The poker community is in for a treat this Friday with the release of “Dreamers”, a documentary by Above the Felt, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the lives of high-profile poker players. The documentary features the stories of players from the Above the Felt roster, with the 2023 WPT World Championship as the backdrop for their journeys.
The Birth of Above the Felt
Founded by Tom Wheaton, the creator of Faded Spade playing cards, Above the Felt is a poker marketing and talent agency that focuses on promoting the new generation of poker players. Wheaton’s vision was clear: to spotlight talented players and influencers that were largely unknown to the public. Starting with a small group of prominent figures—Jamie Kerstetter, Darren Elias, Chris Moneymaker, and Matt Berkey—Above the Felt rapidly grew, adding poker stars like Landon Tice, Ethan “Rampage” Yau, Maria Konnikova, and Jeremy Ausmus to its ranks.
The Making of Dreamers
With an impressive roster in place, Wheaton wanted to provide a deeper look into the lives of these stars. The idea for “Dreamers” came about when Wheaton decided to document his players during the WPT World Championship in December 2022. Initially envisioned as a series of short vlogs, the project quickly evolved into something much more significant.
As Jamie Kerstetter made a deep run in the Ladies Championship and Ethan Yau took home the title in the WPT $25K High Roller, it became clear that the documentary would be about more than just tournament play. It would delve into the resilience, challenges, and personal stories of the players, providing a much richer narrative.
Wheaton shared, “All these things started happening… it became a story of resilience.” The documentary showcases not only the competitive nature of poker but also the real magic behind the players and their journeys.
The Heart of the Documentary
One of the standout features of “Dreamers” is the authenticity of the players involved. Maria Konnikova, a best-selling author and poker pro, shared her thoughts on the Above the Felt team: “The people who are on the Above the Felt team are people who love the game and have other reasons for playing it… They take joy in what they’re doing and appreciate the intellectual challenges the game offers.”
Darren Elias, one of the agency’s first clients, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the documentary will showcase “different sides of the game and what our experiences are like.”
Where to Watch
“Dreamers” will air for free on the Above the Felt YouTube channel starting Friday, April 14th. This documentary offers an exciting glimpse into the personal and professional lives of some of poker’s most inspiring players, making it a must-watch for any poker fan.
