What happens when a cash game grinder and a serial tournament winner team up — in poker and in life?
That’s the question behind The Ari & Jo Show, a new vlog from PokerOrg’s Jo Kim and Ari Engel, one of the winningest players on the World Series of Poker Circuit.
Together, Jo and Ari travel the country taking in the spots where real gamblers go. From the food to the suites, the slots and of course the poker action, you’re welcome to tag along as they live a life measured in big blinds, casino credit and air miles.
Along the way they’re joined by some of poker’s most recognisable faces at many of the game’s biggest events, opening a window onto the real life of modern-day pros.
It’s not just about flops, turns and rivers, but what happens off the table. The people, the places, the wins and losses, and how a couple can grow together in the midst of it all.
Watch the first episode above now, and come along for the ride. You can also find episode 2, below.
Ari has more recorded tournament cashes than anyone on The Hendon Mob. Who are Jo Kim and Ari Engel?
You might already know Jo Kim from her work with PokerOrg, where she specializes in creating video content that brings the excitement of live events to viewers all over the world. She’s been a commentator, a livestream regular, and a cash game player for more than 16 years.
Ari Engel is a four-time WSOP bracelet winner who happens to hold the record for the most tournament cashes of anyone, ever. He’s won 20 WSOP Circuit rings, four WSOP bracelets, and has over $9 million in recorded tournament earnings.
“The idea for the show started a few years ago,” Jo tells PokerOrg, “I took a full year away from poker and began documenting my daily life while traveling. I had a YouTube channel focused on being nomadic, living hotel to hotel, and I did that for about a year.”
It’s a lifestyle Ari is very familiar with; as he told us last year, he’s been on the road as a poker pro since 2012.
“Maybe this is why Ari and I get along so well. We never argue about each other’s space, and we know what to expect from traveling a heavy amount.”
It doesn’t hurt that this couple also gets to share their passion for poker with one another, as well as viewers.
“Ari’s been slowly introducing me to mixed games,” Jo says, “and I’ve been playing more tournaments with his encouragement. We’ve had a few deep runs together, and that’s been a fun shift for me from cash games.
“We might seem calm on the surface, but morale can get low after running deep in a tournament only to bust before the money or getting coolered in a massive pot in a cash session.
“From episode to episode, you’ll see highs and lows, but the constant is choosing to support each other, stay kind, and keep a good attitude even when things are rough.”
Living as a poker nomad isn’t for everyone, and nor is working with one’s partner. But these guys make it work, and now you can join them on their journey wherever they go — and wherever you are — with The Ari & Jo Show, available now.
Check out episode 2 of their new series below.
