The seventh edition of the Mixed Game Festival, held from February 25 to 29 at the Resorts World Las Vegas, was a testament to the allure and camaraderie that mixed games bring to poker. Hosted by Robbie Strazynski, the founder of CardPlayer Lifestyle poker media, this five-day event lived up to its promise of delivering a fun-filled week of friendly mixed games, emphasizing the joy and communal aspect of poker.
The festival was designed with recreational players in mind and aimed at introducing new enthusiasts to the diverse world of mixed games, as it mainly featured small stakes to ensure a friendly atmosphere where fun and learning are the top priority. From trivia and giveaways to the opportunity to play exotic new games, the festival balanced lighthearted activities while maintaining the competitive edge needed in poker.
Mixed Game Festival kicked off on Sunday with a welcoming pizza party, setting the tone for non-stop cash game action that featured a wide variety of mixed games. Unique variants like Razzdugi, Badugi Hi-Lo, and Drama-dugi were on display, alongside the âBanana Game of the Dayâ â Archie 49/0, a format where hands are determined by the number of pips on the card.
Tuesdayâs $4/$8 Dealerâs Choice games attracted a star-studded crowd to the tables, including Poker Hall of Famer Eli Elezra, WSOP bracelet winners Scott Abrams, Nathan Gamble, Chad Holloway, and many others.
Womenâs Wednesday was one of the festival’s highlights that welcomed a bustling group of 22 ladies and two gentlemen. An impressive turnout with three full tables set up early at 10 in the morning and under the guidance of a distinguished trio of coaches: Poker Hall of Famer Linda Johnson, Women in Poker Hall of Famer and LIPS founder Lupe Soto, and 2023 WSOP Big O bracelet winner Scott Abrams.
Participants dived into the nuances of Omaha 8 or Better and Razz, with games accommodating both beginner and intermediate players. Players were there not only to sharpen their poker skills but also to celebrate and demonstrate the growing interest in mixed games among women in poker.
The festival also featured two tournaments: the $300 Omaha 8/Stud 8 on Monday, February 26, and the Grand Finale $300 HEROS tournament on Thursday, February 29.
The first tournament saw a memorable victory for Mike Patrick, who came on top of the 26-player field. Not only did Patrick clinch the win against Las Vegas regular John Rozance in a heads-up match for $2,695, but he was also simultaneously reporting on the tournament live, what might be a poker worldâs first. Later, he also interviewed himself as a champion, just adding a unique and fun chapter to the festivalâs lore.
The stakes were raised on Thursday as the marquee event, the $300 HEROS tournament, had a NAPT package valued at $3,000 for the winner, added to the prize pool by PokerStars, the festivalâs largest sponsor. The HEROS event tested players across five different variants: Limit Holdâem, Stud 8, Razz, Omaha 8, and Stud.
After a long and grueling day, local player Joe Santagata emerged victorious from a field of 36 players. Santagata beat Debi Cheek in an hour-long heads-up for the NAPT package, along with a $3,345 money prize.
As another chapter concludes on yet another successful festival, PokerPro.cc congratulates Robbie Strazynski for hosting an event that once again showcased the joy and rich diversity of poker. Mixed Game Festival VII has shown that there’s much more to poker than just No Limit Hold’em while drawing a different, friendlier crowd and enriching the poker community.
* Images courtesy of CardPlayer Lifestyle and Robbie Strazynski
