Global Poker League Goes Breaking Bad

Celebrities have been endorsing and playing poker for decades. In the early 2000's during the poker boom we were witness to countless celebrity poker shows that displayed subpar play, but still had a dash of entertainment value. They are more like the rest of us when it comes to poker. We feel like we can beat them, which gives it its appeal. Celebrities are also used to endorse the game. Be it for poker sites, or products, sponsorships are not stranger to the rich and famous. Ben Affleck and Toby Maguire are some of the main fixtures in poker - playing WSOP games and showing up at the infamous Hollywood home poker games where millions are likely exchange on a regular basis. With the Global Poker League midway through their first season, a new player has been thrust in to the mix. Most know him as Jessie Pinkman from AMCs hit TV show - Breaking Bad. Aaron Paul is a 3 time Emmy winning actor and now the latest member of the LA Sunset for the GPL. Opponents of his addition say that Aaron is not a poker player, and most agree, even Aaron. Founder of the GPL - Alex Dreyfus fully admits that Paul is not one of the world's greatest players. He created the GPL to showcase only the best talent in the world, something the addition of Paul does not add to the table. There was much internal debate as to whether or not any 'sponsored' players such as celebrities should be added to the fields. It was decided that they may want to add just one later on down the road, but keep the integrity of the league in tact by having only top professionals. Which to their credit, have done a tremendous jog doing thus far. Being transparent about the entire league has been one of the keys to its growing success. Paul addition to the league has not strayed from this course. Dreyfus stated that he knows Aaron is not a great player, but it was his passion for the game, and in the end, a good way to promote the league. Aaron is not being paid by Dreyfus and is just like any other player in the league. Not a paid sponsor, but another poker player trying to win. The news of Aaron making his way into the GPL comes right before the start of the much anticipated Cube. The Cube is 33 straight days of heads up matches all streamed live on Twictch.tv. Aaron will make his debut as one of the heads up players playing 3 total matches over its course.