Arlie Shaban has ridden off with another victory in the 12 Labors of Arlie Challenge, proving that you don’t have to be an expert in all variants to become a mixed games master.
Despite being hospitalized during his seventh challenge, Shaban was confident heading into his latest tactical test. First announced on November 18, the eighth task was PokerStars’ take on the classic story of Hercules and the Mares of Diomedes.
Shaban Saddles Up
After sending down a message from on high, the poker gods gave their eponymous hero five days to cash in a H.O.R.S.E. tournament. Having never played some of the variants used in the mixed game format, the pressure was on from the get-go.
Jumping into the saddle, the former Big Brother Canada contest fell short in his first attempt. However, with lessons learned from previous challenges, it wasn’t long before Shaban found his way into the money.
Anteing up in a $4.40 H.O.R.S.E. tournament on November 19, Shaban played his way into the money live on Twitch. After realizing he’d moved another step closer to winning a $30,000 PokerStars Platinum Pass, the Canadian let out a cheer as his fans congratulated him in the chat box.
Showing the Many Faces of Poker
Although he may not become a diehard mixed game player following his success, Shaban’s efforts showed casual observers that there’s more to poker than what they see on TV. Ever since the poker boom, Hold’em has been the dominant variant, but it’s not always been that way.
Prior to the popularization of poker, Stud and Draw were the main games. Beyond that, high stakes cash games inside Bobby’s Room at the Bellagio, Las Vegas, are played using a mixed game format.
By pushing Shaban to try his hand at something new, PokerStars has subtly educated those following 12 Labors of Arlie Challenge that Hold’em doesn’t define the game. Indeed, as industry operators strive to diversify and attract new players, this type of promotion could become more common.
However, for the 12 Labors of Arlie protagonist, the latest win simply means he’s another step closer to a place in next year’s Players NL Hold’em Championship.
