- Easy to Beat Poker Sites
- Real Money Poker Sites
- Texas Holdem Poker Sites
- Most Popular Poker Sites
- USA Poker Sites
- Credit Card Poker Sites
- Sit and Go Strategy
- NL Hold'em Strategy
- PL Omaha Strategy
- Tournament Strategy
- General Poker Advice
- Heads Up Poker Strategy
- Online Poker Training
- Online Poker Bonus Guide
5 Reasons You Should Consider a Job as a Poker Reporter
Some of you may have noticed that PokerNews has begun its hiring push for the 2020 World Series of Poker. This means that they are currently recruiting for their live reporting staff to cover the event.
If you have ever thought about working as a poker writer or working in the poker industry in general, this is the type of opportunity you should look into. Personally, I began my poker media career as WSOP live reporter in 2008.
Today, I will give you five reasons why you should consider working as a live poker reporter, whether it be for PokerNews or another organization.
Learn How Events Like the World Series of Poker Really Work
Some of you have played in events like the World Series of Poker, but you probably don’t know all of the work that goes on behind the scenes of an event. When you become a poker reporter, you get to “step behind the curtain” and see what goes on behind the scenes.
You’ll be privy on how events are set up, how they operate, what goes on when players aren’t at the tables, and much more. There is a side of tournament poker that most players will never see, and this is something you’ll get to experience as a poker reporter.
Interact With Poker Elite
One of the best perks of working as a poker reporter is that you get to interact with the elite in poker. Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, or others? You’ll get a chance as a poker reporter.
As a reporter, you’re in the middle of the action taking notes and observing everything. You’ll also get chances to talk with the players from time to time. You never know who will show up either. Will Doyle Brunson come out of retirement and play the 2-7? Will Bobby Baldwin come to play the ONE DROP? You’ll find out.
Network With Other Poker Professionals
Like in any career, networking is important. As a poker reporter, you will get to meet various members of the poker media and the poker industry as a whole. You can network, give out business cards, discuss potential job opportunities and forge bonds that can help you in your poker career.
Personally, I got my first gig in poker through networking. I was friends with a well-known poker media member and she gave a recommendation for me to PokerNews back in the day. It led to my first gig, and ultimately my present career.
Improve Your Writing or Reporting Skills
The only way you will improve as a writer or a reporter is practice. Working as a poker reporter will help you to improve both. Since you will constantly be reporting or writing about the action at the table, you will improve your writing and reporting skills.
Also, don’t be afraid to get feedback from editors and other writers when you’re doing the job. I found advice from editors like Haley Hintze invaluable as I began my poker writing career. It’s an extension of networking that will pay off immediate and future dividends.
Excellent Resume Builder
Working as a live reporter is an excellent way to start building a resume for a career in poker. My gig with PokerNews was my first-ever job as a writer, and it proved a great tool in securing future work. When talking to clients, I could point to my articles and blogs at the site for examples of my work.
A high profile gig can help boost your potential value to new clients and may be the difference-maker in landing certain gigs. I’ve often had a client’s interest piqued when I mentioned I worked for PokerNews. The right gigs can help launch your career.
So if you’re thinking about applying to be a poker reporter for PokerNews, I would encourage you to do so. It may be an entry-level position, but it may be the springboard for your career in the poker media.
