On March 1, Above the Felt Entertainment launched what it called “a new-age experiential talent and marketing agency” focused on connecting poker players, fans, and businesses across industries.
Above the Felt combines leading poker personalities and influencers with a specialized ability to elevate events, businesses, and more through innovative partnerships.
Led by founder Tom Wheaton, founder and CEO of playing card and virtual poker company Faded Spade, the Above the Felt starting roster includes four of the poker industry’s top talent: Chris Moneymaker, Jamie Kerstetter, Darren Elias, and Matt Berkey. Combined, the group accounts for more than $16.5 million in poker tournament winnings and numerous titles. In addition to representing some of the brightest minds and notable personalities in the game, the four members provide tremendous passion and purpose for poker and its positive impact on the world.
“I’ve known Tom for many years from Faded Spade and am very impressed with the company he has built,” Chris Moneymaker, member of the Poker Hall of Fame and 2003 World Series of Poker champion, said. “As a person, I cannot wait to see what he does in this space with Above the Felt. The poker community has an enormous amount to offer, and I’m thrilled to be working with Tom and the team at Above the Felt to expand poker’s reach to companies around the world.”
“I am drawn to Above the Felt because the people involved are top notch and I’m excited to work with them,” Jamie Kerstetter, leading poker player and commentator, added. “I believe Above the Felt can help those of us in the community broaden our influence and grow the game.”
“Above the Felt aims to connect poker players to fans, casinos, and corporations on a global scale,” Darren Elias, four-time World Poker Tour champion, said. “As a player, I’ve always been open to these sorts of opportunities but never spent the time or effort to pursue them. I believe Above the Felt has put together a great team and can create mutually beneficial relationships between players and brands for years to come.”
“Poker is a young industry with very little coordination or collaboration on the business side of things,” Matt Berkey, founder of Solve for Why Poker Training Academy, said. “Currently, there are very few third parties with the best interest of the players in mind. Tom and the Above the Felt team help to market players and cultivate business relationships that wouldn’t otherwise exist.”
The company is positioned to enhance brand awareness, increase lead generation, improve customer acquisition, and engage with clients, employees, and fans in unique ways. Furthermore, Above the Felt will bring new forms of intrigue to poker entertainment while connecting with multiple audiences through one-of-a-kind engagements.
With Above the Felt Entertainment, Wheaton strives to uniquely leverage his poker experience in combination with nearly two decades of corporate marketing and partnership expertise.
“I am delighted to be working with such incredible talent in Chris Moneymaker, Jamie Kerstetter, Darren Elias, and Matt Berkey,” Wheaton said. “We recognize that there is an opportunity for the poker community to greatly benefit companies in and out of our industry through strategic partnerships, creative marketing services, unforgettable experiences, and more.”
