Wed, 08/03/2011 – 22:09 – PokerPages Staff

Unsurprisingly, poker’s popularity has given it its very own television niche. This is mainly because the game isn’t just exciting to play; it’s also just as exciting to watch. Find out the top five poker programs you should be watching to get your fill of the action.

#5 High Stakes Poker
The popularity of High Stakes Poker has seen it become one of the most successful poker shows the small screen. The show gives viewers the chance to watch professionals like Tom Dwan, Doyle Brunson and Phil Ivey. Many tournament shows use chips: in High Stakes Poker they play high stake games (as the name suggests) with real money, sometimes up to half a million dollars.

#4 The World Poker Tour (WPT)
This was actually one of the first TV poker shows to be aired. Its use of hole card cameras, which allow viewers to see the players’ hands, was revolutionary in terms of televised poker. The WPT is great for watching tournaments and players can win more than $1 million.

#3 The World Series of Poker (WSOP)
Every year, WSOP follows all the poker action of the WSOP Main Event. Covered by ESPN, you can watch the games unfold right up to the unofficial world poker champion crowning and the presentation of around $8 million to one lucky player.

#2 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Broadcast on NBC, this annual event is home to a wide selection of both professional poker players and celebrities. This is not like your standard championship and is a great chance to watch your favorite stars like you’ve never seen them before!

#1 Poker After Dark
This show lets you witness great high stakes poker where top players battle it out to win real cash. Poker After Dark is sponsored by Full Tilt and is run on a similar format to High Stakes Poker.