PokerStars Signs Isildur1
Mystery Swedish online poker pro Isildur1 is the newest member of Team PokerStars. Isildur1, a nosebleed-stakes cash game player, will bring his talents to PokerStars, the site announced on Tuesday. Isildur1 commented in a press release distributed by PokerStars, “I chose to join PokerStars because it’s the biggest site and it will be an exciting challenge. It means a great deal to be playing in a team alongside players such as Daniel Negreanu, Dario Minieri, and Johnny Lodden.
As you might expect, word of Isildur1’s signing spread like wildfire in a thread in Poker Discussion. One poster explained, “Wow, I was expecting this to be a joke or April 1st. Seems very strange, but obviously involves Stars trying to drum up some publicity and try to muscle in on the biggest stakes cash action. All around very, very weird news.” Luckily, it’s months after April Fools Day and appears to be very real news.
Other posters pointed out that the true identity of Isildur1 might be revealed prior to the upcoming PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January. Many believe that Viktor Blom is the man behind the Isildur1 moniker, although that has yet to be confirmed publicly. On the silhouette of Isildur1 gracing the home page of PokerStars, one PocketFives.com member wrote, “Is it just me or does that blacked-out face look strangely like Viktor Blom? Has about the correct hair anyway.”
Prior to now, Isildur1 had been primarily a fixture of Full Tilt Poker, playing high-stakes cash games against pros like Patrik Antinius, Phil Ivey, and Tom durrrr Dwan. According to PokerTableRatings, Isildur1 has been involved in the top 10 largest pots the site has tracked, winning four of them. Antonius scooped the largest pot in online poker history at $1.3 million at the expense of Isildur1 on Full Tilt. Now, it appears that PokerStars may quickly become the home of high-stakes cash games.
Among those who were enthused about the arrival of the Swedish gambler was Team PokerStars Pro front man Daniel Negreanu (pictured), who commented in the same press release, “It’s not every day that a player like Isildur1 comes along. If you look up the definition of the term ‘phenom,’ you’ll see a picture of his face! When he is playing, the poker world takes notice. Hate to overuse the poker term ‘sick,’ but Isildur1’s No Limit Hold’em game is just that – sick! Few people step up to the plate against him, but the ones who have universally respect his raw talent.”
PokerStars has already created a cash game promotion surrounding its newest hire. The SuperStar Showdown will see PokerStars players battle Isildur1 heads-up for 2,500 hands at $50/$100 or higher. If you think you have what it takes, e-mail PokerStars at showdown@pokerstars.com. In terms of the game of choice, PokerStars explains, “Matches will consist of only No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, split across four concurrent tables, with at least 50% of play being No Limit Hold’em.”
Players without the bankrolls to face Isildur1 at the high-stakes tables can qualify to do so. Daily freerolls and $11 buy-in qualifiers will send players to the SuperStar Showdown Finals on February 13th and April 10th. The winner of each Final will play Isildur1 heads-up at $5/$10 staked with a bankroll of $15,000. If the qualifier busts Isildur1 over 2,500 hands, they’ll receive a $10,000 bonus.
If you don’t already have an account at PokerStars, sign up through PocketFives.comand get access to one of the industry’s leading VIP programs. You can land the equivalent of up to 83% rakeback and don’t forget that USA players are welcome. Sign up now and face off against Isildur1.