The best games for poker fans right now

Once you become a poker player, this multi-faceted and thrilling game becomes pretty hard to beat. The combination of skill and strategy with sheer luck is what has made this such an enduringly popular game, with tournaments attracting millions of players and spectators from all over the world. Luckily, fans of this classic card game are spoilt for choice today – there are some incredible games out there which utilize the latest gaming technology to provide an immersive experience of sitting at the virtual casino table, alongside new games which reimagine the foundations of poker to create a whole new outlook on the format. From classic online casino sites to video games which incorporate the spirit of poker, we’ve listed some of our top picks for poker fans right now!

1. Balatro

Every now and again, a new game comes along which changes the gaming scene forever. We think Balatro deserves all the hype – this fascinating game has rightfully earned a cult following thanks to its unique and highly enjoyable blend of poker and solitaire. Available on a variety of platforms including Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, Balatro offers a refreshing, revolutionary take on the traditional card game format. The game compromises of a variety of chaotic, exciting features and strategies which make it totally unpredictable, completely addictive – and seriously fun. This new game has all the makings of a modern classic, and if you love poker, we just know you’ll love Balatro too.

2. PokerStars

A list of the best games for poker fans wouldn’t be complete without PokerStars and its offering of epic games. It’s the largest real money online poker website in the world, and for good reason – PokerStars offers a huge variety of games including favorites like Omaha and Texas Hold’em, and its simple, effective interface makes it easy to play legendary table games online. If you’re brand new to the site Pokerstars will have a bonus code that you can make use of when signing up, which carries the potential for a pretty lucrative reward. It’s also a great place to visit if you enjoy watching or taking part in major tournaments, as its weekly ‘Sunday Million’ is currently the biggest weekly online poker tournament in the world. PokerStars has even launched the career of some famous world champions – Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion, revolutionized the world of poker by becoming the first person to win a world championship after qualifying at an online casino site.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

If you enjoy playing video games which incorporate in-game poker tournaments, you’ll of course love Red Dead Redemption 2. Many fans have enjoyed countless hours of this minigame which features in both releases of RDR and allows players to take a seat at a casino-style table in a virtual cowboy saloon. The game employs the rules of Texas Hold’em, so seasoned players will feel at home immediately when they sit down to play this much-loved action-adventure game. Those who enjoy the social aspect of poker will also enjoy playing in multiplayer mode with other players in Red Dead Online, and there is a wide variety of in-game challenges and locations available which helps to keep the game fresh. Alongside this thrilling in-built poker feature, Red Dead Redemption 2 is also just a great video game on the whole, so make sure to check it out if you haven’t already!

4. The Resistance: Avalon

Here’s one for those who still enjoy playing physical board games – The Resistance: Avalon is a unique social deduction game which will completely delight everyone on your nextgame night. It’s a standalone game that pits good against evil and will test your reasoning skills as well as challenge how well you know your friends. Whilst the gameplay itself is pretty unrelated to poker, Avalon requires a seriously solid poker face, as in order to win you’ll often need to deceive other players and push a subtle, unsuspected agenda. It’s a great choice for those who thrive on the more psychological aspects of poker-playing – if you’re good at bluffing, and noticing when others are doing the same, you’ll absolutely love this simple yet sophisticated game.

5. Prominence Poker

Lastly, Prominence Poker is one of the best video games out there for poker fans right now. This accessible, casual option offers an interesting take on the traditional card game and blends classic poker mechanics with a more story-driven gaming experience. Prominence even incorporates ‘devious’ artificial intelligence (AI) characters, who add an extra intriguing layer to the gameplay. Available on Steam, this simple yet effective take on the casino format allows poker fans to practise their skills by competing in underground tournaments and climbing the ranks of the criminal underworld. Will you rise to prominence? Try your hand today – you might seriously enjoy this underrated game.

Whether you’re looking for a more immersive style of gaming, or seeking out new games that incorporate poker mechanics with a refreshing twist, there’s bound to be something on this list that you’ll enjoy. The beauty of poker is that this complex, unpredictable game lends itself to reinvention, whilst always retaining the thrilling elements of chance, strategy and subterfuge. There’s a whole world of epic poker-related games out there to enjoy, and there’s something available for every gaming platform and every style of gamer – why don’t you try something new today?