opened up in a wide-ranging fan AMA on Reddit's r/poker that touched on everything from the World Series of Poker to politics and even Katy Perry.
The seven-time WSOP bracelet winner fielded questions on poker’s future, the controversial “Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and whether Game of Gold will ever return.
From Game of Gold to the WSOP
One of the first questions fans answered was whether Game of Gold would be back for a second season. Negreanu’s response was not what many hoped for.
“Unfortunately, I don't see it happening, but who knows, that could change. I thought it was great stuff,” he said.
When it came to advice for beginners, Negreanu stressed the balance between modern theory and old-school instincts. “The best players in the world, while they understand theory, they aren’t slaves to it.”
"AI will be a weapon players use to try and get an edge, but operators will also have access to these tools and be able to spot it"
Looking ahead, Negreanu believes online poker will have to adapt constantly to keep the ecosystem healthy. He also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in the game.
“It’s a cat and mouse game. AI will be a weapon players use to try and get an edge, but operators will also have access to these tools and be able to spot it, hopefully.”
As for live poker, Negreanu had strong opinions about stalling at the WSOP. “Every tourney with a buy-in $5k or greater needs to go with shot clocks,” he argued, saying too many players are exploiting the lack of penalties.
He also weighed in on profitability in today’s game. While the edge may be thinner than in years past, Negreanu believes opportunity remains. “If you are really good, you can still make loads of money. What changed is that you used to be able to just be OK and win because the bad players were so bad. Today, the casual players are much better than they used to be.”
Negreanu added that being an ambassador for the game hasn’t hurt his results. “I feel like I’ve done a good job balancing it to the point where the outside stuff doesn’t take too much away from my ability to play well.”
On the question of age, he pushed back against the idea that poker has a hard expiration date. “It used to be said that 40–45 is that sweet spot, and that probably still holds true, although at 51 I’m definitely better and sharper than I’ve ever been.”
“Politically Homeless” and the Big Beautiful Bill
Negreanu didn’t shy away from political questions, either. Asked if he had switched allegiances from liberal to MAGA, he was clear. “No. I consider myself politically homeless and don't align with either party in their current state.”
He also addressed the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a 90% cap on gambling loss deductions and has many players worried about the future of tournament poker in the United States.
Negreanu was optimistic the rule would not survive. “I think that part will get repealed. If I had to guess, I'd say it's like 72% to get done since both sides of the aisle agree it’s really stupid and unfair, and I know for a fact the guy at the top thinks it’s stupid and unfair.”
Hellmuth, Haunted Hands, and Hollywood Cameos
The AMA also brought plenty of lighter moments. Negreanu said the hand that still lives “rent free” in his head was from the 2001 WSOP Main Event, where he was a chip leader with 12 left. Negreanu busted in 11th place after losing a massive AK vs. 66 flip.
Asked which opponent he enjoys facing the most: “Gotta be Phil Hellmuth because it’s funny to watch him mumble when he loses a pot.”
Not all antics at the table amuse him, though. He was blunt about players like Will Kassouf and Martin Kabrhel, who are known for excessive tanking and table talk. “It’s terrible…beyond obnoxious. If I was running the tourneys, I wouldn’t even allow it.”
When asked how much he’s earned from poker and endorsements, Negreanu said he doesn’t keep track. “I’m truly terrible with money and have no idea. Money is never what drove me, and I always had an abundant mindset ever since I was young.”
Away from the felt, Negreanu discussed his friendship with music video director Joseph Kahn, which has led to a string of cameos. He has appeared in Detention, Bodied, and even Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas” music video. “She is playing poker against me, ha,” he said.
