partypoker to Continue Testing Real Name MTTs at the Ongoing Powerfest Series

partypoker has been aggressively streamlining its online play environment to make the site safer and friendlier for players. At a time when the industry is struggling with rampant malpractices like ghosting, collusion, multi-accounting, etc., partypoker has been proactively rolling out significant changes on its platform and policies, all geared towards making the playing environment more secure.

In the first, it initiated a significant client upgrade, forcing existing users to change their screen names. As the update completed through stages, the site banned Heads-Up Displays (HUD) and restricted downloadable hand histories, among other changes.

Secondly, partypoker enforced the use of real names across all high-stakes cash game tables on the site.

Making a strong pitch that disclosing the real names of players in Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs) provides a more interactive and safer environment; the brand has further extended this concept to tournaments as well.

partypoker first tested out the use of real-name MTTs earlier this month during the Irish Poker Open. The social experiment received a positive response, and soon real-name MTTs were rolled out in the ongoing Poker Masters Online schedule as well. Continuing the practice, partypoker has extended the same for the ongoing Powerfest Series as well.

The Powerfest Series, which is presently underway at partypoker, is the site`s biggest online MTT series this year (so far). Featuring a whopping $60 Million in prize pool guarantees, the series began on March 15.

Going by partypoker supremo Rob Yong’s latest announcement, the last two weeks of the series will see all Powerfest tournaments playing out with the real names disclosed. Yong has also indicated that the May-bound WPT Online Series will also feature real names in MTTs.

Testing the Waters

Rob Yong has been vocal about the company’s intention to deploy the use of real names across major online MTTs on its platform.

In one of his tweets on April 9, Yong ran a poll asking players if they’d prefer real names or aliases during the Powerfest Series. He pointed out that the Irish Poker Open was the first major online MTT series to use real names.

The @Irish_PokerOpen is @partypoker 1st major online MTT using Real Names & is smashing it – the @WPT Online in May will also be Real Names, but would YOU be more likely to play an online MTT such as Powerfest if it was Real Names?

— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) April 9, 2020

Yong went on to add that the site was getting a lot of positive responses to real name MTTs after they were introduced during the Irish Poker Open and Poker Masters Online. He asked players if they would want partypoker to run all Powerfest MTTs in real names for the next two weeks. Around 76.2% of the people voted in support of real name MTT`s.

Huge positive feedback for Real Name MTTs after @partypokerlive Sats @Irish_PokerOpen & Poker Masters

Would YOU like @partypoker to run all Powerfest MTTs in Real Names for next 2 weeks? We go with vote result.

Vote, RT, + user name & 100 players get $22 Fest Ticket KTF Rob 💪

— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) April 15, 2020

On April 19, Yong confirmed that the social experiment of using real names in partypoker’s Powerfest MTTs would be conducted for two weeks. Yong referred to Matt Savage, who is known for trialing different and innovative ideas during tournaments.

The Social Experiment [Trademark @SavagePoker ] starts Monday @partypoker for next 2 week’s with all $20M Powerfest MTTs in REAL NAMES 🥶🙏 KTF Rob

RT, Add User Name, & @E_Branners will give 50 followed Fest $55 Ticket as thx for spreading the word 🍺 pic.twitter.com/xTZdVbPVs9

— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) April 18, 2020

Is Real Name MTT`s the Need of the Hour?

Now, this is a pertinent question, especially at a time when the majority of the global population is locked indoors due to the Coronavirus epidemic. Online traffic has never been better, and while there is a lot more value on offer, increased incidences of player safety violations are also being reported.

The biggest concern for the majority of the MTT community is the lack of transparency as often opponents are masked behind an anonymous moniker. The use of real name MTT`s solves many of these concerns while encouraging fair play.

On the flip side, partypoker could witness a drop in numbers since players who wish to remain anonymous may abstain from playing. However, this should be a small price to pay for the larger good!