A fresh perspective on making online poker both enjoyable and rewarding is at the core of Pokeraces, an upcoming platform set to launch soon. Built on the foundation of cutting-edge Web3 technology by the software startup i3Soft.io, Pokeraces seeks to address many of the challenges plaguing the current online poker scene. These issues range from real-time assistance and botting software to the unfair advantages that arise from late registration and unlimited rebuys, making the game less accessible to casual players. Pokeraces aims to level the playing field and restore the fun and excitement that once drew millions to the game.

What sets Pokeraces apart is its unique stance on solvers, bots, and AI tools. Instead of shunning these elements, Pokeraces plans to integrate them in a way that enhances gameplay while minimizing the negative impact they’ve had on traditional online poker platforms.

The Vision Behind i3Soft and Pokeraces

i3Soft, the entity behind Pokeraces, was formed in early 2022 by industry veterans with deep experience in the poker world. Bob Williams, a former Full Tilt Poker executive, joined forces with John Caldwell, who previously worked at PokerStars and PokerNews. Together with Scott White, their long-time associate from Parlay Games, Inc., the trio began laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a game-changing poker platform.

Caldwell shared that the core of their mission revolves around balancing three key aspects: game speed, player skill, and big payouts. Finding the right combination of these factors, while keeping the game fun, was no easy task. However, they believe they’ve found the solution to this trifecta, which could redefine how online poker is played.

Tackling Online Poker’s Biggest Problems

One of the major pain points in online poker today is the imbalance caused by deep-pocketed players who take advantage of late registration and unlimited buy-ins to build massive chip stacks. This often leaves regular players at a significant disadvantage. The team at i3Soft has identified that players who consistently build larger stacks tend to cash for 40% higher payouts on average, which can be the difference between winning and losing over time.

To address this, Pokeraces introduces a format that incorporates both AI and NFTs. In most tournaments, there will be no late-registration period. Instead, players will choose from a pool of virtual AI opponents with equal skill levels, and these AI players will compete in the early stages of the tournament. The results will be determined quickly, with highlights of the most critical hands provided to the real-life players. This approach ensures that all players have an equal chance at success, regardless of their bankroll size.

NFTs and Pokeraces’ Vision

NFTs play a role in authenticating the AI players in Pokeraces tournaments. Although the exact details of the NFT implementation are still being worked out, the platform has partnered with Polygon Studios, a renowned NFT developer. Through this partnership, Pokeraces will mint up to 10,000 PokerACE NFTs, which will grant access to exclusive AI-driven Hold’em games. These games are designed to be fast-paced, allowing players to reach the money stage in just minutes.

This novel approach to poker tournaments eliminates the need for extended late-registration periods and ensures that deep stacks are distributed more equitably among players. Once a player reaches the money, they can choose to take over the gameplay, adding a significant skill element while still maintaining the speed and efficiency of AI-driven play.

A New Era for Online Poker?

While it remains to be seen whether Pokeraces will succeed in reshaping the online poker landscape, its innovative approach certainly stands out. The platform is already generating buzz within the poker community and has launched a Discord server where players and poker enthusiasts can stay updated on the site’s progress.

As Pokeraces prepares for its launch, the question remains: will this bold new direction bring the fun back to online poker, or will it face resistance from traditional players? Time will tell, but Pokeraces is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing developments in online poker in recent memory