GPI Unveils New Rankings System, American Poker Awards Date
The Global Poker Index (GPI), known as the top ranking authority of live poker tournament players, has revamped its ranking system across all rankings, including the GPI World Poker Rankings, as of Jan. 11 to match what was used in both the 2016 GPI and World Series of Poker Player of the Year leaderboards.
The revamped rankings will reflect a smaller emphasis on higher buy-ins and lower field sizes and reward players more in tournaments with lower buy-ins and bigger field sizes.
One main adjustment to those that rose through the ranks in previous years is that poker players will not be awarded GPI points in tournaments with under 32 entrants. This is an increase of 11 entrants with a minimum of 21 entrants being the previous threshold for tournaments to be included in the rankings.
Additionally, players with results in poker events featuring a buy-in lower than $1,500 will be awarded a significantly larger amount of points than in the old system. GPI Head of Poker Content Eric Danis also said that in most cases tournament winners will also witness bigger scores than they have in the past.
Danis also shared that the changes were not a spur of the moment decision; they have been in the making for over a year-and-a-half.
"With the ever-changing poker landscape, we recognized that a revamp was required, more than the standard adjustment we usually already make on a yearly basis," explained Danis. "We listened to the players and are convinced that this is the way to go; the updated scoring process will see successful players at most buy in levels rewarded in our rankings."
GPI American Poker Awards Announced
GPI also announced through their Twitter account that the third annual GPI American Poker Awards will be held at the Sofitel Hotel, Beverly Hills on Feb. 23.
The schedule kicks off with the American Poker Conference from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with panels discussing the needs of players, collaboration from the industry and town hall formats.
Following the conference is a reception at 7 p.m., with a dinner and awards ceremony beginning an hour later at 8 p.m. Those interested in attending can apply on the American Poker Awards website. Due to venue restrictions, attendance will be limited and parties will have their reservations confirmed over email.
Last year, former PokerNews Editor-in-Chief Donnie Peters won the Media Person of the Year against an impressive group of nominees including Kevin Mathers, Jason Somerville and Joey Ingram.
