The Middle Kingdom is on the verge of a cards surge, though not in the traditional sense. Alibaba, the online marketplace titan, is joining forces with entertainment firm Ourgame to bring “competitive poker” to the vast Chinese populace. Imagine esports, but with playing cards.
Their objective? An ambitious endeavor to cultivate 2 million fresh poker enthusiasts over the next half-decade. This is monumental because wagering is largely prohibited in mainland China, with the exception of government-operated lotteries and the autonomous territories of Hong Kong and Macau.
So where does poker fit in? Competitive poker removes the betting aspect from the activity. Conceived by the Global Poker Federation (GPF), it’s a squad-based game where proficiency, not chance, reigns supreme. Instead of chips, participants vie for points, and the cards are distributed electronically via a mobile application, guaranteeing a fair contest.
The GPF contends that this skill-centric approach, coupled with the digital format, solidly positions competitive poker within the domain of athletics rather than gambling. Patrick Nally, head of the GPF, views this collaboration as revolutionary, remarking, “The Ourgame and Alisports union establishes one of the most potent sports marketing forces globally. I am thrilled that their vigor, concentration, and assets will be directed toward the introduction and advancement of competitive poker, and that they echo my confidence in its immense worldwide potential.”
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