GGPoker’s Parent Company Buys Into Hustler Casino Live—Negreanu Teases a Return to High-Stakes Streams!

The poker world just had a major “hold my beer” moment. NSUS Group, Inc., the company that owns both GGPoker and the World Series of Poker (WSOP), has bought into Hustler Casino Live (HCL), acquiring the stake previously held by Nick Vertucci. This isn’t just some backroom business deal; it’s like two of the biggest players at the table suddenly teaming up, and it could seriously change how we watch high-stakes poker.

So, @HCLPokerShow just got a lot more exciting.

See you at the tables soon!

🤝 https://t.co/e1MXFCWHuQ

— GGPoker (@GGPoker) March 5, 2025

For those who might have been living under a rock, Hustler Casino Live is the place to watch high-stakes poker drama unfold. Since it hit the scene in August 2021, HCL, founded by Ryan Feldman and Nick Vertucci, has built a huge following, with people tuning in to see crazy games, big personalities, and pots that are bigger than most people’s houses. That legendary $3.10 Million pot that Tom Dwan won? Yep, that was on HCL.

$3.1 MILLION POT!! THE BIGGEST POT IN THE HISTORY OF TELEVISED POKER!!@TomDwan vs @CryptoApprenti1

Tom Dwan is now winning more than $2 MILLION tonight pic.twitter.com/Fiv7ldVykt

— Hustler Casino Live (@HCLPokerShow) May 31, 2023

But the road hasn’t always been smooth. Vertucci’s departure in October 2024, following serious allegations of sexual harassment, left a void. That’s where the NSUS Group stepped in, with the money and industry power to not just keep HCL going but potentially make it even bigger and better.

Feldman Remains at the Helm, With a Bigger Ship to Steer

Ryan Feldman, the creative engine behind HCL’s success, isn’t going anywhere. In fact, he’s taking on an expanded role, handling not just the production and lineups but also the business side previously managed by Vertucci. He stated, “It doesn’t really impact my role. It just means that I’m doing more!”

Think of it like this: Feldman was already directing a blockbuster movie, and now he’s also running the studio. But he’s not alone. NSUS Group, while taking a “hands-off” approach to daily operations, brings a wealth of experience and connections to the table. As Feldman himself put it, this partnership adds “legitimacy” and “strengthens” the company, providing a “major force” and expanding its “global reach.”

The Negreanu Factor: From Retirement to the HCL Felt?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or rather, the potential shark at the table. GGPoker’s superstar ambassador, Daniel Negreanu, has been conspicuously absent from HCL. Feldman has always maintained a good relationship with “Kid Poker” but noted Negreanu’s preference for Vegas and his general focus on tournaments over cash games.

But now, the game has changed. With GGPoker’s parent company invested in HCL, the stars seem to be aligning for a Negreanu appearance. And DNegs himself is fueling the fire, stating in a press release: “You rarely see me playing high-stakes poker on streams anymore, but this is going to get me out of retirement and returning to the felt, playing on the most epic cash game stream poker has ever seen. I’m ready to battle!”

This alone is enough to get poker fans salivating. But it’s just the beginning.

It’s Not Just About Big Names: It’s About a Whole New Vision

While the idea of Negreanu and other GGPoker-linked players (like Fedor Holz, Ren Lin, and maybe even some surprise celebrities) joining the HCL games is awesome, Feldman says the partnership is about way more than that. He’s talking about “cool partnerships,” “business deals,” and a synergistic relationship with the WSOP.

Think about it: special cash game streams happening around WSOP events, with bracelet winners and poker legends playing for insane amounts of money. The possibilities are, as Feldman said, “endless.”

The “ESPN of Poker”? A Bold Ambition

Feldman’s vision for High Stakes Poker Productions (HSPP), the company behind HCL, is audacious. He wants to create a “network,” a 24/7 poker content hub that becomes the go-to destination for live-streamed cash games – the “Starbucks of coffee” for poker enthusiasts.

This isn’t just about HCL anymore. Feldman, drawing on his experience at ESPN, wants HSPP to expand its reach, streaming from different locations and different events around the country and even the world. It’s a long-term play, but with the backing of NSUS Group, it’s a vision that feels within reach.

What About the WSOP?

Although Feldman clearly mentioned that HCL will not be integrated immediately at the 2025 edition of the WSOP, he strongly hinted at “big things in the future.” Also, it’s important to remember that the upcoming WSOP edition will be the first one under NSUS Group’s ownership.

A New Chapter Begins

This deal between NSUS Group and High Stakes Poker Productions is more than just a business transaction. It’s a statement of intent, a bold move that signals a new era for live-streamed poker. With GGPoker’s resources, the WSOP’s prestige, and Feldman’s creative vision, Hustler Casino Live is poised to not just maintain its dominance but to redefine what’s possible in the world of poker entertainment. The future of streamed poker is being written now, and it’s looking incredibly bright. The only question is, can they pull all the stops?