As 2026 kicks off, we’re checking in with poker’s biggest names to reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the year to come. Barny Boatman, co-founder of The Hendon Mob and a tournament cashing veteran since 1998, had his biggest score not long ago at the 2024 EPT Paris, taking home $1,388,059.
Reflecting on 2025
When asked about last year’s highlights, Boatman said:
“I love PLO hi-lo tournaments, which I rarely get the chance to play. I’ve final-tabled every single one I’ve played on the PokerStars Open Tour. My trophy from a very small PLO hi-lo event in Monte Carlo was definitely a standout.”
On the downside, 2025 had its struggles. Boatman revealed:
“I got very sick while I was at the WSOP, and the whole summer was a bit of a write-off.”
He admitted he hadn’t set—or fulfilled—any poker resolutions last year, but 2026 is a different story.
Goals and Resolutions for 2026
Boatman plans to approach the game with renewed focus:
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Spend more time playing for the joy of the game rather than intensive study.
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Give full attention to every hand and always have a reason for each action.
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Travel to new poker destinations, including Latin America and Japan.
The Poker Wishlist
Barny’s wishlist for 2026 covers a wide range of ideas aimed at improving the game for everyone:
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Mixed games gaining popularity and attention
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Implementation of more shot clocks
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Players keeping hands behind chips when holding cards
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Reducing very late registration and multiple bullet entries
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A surge of women final-tabling and winning major events so often it’s no longer noteworthy
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Earlier tournament start times and finishes that allow players to have dinner
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Poker media focusing on substance, not personalities
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Tours that schedule events with players in mind, not to sabotage rivals
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Well-paid, well-trained dealers at the WSOP
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Guarantees always honored
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Zero tolerance for one-chip calls that fail to close the action
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Safe, regulated, fair, and legal online poker
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A game free of cheating scandals and represented well by all who love it
Why Keep Playing?
Boatman summed up his enduring passion:
“Poker is endlessly challenging, stimulating, and rewarding. It gives me a life I love… why would I stop?”
With such a long wishlist and continued enthusiasm, it’s clear Barny Boatman isn’t slowing down anytime soon—and neither is his influence on the poker world.
