In a seismic move that reverberates throughout the poker industry, GGPoker’s parent company, NSUS Group, Inc., has officially acquired a significant stake in the world’s most popular poker livestream, Hustler Casino Live (HCL). The equity was purchased from co-founder Nick Vertucci, who stepped down from his ownership role in October following allegations made against him. The most electrifying consequence of this deal is the confirmation that GGPoker’s premier global ambassador, Daniel Negreanu, will be making his long-awaited return to the high-stakes cash game arena on the show.
A New Power Structure: The Next Era of HCL
With Vertucci’s departure, Ryan Feldman, the other creative force and co-founder, has confirmed he will remain in an expanded capacity. In an interview, Feldman explained that on top of his existing duties of producing the show and curating lineups, he will now assume full responsibility for the day-to-day business operations previously managed by Vertucci.
Feldman emphasized that GGPoker will maintain a “hands-off” approach to daily operations but shares a long-term vision for the show’s future. “It adds some legitimacy to our company,” Feldman said of the partnership. “We now have a major force in the industry behind us. It strengthens our global reach.”
The “Kid Poker” Effect: A Legendary Return
For years, a Daniel Negreanu appearance has been at the top of the HCL community’s wish list, but “Kid Poker” has seldom played, citing a disinterest in cash games and a preference to stay in Las Vegas. The GGPoker partnership fundamentally changes the landscape.
In a blockbuster press release, Negreanu declared: “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 statement alone virtually guarantees a massive viewership spike for his future appearances.
Expansion of a Poker Empire
Since its inception in August 2021, HCL has become a media phenomenon, amassing over 370,000 YouTube subscribers and creating countless historic moments , including the largest pot in livestream history—a $3.1 million spectacle won by Tom Dwan in May 2023.
This acquisition is another strategic power play by the NSUS Group, following their purchase of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) last year. By controlling the dominant online platform, the premier live tournament series, and now holding a stake in top-tier media content, the GGPoker empire is expanding in an unprecedented fashion.
