In a poker world filled with new YouTube channels, Twitch streams and social media clips, very few shows have managed to stay relevant for more than a decade.
The Chip Race has done exactly that.
This week, the award-winning poker podcast reached the milestone of 200 episodes, and PokerStars is marking the occasion with a special online bounty tournament that gives players the chance to win prizes while hunting down some of the biggest names behind the show.
One of Poker’s Most Respected Podcasts
Hosted by David Lappin and Dara O’Kearney, alongside regular contributor Barry Carter, The Chip Race has built a reputation as one of poker’s most insightful podcasts.
Rather than focusing purely on tournament results, the show mixes interviews with some of poker’s biggest personalities, strategy discussions, industry debate and stories from across the game.
Over the years, guests have included Phil Hellmuth, Jennifer Tilly, Doug Polk, Stephen Chidwick, Jason Koon, Mike Sexton, Maria Konnikova, Shaun Deeb, Scott Seiver, Vicky Coren Mitchell and many more.
PokerStars Marks the Milestone
To celebrate the landmark episode, PokerStars is running a $11 Chip Race Special Bounty Builder on Sunday, July 26th with a $20,000 guaranteed prize pool.
The tournament offers more than just cash prizes.
Players who eliminate one of the featured bounty players will also receive a $109 Sunday Million Anniversary ticket, making the event another qualification route into PokerStars’ upcoming Sunday Million 20th Anniversary festival.
Hunt the Hosts
Among the bounty targets are the podcast’s familiar faces:
- David Lappin
- Dara O’Kearney
- Barry Carter
Joining them are several PokerStars ambassadors, including:
- Benjamin “Spraggy” Spragg
- Marle Spragg
- Sebastian Huber
Knocking out any of these players not only earns valuable prizes but also a little poker bragging rights.
From Irish Poker Show to Global Audience
What began as a podcast aimed largely at the Irish poker community has grown into one of the game’s most recognised voices.
According to Lappin, the original goal was simply to cover the local poker scene and hopefully attract sponsorship. Those ambitions have since been exceeded, with the podcast now reaching listeners in dozens of countries and collecting multiple Global Poker Awards along the way.
Its success has largely been built through consistency rather than viral moments. New episodes have continued to appear year after year, helping players stay connected to the wider poker world through changing trends, online poker booms and the return of live tournaments.
Why Poker Podcasts Still Matter
Video content may dominate today’s poker landscape, but podcasts continue to offer something different.
Long-form interviews allow professional players to discuss the mental side of the game, tournament preparation, bankroll management and the realities of life on the circuit in far greater depth than short-form social media content.
For recreational players, they’re also an easy way to stay connected while commuting, travelling or grinding online sessions.
The continued success of The Chip Race shows there is still a strong appetite for thoughtful poker discussion alongside the latest tournament highlights.
Looking Ahead
Episode 200 is another reminder of how much poker media has evolved over the last decade.
While countless podcasts have come and gone, The Chip Race has remained one of the most consistent voices in the game, combining entertainment, strategy and honest conversation with many of poker’s biggest names.
With PokerStars celebrating the milestone through a special bounty tournament and Sunday Million tickets up for grabs, listeners have another reason to tune in, and perhaps an opportunity to knock out the hosts themselves.
