Gossip Column: Doug Polk’s Six-Month Sprint to Slice His Body-Fat in Half—and Even the Score With Bill Perkins

Doug Polk is not a man who enjoys losing, whether it’s at the poker table or a high-stakes body fat loss challenge. Now, the poker icon and co-owner of The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas, is putting another $200,000 on the line against hedge fund magnate Bill Perkins, in a daring bid to cut his body fat by half within just six months. For Polk, it’s not just about reclaiming his cash—it’s about redemption.

The Backstory: A Close Call in 2023

In February 2022, Polk kicked off his first high-stakes prop bet with Perkins at nearly 28% body fat. The goal was straightforward yet brutally demanding: drop down to 13.85% within a year. Polk approached the challenge ambitiously, embracing rigorous training sessions and strict diet protocols. Despite a valiant effort, the final DEXA scan on February 10, 2023, revealed a body fat percentage of 15.1%—painfully close, yet not enough to avoid losing the $200,000 bet.

That loss stung, but Polk didn’t leave empty-handed. He had transformed his physique, developed healthier habits, and gained crucial insight about pacing himself. Now, he’s determined to correct past mistakes and win back the hefty sum.

Perkins’ Passion for Fitness Bets

Bill Perkins isn’t your average prop bettor; he’s built a reputation for blending high-stakes gambling with genuine health challenges. After his win against Polk, Perkins took his prop-bet game to new heights with another poker powerhouse, Shaun Deeb. Deeb, known for his aggressive poker style and substantial physique, faced even steeper odds. The stakes were sky-high—a staggering $1 million if Deeb could slash his body fat from 40% down to 17% in just 14 months.

Initially dismissed by many as nearly impossible, Deeb shocked the poker world. His dedication to early morning workouts, structured dieting, and relentless discipline made him nearly unrecognizable. So impressive was his transformation that Perkins bought out of the bet early for $800,000, seeing the writing on the wall.

You guys wanted a progress pic so I give the people what they want once that gut is gone the million will be mine pic.twitter.com/yZEUQdUN2V

— shaun deeb (@shaundeeb) January 27, 2024

Round Two: Polk’s Chance at Redemption

Armed with this knowledge and renewed confidence, Polk enters his rematch against Perkins leaner (currently at 22%) but under far tighter time constraints. He now has only six months—until October 6, 2025—to reach an astonishingly lean 11% body fat.

Most people guessed way below the actual number: I’m starting this bet at 22% body fat

With $200,000 on the line vs @bp22, I have until October 6 to get to 11%.

Think I can make it happen?

(This photo was back in 2023 when I got down to 15%, so I’ll need to be 4% below this) https://t.co/OsQzjHj2md pic.twitter.com/DdHbyG28Xg

— Doug Polk (Code Doug) (@DougPolkVids) April 24, 2025

The challenge isn’t about losing weight per se, but rather losing body fat percentage, making it a grueling battle of muscle preservation and fat loss. Polk’s battle plan is clear: roughly 1,800 calories a day paired with weightlifting five times per week. Polk openly acknowledged his past mistakes, particularly a sluggish start, and promises to attack the challenge aggressively from day one this time around.

The Poker World Reacts

Poker enthusiasts, professional players, and casual fans alike have flocked to social media, offering a mixed bag of opinions on Polk’s chances. Tony Dunst, the World Poker Tour commentator and two-time WSOP bracelet winner, publicly expressed confidence in Polk’s ability to pull it off within the tight timeframe, indicating willingness to put money on Polk.

Having six months to go from 22% to 11% is difficult but quite realistic. I’d bet on you to get there.

— TonyDunstTV (@tonydunsttv) April 24, 2025

On the other side, critics emphasize the daunting leap from Polk’s previous best of 15.1% to an ultra-lean 11%, noting the exponential difficulty of shedding those last few percentage points.

Not taking drugs

— Doug Polk (Code Doug) (@DougPolkVids) April 25, 2025

Won’t be easy but $ is always good motivation

— Ace (@Aceexus) April 25, 2025

Another one? This is awesome. 6 months for 11% is tight, but do able.

Hit me up and I’d be happy to help for a barter trade. 3 hours of heads up coaching. 😁

— Rishi Mirpuri (@rishimirp) April 24, 2025

Shaun Deeb’s incredible transformation stands as a beacon of hope and motivation for Polk, demonstrating the sheer power of will and discipline. Having come so close before, Polk is banking on refined strategies and deeper mental resilience to cross the finish line victorious.

A Win-Win Scenario

Regardless of the financial outcome, Polk stands to gain immensely from this wager. The real payoff, as with Perkins’ other fitness prop bets, transcends mere money. It’s about challenging personal limits, enhancing health, and transforming lifestyles—a victory Polk has already tasted and seems eager to repeat.

Come October, the poker world will witness whether Polk redeems himself in spectacular fashion or whether Perkins claims yet another victory in his unique brand of high-stakes, high-reward fitness gambling. One thing is certain: this prop bet promises excitement, drama, and inspiration in equal measure.