Now that 2026 is underway, we’re catching up with some of the biggest names in poker to reflect on their biggest stories and moments of 2025, and their wishes for the coming year.
Barny Boatman is the legendary co-founder of The Hendon Mob website, has been cashing in tournaments since 1998, and captured his biggest score almost two years ago when he won the 2024 EPT Paris for $1,388,059.
What’s the best thing that happened to you in poker last year?
I love PLO hi-lo tournaments, which I rarely get the chance to play. I’ve made a point of playing them on the PokerStars Open Tour when I can, and I’ve final tabled every single one I’ve played.
I suppose in a year with very few poker highlights, I’d have to say my trophy for a very small PLO hi-lo event in Monte Carlo.
What was the worst part of 2025?
I got very sick while I was at the WSOP, and the whole summer was a bit of a write-off.
Did you set any goals or resolutions for 2025?
I don’t remember making any poker resolutions last year. But if I did, I definitely didn’t manage to fulfill them.
He may be a dreamer, but he's not the only one.How about making a few resolutions for 2026?
Well, I’ve always felt I was too busy to really study the game. But now that I have a lot more time on my hands, I’m looking forward to not studying out of choice!
That seems to be working out for you. Anything else?
I also resolve to give my full attention to whatever I’m playing and to always have a good reason for every action I take.
That’s a tough one. Anything special you’re looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to traveling and playing in some new places, particularly in Latin America. Maybe Japan.
I’m most curious about your poker wishes for this year.
I've got a long list. I'd like to see...
- Mixed games flourishing
- More shot clocks
- Players being made to keep their hands behind their chips whenever they have cards
- The curtailing of very late reg and multiple bullets
- So many women final tabling and winning major events that it ceases to be remarked upon
- Tournaments starting earlier and finishing in time to go to dinner afterwards
- Poker media not giving airtime to arseholes
- Major tours scheduling with players in mind rather than to undermine their rivals
- Uniformly well-paid, well-trained dealers at the WSOP
- Guarantees always honoured
- Zero tolerance of one-chip-calls that don’t close the action
- Universally safe, regulated, fair and legal online poker
And I hope that everyone who loves the game represents it well and there are no new cheating scandals.
I’m curious. What drives you to continue to play poker after so many years in the game?
Poker is endlessly challenging, stimulating, and rewarding. It gives me a life I love... why would I stop?
Follow Barny’s adventures on X.
