Auckland Aces Poker: Player of the Year

2012 – Rhian Yates; 2013 – Robert Cairns; 2014 – Tony Walton; 2015 – Francis Nglam; 2016 – Rhian Yates; 2017 – Ben Clifford; 2018 – Michael Heuberger; 2019 – Michael Heuberger; 2020 – Chris Blum; 2021 – Chris Blum; 2022 – Michael Heuberger.

Photo of Tony Walton with Michael Heuberger in 2019.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

From Balmoral to SkyCity: The Rise of Deaf Poker in NZ

Tony, co-founder of Auckland Aces Deaf Poker, explains the club’s two top trophies: the AADP annual title, awarded through league points, and the NZ Deaf Poker Championship, open to all players including Australians and those from other Deaf clubs. The Championship kicked off at ADS Balmoral in 2014 with a big crowd, cameras, and livestreaming. A Friday night pairs event adds extra buzz to the weekend. Now hosted at Auckland’s SkyCity Casino to handle larger buy-ins and bigger numbers, the event keeps growing. Tony also shares how AADP claimed victory in the team event at Deaf Poker Australia in 2018, 2019, and 2022 – ruffling a few Aussie feathers. The secret? Watch Tony's video!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Saturday Showdowns and Online Bluffs: Auckland Aces Deaf Poker

Auckland Aces Deaf Poker kicked off in 2011 when a few keen ADS members decided to try their luck with poker. Friendly games at private homes soon grew into something bigger, and by 2012 the first NZ Deaf Poker Championships were held – now a highlight on the calendar. AADP became official in 2014, with monthly Saturday games locked in to avoid clashing with Friday night catch-ups. The Championships took off, even attracting Aussie players. AADP’s monthly league adds to the excitement, with points tallied toward the coveted Player of the Year Shield. While men have mostly claimed the title, Susan Hamilton came thrillingly close – just three points short. For low-stakes fun, there's always NZ Deaf Poker Online: no buy-in, just bragging rights.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Keethan Sundar, Tony Walton

How Keethan Mastered Poker: Wins, Losses & Lessons

Keethan shares how he got drawn into poker after watching the Auckland Aces play at the old Auckland Deaf Society clubroom on Balmoral Road. From learning the game through his flatmate and an app to competing in both Deaf and hearing tournaments, he’s had his fair share of highs and lows. With multiple appearances at the final table, his poker journey is filled with wins, losses, and valuable lessons!

Ben Clifford