A.J. Benza dropped from High Stakes Poker

It looks like the long time tag team of Gabe Kaplan and A.J. Benza is no more. The folks that produce High Stakes Poker have decided to go in a different direction and Benza will no longer be a part of the show. High Stakes Poker just happens to be one of my favorite poker shows for a number of reasons the least of which is A.J. Benza. However, Benza served as an excellent straight man to setup Kaplan and seemed to thrive in that role.

Sure, no one is going to be asking A.J. anything about the game of poker but you have to admit that the show has done well despite having to find a new home on more than one occasion. For those of you that enjoy the show the producers are already looking at other talent to replace Benza along side Gabe Kaplan.  Aside from the hosts the show thrives with high stakes action from some of the best poker pros and amateurs in the business. Players like Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Mike Matusow, Barry Greenstein, Jennifer Harmon, Freddy Deeb and a number of others have graced the tables with their presense over the years. So don't expect anything less with the show now going into its sixth season.

I am looking forward to a fresh new host that knows the game and can counter the quirkiness of Kaplans sometimes dated and dry humor.