Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to play in a variety of poker tournaments around the world, and I’ve vlogged almost every single one of them. In fact, aside from the occasional home game with friends, I can’t remember the last time I was at a poker table and wasn’t recording my hands.
I’ve tried different equipment, different styles, and almost every angle you can think of. As I head into a bumper week of live poker action in Coventry for the UKPL, followed immediately by 888LIVE at the same venue, I thought it might be useful to share my advice on how to vlog a poker tournament yourself.
What Type of Vlog Do You Want to Make?
Before you record anything, you have to decide what kind of vlog you want to make. Do you want it to be purely focused on poker and get straight into the action? Or do you want to break it up with sightseeing and make it more of a full journey with poker interspersed along the way?
Both options have their merits, and it all depends on where you are. For example, 888LIVE in Barcelona is held at Casino Barcelona, which is right by the beach and within walking distance of some of the most incredible architecture in the world. In that case, I’d recommend including that aspect in your vlog, either with a dedicated section or by breaking up your poker footage with shots of the local area.
On the other hand, some venues, like Coventry, are all about the poker. It’s home to the iconic Goliath tournament and now also hosts both the UKPL and 888LIVE. However, it’s not really the place to step outside and admire the local sights. As a result, my vlog this week will be poker-centric, focusing purely on the action and getting as much footage of the games as possible.
Permission and Gear: What You Need to Know
If you decide to record at the tables, make sure to get permission from the casino beforehand. You’ll either need to email the venue before you arrive or speak to the floor staff on the day. Not every casino will allow recording, so always have a backup plan if you get the green light to film. While most people prefer to see the table footage itself, there are plenty of engaging vlogs (like Daniel Negreanu’s WSOP content) that don’t feature table footage and still work great.
As for gear, you can get by with just your phone. A phone stand to prop it up at the table is essential, but you don’t need to record the entire session. I typically start recording when I enter a hand, and if it turns out to be uneventful, I’ll delete it straight away to save storage. If the hand is worth keeping, I make sure to note the hand history right away on my phone. Trust me, you won’t remember the board, bet size, or stack depth later, so it’s much easier to write it down immediately!
Two Methods for Recapping Your Hands
When it comes to sharing the hands, you have two main options:
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Post-Commentary Script: This is the most common method. After the event, you can use the hand histories and footage you’ve gathered to write a script about what happened at the table and your thought process at the time. Use your own style to make this personal—it’s the only thing that will differentiate you from other poker vloggers. I like to keep it light with some self-deprecating humor, but if you’re a tournament crusher, lean into that and break down the hands in a detailed, analytical way. Playing to your strengths is key.
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Recording During Breaks: This is a more stressful option but can save you time later. I use a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to quickly record my thoughts during breaks, though you can easily use your phone. I recommend a gimbal to make it easier, as holding your phone steady for 5 minutes can be challenging without one. This approach helps capture your emotions in real-time, which a post-commentary script can’t replicate. The downside? It reduces your breaks to a 2-minute rush to the restroom, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to play your best poker.
Do What Works for You
What’s best for you might be different than what’s best for me. If you enjoy writing scripts or find it hard to record in public spaces, post-commentary could be the way to go. Personally, I mix it up to keep things fresh, but it largely depends on how much spare time I have. Scripts tend to provide a more refined result, but if I’m on a tight schedule and need to get the video out quickly, recording during the event is the way to go.
Ultimately, any combination of these methods can work as long as you tailor it to your own personality. You don’t want your vlog to be a carbon copy of someone else’s—you want it to be uniquely yours.
Happy vlogging!
