Tony G Is Next on SuperStar Showdown

PokerStars has officially announced that Isildur1 plays against Tony G in the second game of the SuperStar Showdown, a challenge specifically designed to face the elusive Swede pro. Play begins at 16:00 ET on Sunday, 2nd January, 2011.

The first instalment of the Showdown hosted Isildur1 and Isaac 'philivey2694' Haxton; although the Swede led for the better part of their clash, Haxton ultimately managed to win, earning $41.701. Isildur1 almost instantly demanded a re-match, arguing Haxton could only win due to his luck. His chance for compensation has to wait, though; PokerStars has just announced that his next opponent is no other than Tony G.

The two have a history which makes this game particularly exciting: Tony G used to speak highly of the mysterious pro, offered him sponsorship and even invited him to PartyPoker’s and Matchroom Sport’s Big Game IV, the 48 hours long live cash game show held in London. The Swede first accepted the offer, but backed out later, in the very last moment, sending Tony G a simple text message saying “Sry for not coming, take care bud.” G, of course, was very upset and there has been tension between them ever since.

The $50/$100 challenge is played on two NLHE and two PLO tables, won by either of them ahead after 2,500 hands. They bring their own money in, $150,000 each for the four tables in total. Isildur1 actually happens to be able to afford it this time: he won around $300,000 this week, earning over $218,000 in a single session of 9,600 hands of PLO.