Full Tilt Durrrr Million Dollar Challenge was a popular poker show broadcasted on SKY Sports between 2009 and 2010. The show was centered around a series of heads-up matches between two of the most renowned poker pros of the time, Ilari Sahamies and Tom Dwan, both known for their aggressive and unconventional playstyle.
The challenge was initiated by Tom Dwan, who publicly called out the best online poker players in the world, offering to put up $1.5 million of his own money to play them in a heads-up match. Ilari Sahamies, a Finnish pro known as "Ziigmund" in the online poker world, was one of the few pros brave enough to accept the challenge, and the Full Tilt Durrrr Million Dollar Challenge was born.
The format of the challenge was a series of ten heads-up No-Limit Texas Hold'em matches, with each match consisting of 500 hands. The winner of each match would take home $150,000, and the overall winner of the challenge would receive an additional $1.5 million bonus.
The matches were played over several months, with players taking turns choosing the stakes for each match, ranging from $200/$400 to $500/$1000 blinds. The games were played online on Full Tilt Poker, but they were filmed with hole cards revealed for later broadcasting on SKY Sports.
The Full Tilt Durrrr Million Dollar Challenge quickly became a sensation in the poker world, as it showcased some of the most exciting and high-stakes poker ever played. The viewers were treated to a display of skill, aggression, and unconventional plays, as both players tried to outsmart each other in every way possible.
The rivalry between the two pros was evident, as they frequently exchanged verbal jabs and tried to get under each other's skin. However, despite the heated moments, the two players respected each other's skill and were able to maintain a high level of sportsmanship throughout the matches.
The Full Tilt Durrrr Million Dollar Challenge also featured expert commentary from some of the most reputable poker analysts of the time, including Phil Hellmuth, Mike Sexton, and Tony G. Their insights and analysis added depth and context to the action and made the show more engaging for both seasoned and novice poker fans.
In the end, the Full Tilt Durrrr Million Dollar Challenge was a huge success, as it provided an unprecedented level of access to the minds and strategies of two of the best poker players in the world. The show paved the way for future high-stakes poker broadcasts, and it remains a classic of its genre to this day.
In conclusion, the Full Tilt Durrrr Million Dollar Challenge was a groundbreaking poker show that showcased some of the most exciting and high-stakes poker ever played. The rivalry between Ilari Sahamies and Tom Dwan, the expert commentary, and the high production values all contributed to making it a classic of its genre. If you are a fan of poker, this show is definitely worth checking out.
