Tony Dunst Joins World Poker Tour Broadcast TeamDunst Will Host New 'Raw Deal' Segment on Show |
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The World Poker Tour recently announced that poker professional and Card Player blogger Tony Dunst will be joining the broadcast team as a new commentator during the WPT’s ninth season on Fox Sports Net.
Dunst will be hosting an on-air segment called the “Raw Deal” which the WPT hopes will liven up the broadcast. Dunst is known for being one of the more out-spoken pros on the circuit and is never afraid to speak his mind.
Dunst auditioned for the role in August during the WPT’s stop at the Legends of Poker tournament at the Bicycle Casino. He beat out hundreds of contestants who either submitted online audition videos or tried out in person including other pros such as Joe Sebok, Bryan Devonshire and Clonie Gowen.
“For years, I watched the WPT every week and memorized the final hands, then would pick apart the strategy,” said Dunst. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with icons Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten, who were crucial to bringing our industry into its modern, global form. The WPT has given me carte blanche to be myself. I’ll be as candid, blunt, and absurd as I like; a sweet deal, and I’m honored they chose me.”
According to the WPT, Dunst was chosen, among other reasons, for fitting “perfectly within the WPT global framework,” having lived in Las Vegas, China and Australia. According to a press release in July, the WPT was looking for the “Simon Cowell of cards.”
“Tony is smart, knows the game, has had success in poker and has an irreverent streak,” said WPT Executive Producer Joe Grimm. “There were a number of tremendously talented individuals who auditioned for the Raw Deal, but Tony stood out for his candor, his knowledge and his delivery. He’s going to have a big impact on the broadcast. He may ruffle some feathers, but he wasn’t brought in to be Mr. Nice Guy.”
Dunst is the latest in a number of changes for the WPT. This season Matt Savage was hired on as the Executive Tour Director, Kimberly Lansing returned as the tour’s anchor and the Royal Flush Girls were added to bring some sex appeal to the broadcast.
Dunst, who plays online as Bond18, has been competing on the circuit for the last six years and has over $1 million in tournament earnings. His duties will begin with one-on-one interviews prior to the start of the Festa al Lago at Bellagio on October 15.
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