Thousands of 888poker players are competing in the 2025 edition of the PokerNews Online Championship (PNOC), including a man considered a superstar in his field. YouTube sensation Jack Dean, better known to his 1.35 million subscribers as “JaackMaate,” recently streamed his played from PNOC events live on 888poker Twitch channel, and should be hitting the tables again before the end of the series.

JaackMaate joined 888poker as a cultural ambassador in August 2022 and has featured several times in the online poker site’s content. In April 2024, JaackMaate teamed up with 888poker’s Nick “Eastyyy222” Eastwood in the Tag Team Poker event despite knowing very little about poker.

A few months later, JaackMaate traveled to Las Vegas with the 888poker team to play in the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Although JaackMaate didn’t reach the money places, he did himself proud by progressing to Day 3 alongside Aaron Barone and Vivian Saliba.

Fastforward to February 2025, and JaackMaate is back at the tables, this time grinding some PokerNews Online Championship events online at 888poker. He has already played in one of the $300,000 guaranteed Mystery Bounty Main Event Day 1s, and could be sharing a table with you again very soon.

Before the Norwich native fired up his 888poker account, he was kind enough to speak to PokerNews about the PNOC, his chances of winning an event, and more.

Most poker tournament players look forward to playing for big money the most, but it appears the poker bug has bitten our hero because he just wants to play this crazy game we all love.

“Any event is a chance to learn more about this weird little card game we all love (and sometimes hate!), JaackMaate told PokerNews,“But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited for the Main Event of the PokerNews series I’m playing tonight.”

As mentioned earlier, JaackMaate was a complete rookie when he jetted off to “Sin City” for the 2024 WSOP Main Event. Did the experience in Las Vegas stand him in good stead for the 2025 PNOC?

“I’ve played a lot more poker since then, but it is hard to say. I’ve ironed out a few rookie mistakes I used to make, but I know there are a million more lessons I’ve yet to learn. I wouldn’t use the word ready, but more optimistic.”

JaackMaate has been able to hang out with other 888poker ambassadors and pick their brains about how to play certain hands in specific situations. Which of those ambassadors do you think has had the biggest influence on his poker skills developments?

“Definitely not Easty! All jokes aside, It’s always a pleasure getting to hang out with my fellow 888poker ambassadors and pros throughout the calendar year, and just hearing their passion for the game gives me a boost and makes me want to get better. Vivi is obviously an esteemed bracelet winner now, so any time I get to spend with her is beneficial. Everybody is so lovely!

Although optimistic about his chances during the PNOC, JaackMaate believes another 888poker ambassador will be the best-performing individual from the online poker site’s stable.

“Josh Manley, the GOAT,” was JaackMaate’s to-the-point response.

JaackMaate is a big fan of the recently launched in-game HUD at 888poker, stating it made him realize just how many hands he actually plays. “It’s teaching me the art of folding,” the YouTuber quipped.

Before he entered the $215 buy-in, $300,000 guaranteed Mystery Bounty Main Event, JaackMaate had this advice for anyone out there who is on the fence about jumping into the PNOC action.

“Take the plunge – it’s worth it. You never quite know how far it will take you.”

JaackMaate’s first attempt at reaching Day 2 of the PNOC’s massive Main Event wasn’t going too badly until around the 2.5-hour mark. He opted to limp in with A*♣7♦* from middle position with a 23 big blind stack, and the small blind called. The big blind checked, and the flop fell 3*♠7♠9♥*. The small blind led out for 500, our hero clicked it back to 1,000, and was called.

Both players checked the 2*♥* turn, which led to the A*♦* landing on the river. JaackMaate, who in his defense was seriously under the weather, didn’t initially realize he’d backed into two pair and bemoaned the ace’s appearance. The small blind made a near-pot-sized bet, and JaackMaate now realized he had ace-seven for two pair. He moved all-in for the 10,016 chips he had behind and was quickly called and shown 5*♦4♥* for a wheel straight. Ouch!

JaackMaate vowed to “get them next time” before signing off from 888poker’s Twitch channel. Will he take another shot at the $300,000 guaranteed Main Event? We would be highly surprised if he doesn’t, so watch this space.

Matthew Pitt hails from Leeds, West Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom, and has worked in the poker industry since 2008, and worked for PokerNews since 2010. In September 2010, he became the editor of PokerNews. Matthew stepped away from live reporting duties in 2015, and now concentrates on his role of Senior Editor for the PokerNews.

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