In August last year, Paris Anatolitis, who had then just been appointed the new Managing Director of Party Brands, hinted that Partypoker was planning to release a software update. This software update was brought to fruition on November 29th, 2021. On that day, poker players on the online poker client were prompted by the brand to download a software update.
Anyone that followed the prompt was greeted by a complete interface overhaul characterized by enhanced new features and functions. One of the most notable features in the software update was the upgraded table graphics and animations. With the new interface, punters can select from a broad array of playing cards, avatars, emojis, as well as widespread throwables. All these features have been designed to help customers pass the time during a classic poker grind.
With this new software update, PartyPoker customers now easily change their settings without having to go back to the Partypoker lobby. Players can change many settings on the fly like changing seats, switching playing cards, table felts, and even betting buttons without ever having to halt their experience.
This software update has also enlarged the avatars, which means that it is so much easier to identify other players, particularly if you are playing in a multi-table setting. The avatars aren’t just much bigger than before- they also flash displaying various colors to help punters identify their opponent’s actions and moves. For instance, the flashing colors can let you know whether an opponent has folded, wagered, or is thinking about their next move.
Another feature that has been upgraded with the refreshed software is the note-taking section. Now, the note-taking section boasts a meticulous color-coded system that changes an opponent’s halo. If a player has taken notes on a particular opponent and would like to refer back to these notes, all the player has to do is hover their mouse over the opponent’s avatar and notes will automatically be overlayed on the screen for quick and easy access.
Tournament players will also be pleased with the newest in-the-money indicator that is typically located in the top left-hand corner area of the table. The in-the-money indicator displays important information such as the player’s standings in the tournament, how close the player is to the money places, the expected stack size and so much more.
Having this information on hand is essential as it allows a punter to adjust their strategy without having to look elsewhere for information or losing focus. Included in the update is also a brand new hand strength indicator that allows punters to toggle on and off. Other new additions include a refurbished rabbit hunt feature, newly added sounds, as well as a fresh time bank indicator.
What we cover
A change in focus
In 2019, PartyPoker announced that it was changing its focus. According to the announcement, the brand was opting to focus less on competing with and dethroning top competitors. Rather than attempt to take up the number one spot, PartyPoker was going to start paying more attention to enhancing their customers’ player experience while also boosting the overall health of their ecosystem.
This new software update does just that. Along with an improved interface and features, PartyPoker has been adamant on its quest to introduce a new real-name policy for big tournaments and events. This aggressive action is aimed at dealing with cheaters and bots, both of which impact the integrity of the ecosystem. Indeed, PartyPoker was one of the very first international poker operators to prohibit the use of 3rd party data collection tools such as HUDs. It has always remained important to the brand to eradicate the need for their customers to use 3rd parties. This is why this software update is riddled with tools and features designed to help their customers improve their game, as well as the ecosystem as a large.
Another area of focus for PartyPoker recently has been on transparency and improved security. While punters at a lower level and regular games can still use regular aliases, high-profile games require the real name policy to discourage bots. The new internal HUD included in the update helps to balance those 2 things- complete anonymity and maintaining a regular alias in a way that gives players more information while keeping certain important details private.
Such built-in tools are getting more and more popular in the online poker space. With PartyPoker taking a strong stand against any forms of outside assistance or interference, it only makes sense that they would improve their internal HUD system, not just for the brand’s benefit but the customers’, as well.
Last PartyPoker Millions Online Event surpassed the guarantee
The 5th edition of PartyPoker’s marquee event, the high roller MILLIONS Online tournament was held in December 2021 to an eager audience. The $5000+$300 buy-in event attracted 1041 participants across the Day 1 flights to surpass the guarantee by more than 4%. The final prize pool was $5.2 million, slightly lower than the previous Millions Online which was held in February 2021.
After 5 Main Event flights and days of play, the partypoker Millions Online Main Event was finally concluded with Ramiro Petrone from Argentina walking away with the top prize. As a result of his prowess, Petrone was awarded the $859,018 top prize after outlasting Spanish punter Juan Dominguez. About 156 participants walked away with cash winnings.
Some of the notable names that managed to get a piece of the action include:
- Michael Addamo walked away with $11,834. Michael came in at 117th place.
- Adrian Materos bagged $52,714 at 10th place.
- Ali Imsirovic. Imsirovic came it ain’t 69th place and won $15,462
In attendance were also a couple of PartyPoker ambassadors who also successfully cashed the millions tournament. Some of the names in this line-up include:
- Mikita Badziakouski came in 140th place and won $10,653
- Jamie Staples finished at 137th position and walked away with $10,653)
- Joni Jouhkimainen completed the tournament and got the 121st spot, as well as $11,211)
- Patrick Leonard won a cash prize of $13,587 after coming grabbing the (72nd
- Matthew Staples finished in 41st place and took home $18,318.
