The Poker Star is an Australian reality game show broadcast on One from 26 September 2009. It is created and hosted by former World Series of Poker Champion Joe Hachem, who will also act as judge and mentor to the contestants. New Zealand poker champion Lee Nelson will also appear as a judge. The series is sponsored by PokerStars. The show pits eleven amateur poker players against each other in a series of challenges that tests the principles of "Joe's Code", rules that Hachem believes are beneficial for success in life and for being a successful poker player. Players compete for $100,000 in cash and entry to four of the world's biggest poker tournaments, with Hachem continuing to join them as their personal mentor. Over 18,000 people applied for the first series. The 1st season saw 33 year old speech pathologist and mother of two Amanda become 'The Poker Star', beating out the other two members of the final three, Josh and Chris. Amanda stated during the final episode that the $100,000 prize money would go a long way to helping with the mortgage on the home she had recently purchased for herself and her two daughters.
Reading People
Sep 30, 2009
In the worldwide premiere of The Poker Star we meet eleven determined poker players from across Australia.
Focus
Oct 7, 2009
The contestants arrive at the Melbourne Aquarium for their second challenge that requires them to ‘maintain their focus’ by undertaking a test used by helicopter pilots as part of their training.
Bluffing
Oct 14, 2009
The contestants think they know all about bluffing, but can they bluff their way through a job interview with human lie detector Steven Van Aperen?
Composure
Oct 21, 2009
Competing in teams this week contestants must maintain their composure as the person who loses their cool will earn a seat at the elimination table.
Recall
Oct 28, 2009
This week the contestants must recall a series of events they witnessed including a car accident.
Endurance
Nov 4, 2009
Don’t miss this shocking episode which sees two contestants eliminated from the competition.
Courage
Nov 11, 2009
After a shocking double elimination that resulted in Donna and Shane’s exit from the competition the series is well and truly down to the business end as the four remaining contestants head off to their weekly challenge.
Charisma
Nov 18, 2009
Amanda, Chris and Josh must prove to Joe they are the complete package as they all compete in the final press conference challenge and poker tournament.
