The player was banned on March 28 of last year for reasons never publicly shared
Nik Airball is set to make his long-awaited return to Hustler Casino Live on March 28, marking his first appearance on the show in a year. The high-stakes poker player, known for his outspoken personality and aggressive playstyle, had been a regular on the popular livestream before being banned from Hustler Casino in Los Angeles. The reasons behind his suspension were never publicly disclosed, but the absence of one of the show’s most polarizing figures was certainly felt.
BREAKING NEWS!!@nikairball is back!!
March 28 — the return of the King of LA pic.twitter.com/iOlvYkedtf
— Hustler Casino Live (@HCLPokerShow) March 7, 2025
Now 27, Nik Airball initially made his mark on Hustler Casino Live in 2022, quickly becoming a divisive figure among poker fans. His high-energy table talk and unconventional approach to the game made him a player viewers either loved or loved to hate. He has been involved in some of the show’s most dramatic hands, often playing for six-figure sums.
While his playing style has evolved over time, his ability to stir up controversy has remained a defining trait. Earlier this year, he made headlines for a heated exchange with poker vlogger Mariano Grandoli during a high-stakes session.
Since his ban, Airball has made only a handful of livestream appearances, including on High Stakes Poker and other streamed cash games. Most recently, he joined a $50/$100 game at Poker at the Lodge in Texas, playing alongside Doug Polk and Eshaan Bhalla.
Despite these appearances, he has remained most closely linked to Hustler Casino Live, and his return is expected to generate plenty of buzz. Fans and critics alike will be watching to see if he can recapture his status as one of the show’s biggest personalities.
