'I know what the people want' - Jared Bleznick on changing poker commentary

At the 2025 WSOP, Jared Bleznick faced a choice: play the $50K Poker Players Championship (PPC) or grab the mic and commentate. He chose the mic — and has no regrets.

“I told Mori (Eskandani – PokerGO Producer) that I wasn't going to play the $50K Players Championship,” shared Bleznick. “I told him I wanted to focus on commentating on that tournament instead.”

Bleznick’s refreshing banter, acerbic player takes, and sense of joy for the game were so well-received that he was invited on the WSOP Main Event stream with PokerGO fan favorites Brent Hanks and Jeff Platt.

In part two of PokerOrg’s conversation with Bleznick (read part one on his journey with Michael Mizrachi to the Main Event bracelet), we learn about his genuine passion for commentating, his preferred partner in crime on the mic, and his enthusiasm for inspiring players to learn mixed games.

Jared Bleznick plays poker for fun — and is currently enjoying commentating even more.

How was your experience commentating the PPC?

It's my favorite event to commentate on because of the mix of the games and the fact that I know 90% of the players. I have a very good feel for how many people play, so it just made it a lot easier for me. I’m in my element when I know them personally. It was truly an amazing experience. It was also exciting because one of my close friends won the tournament.

Oh, you mean the guy who went on to also win the Main Event? 

To see a guy like The Grinder win the PPC four times, people don't realize what actually happened. Even he doesn't get it. I have to tell Michael that what he's doing is on levels that we've never seen. I think he's so humble that he doesn't even realize how impressive it is to have accomplished what he has. He basically ran over that final table.

How long did you play professionally?

Poker was my income for 15 years of my life, between 16 and 31. I'm fortunate that I no longer have to play poker to earn a living. I figure that 99% of the poker players at the WSOP are there to make their earnings for the summer, or even for their entire year. I attend the WSOP because I enjoy it. It's not so much about the money — and now it’s the chance to commentate. Those moments on the mic were the best part of the summer for me.

Were you compensated well for your time in the booth? 

I'm doing it for no money. I've turned down money. I don't want to get paid for that because it's not a job for me, right? I show up randomly. When I covered the Main Event, it was on one day's notice. 

How would you improve your performance in the booth?

I first want to share that I never realized how much I appreciated the game of poker until I started commentating on it. A lot of commentary is about who you're working with. I like to talk when I'm in the zone. I'll tell you right now that I could be so much better at this, but I don't have the time to commentate full-time. I'll never be able to do that. I have my card-collector company to run. 

Jared Bleznick has tasted glory at the WSOP but is now enjoying his time in the booth.

How many times have you commented now? 

I've only done it four times. 

And what did you learn when you watched the streams back?

I repeat the same thing a lot. I say the same things. The problem with me is that I don't really have a good vocabulary, and my English is pretty bad. Mori gave me some advice. He told me I need to go to broadcasting school if I really want to do this. I know I could be so much better if someone told me this is your job for the next month. The key to being great at commentary is knowing your shit. You have to know your shit.

This may sound cocky, but I could be the best commentator in the history of poker. I would be because I know what I can do, and I know the limits I can reach. Right now, I’m nowhere near what my potential could be. 

Based on most of the feedback, fans and players loved what you contributed.

I know what the people want, right? Just as I know what my customers want in my card-collector business. 

How important is having a good partner in the booth to bounce ideas back and forth with?

That matters as much as anything. I need to be with someone where I can lead the way, right? I want to be the one leading the broadcast. I don't want to be the guy who talks about the ads and that type of stuff. I want to call the action and discuss how a player is misplaying a hand, or whatever the situation may be.  

Who do you think would be a great partner for you?

I mean, my number one wouldn't be close — it’s Brent Hanks. First of all, I think he's beyond hilarious. He's one of the funniest guys in poker. I’m also close to Brent on a personal level. We have a good friendship. I think the key to being good at commentary is understanding what the other person is thinking. And I feel like Brent knows where we’re headed when we’re commentating.

You received a ton of positive comments during your time on the mic at the PPC. That had to be rewarding.

I enjoy the mixed games. I really want to help people learn the other games. I cannot tell you how many people came up to me and said, ‘You've taught me so much about mixed games. I want to start playing this or that game now.’ The funny thing is that historically, I'm not the type of person who typically looks at comments on my posts on X. However, I did read them this time. People were very complimentary. I appreciated them. That feedback has inspired me to do more.