Poker, a game of skill, strategy, and chance, has been a staple in popular culture for decades. From casual games with friends to high-stakes tournaments, poker has captured the imagination of people around the world. One film that played a significant role in popularizing poker is Rounders, released in 1998.
The Film
Directed by John Dahl and written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, Rounders tells the story of Mike McDermott (played by Matt Damon), a young law student who becomes obsessed with poker. After losing a large sum of money to a professional gambler named Lester "Worm" Murphy (played by Edward Norton), Mike is forced to re-examine his priorities and confront his own demons.
The film explores the world of underground poker games, high-stakes tournaments, and the characters that inhabit them. With its gritty realism, memorable performances, and engaging storyline, Rounders resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Critical Acclaim
Upon its release, Rounders received widespread critical acclaim. USA Today praised the film's "terrific" performances and "harrowing" poker scenes, while Entertainment Weekly noted that the movie was "a smart, engaging thriller." Rolling Stone called it a "gripping drama," and The Globe and Mail described it as "a winner."
However, not all reviews were positive. San Francisco Chronicle criticized the film's "mediocre hand" of storytelling, saying it was "a disappointment from the start." Despite these mixed reviews, Rounders has since become a cult classic, with many considering it one of the best poker movies ever made.
Impact on Poker Culture
But what about the impact of Rounders on poker culture? Well, that's where Matt Damon comes in. You see, before Rounders, poker was largely seen as a niche activity, something only for the initiated or the thrill-seeking. But with Damon's portrayal of Mike McDermott, poker became cool again.
Damon himself has said that playing the role of Mike McDermott helped him develop an appreciation for the game. In 2009, he even participated in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ante Up for Africa Charity Event, where he played alongside other celebrities and pros like Jason Alexander and Erik Seidel.
Celebrity Poker Players
Speaking of celebrity poker players, did you know that Matt Damon's co-star from Good Will Hunting, Ben Affleck, also joined him at the WSOP? In fact, Affleck has been a regular player in various poker tournaments over the years. Other notable celebrities who have played in high-stakes poker events include Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Dwan, and even Donald Trump.
WSOP Coverage
In 2009, PokerGO (formerly known as World Series of Poker Europe) launched its coverage of the WSOP, featuring live streams and highlight reels of various tournaments. Today, PokerGO is one of the premier sources for poker news, analysis, and entertainment.
About the World Series of Poker
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is an annual event held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since its inception in 1970, the WSOP has grown to become the largest, richest, and most prestigious gaming event in the world. With a prize pool exceeding $3.29 billion, the WSOP is poker's longest-running tournament.
The WSOP attracts players from all over the globe, with tournaments featuring every major poker variation. In 2019 alone, the event attracted 187,298 entrants from 118 different countries to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and awarded more than $293 million in prize money.
****, Rounders is a film that not only explores the world of poker but also helped popularize it. With its engaging storyline, memorable performances, and gritty realism, the movie has become a cult classic among poker enthusiasts. And who knows? Maybe Matt Damon's participation in the WSOP Ante Up for Africa Charity Event inspired other celebrities to take up the game.