International news

  On September 10, 2026, PokerNews interviewed John Hardin, Poker Director of the new Dallas poker club, Champions Social Club, focusing on the positioning and operational direction of this new Texas Hold'em location. Following a significant legal victory for the local poker community last year, Champions Social Club was able to begin preparations, transforming the former renowned steakhouse space into a high-end club combining poker, dining, and social experiences. Unlike most Texas Hold'em clubs that prioritize scale and number of tables, Hardin's goal for Champions Social Club is quite clear: not to capture the entire Dallas market, but to create a more refined, comfortable poker space that attracts a specific clientele. The venue for the Dallas location of Champions Social Club, formerly the well-known III Forks steakhouse, was once a Dallas dining landmark, thus preserving a distinct spatial atmosphere from typical poker clubs. Even after the transformation into a poker club, the venue retains the overall ambiance of the original upscale steakhouse. This has become one of the most recognizable features of Champions Social Club. Hardin believes that this environment, which combines the features of a high-end restaurant with a card room, allows players to come not just for a game of cards, but also as a place to gather, dine, and socialize. John Hardin, who previously served as Poker Director at Bellagio and Bobby's Room Champions Social Club, is not from Texas, but he has over 20 years of experience in the poker industry. His resume includes: long-term involvement in poker games, working as a dealer at Bellagio in Las Vegas, running private poker games in Atlanta, and managing the renowned high-stakes cash game Bobby's Room at Bellagio. Bobby's Room has long been a major gathering place for top high-stakes cash game players worldwide. It was during that experience that Hardin came into contact with some well-known high-stakes players from Texas and the Dallas area. Therefore, although he is not from Dallas, he is quite familiar with the local poker scene. Building Local Connections in Six Months, Hardin is Optimistic About Texas Hold'em Culture. Hardin has been in this position for about six months and is currently gradually building relationships with local players, staff, and the poker community in Dallas. He describes Texas Hold'em as a market with a deep historical background. In his view, Texas Hold'em players often have specific requirements for poker rooms, so Champions Social Club cannot attract all players away from their existing venues simply by "opening a new location." Therefore, his chosen strategy is not to aggressively seize market share, but to first define its position.