The billionaire investor wants to rewrite how poker tournaments are played
Chamath Palihapitiya is considering launching a high-stakes poker tournament series with a strict set of rules that would set it apart from existing events. The billionaire investor and poker enthusiast recently shared his idea on social media, sparking debate within the poker community.
My friends and I are considering starting a new hi limit poker tournament circuit in the US. Millions in payouts per tournament (think Triton++) but some conditions:
1. There will be drug tests. You can’t be on any drugs including any performance enhancing drugs like Ritalin or…
— Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) February 19, 2025
Palihapitiya’s proposed circuit would ban recreational drug use, including substances like marijuana and performance enhancers such as Ritalin and Adderall. Players would also be prohibited from wearing facemasks and sunglasses at the table, a rule that aligns with Phil Hellmuth’s long-standing stance against face coverings in poker.
Palihapitiya, a longtime player who has competed in televised high-stakes games, envisions a series with a structure that avoids excessively long sessions while maintaining deep-stacked play. He did not disclose specific buy-ins or locations but suggested that prize pools would be in the millions and that events would take place in the US.
His plan has already attracted the attention of professional players, including Daniel Negreanu, who advised him to steer clear of California due to its high tax rates on tournament winnings.
If launched, the circuit would enter a competitive landscape that includes established tours such as the World Series of Poker, the PokerGO Tour, and Triton Poker. The biggest challenge may be convincing players that a drug-free, mask-free environment is beneficial to the game.
Palihapitiya has not yet confirmed whether he will move forward with the idea, but his proposal has already generated significant discussion. While some pros support the concept, others may push back against additional restrictions.
