Tony Dunst Named WPT's Simon Cowell of Cards

Tony "Bond18" Dunst.

Debonair dresser, poker pro and respected blogger Tony "Bond18" Dunst has been named the host of WPT’s The Raw Deal TV segment.

Dunst beat out hundreds of contestants who submitted online audition videos or tried out in person in the WPT's national talent search aimed at finding the “Simon Cowell of Cards."
 
A high-stakes online and tournament player, poker writer and instructor, Dunst's writing is known as an honest and sometimes abrasive look at the poker world that is never afraid to call out the game's biggest stars, making him a good fit for the critic role producers had envisioned for the segment.
 
“Tony is smart, knows the game, has had success in poker and has an irreverent streak,” said World Poker Tour Executive Producer Joe Grimm. “There were a number of tremendously talented individuals who auditioned for the Raw Deal, but Tony stood out for his candor, his knowledge and his delivery. He’s going to have a big impact on the broadcast. He may ruffle some feathers, but he wasn’t brought in to be Mr. Nice Guy.”

Dunst, who made a deep run all the way to 50th in the 2010 WSOP Main Event, said he is looking forward to the opportunity.
 
“For years, I watched the WPT every week and memorized the final hands, then would pick apart the strategy,” he said. "I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with icons Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten, who were crucial to bringing our industry into its modern, global form.  The WPT has given me carte blanche to be myself. I'll be as candid, blunt, and absurd as I like; a sweet deal, and I'm honored they choose me.”
 
WPT Season IX events begin airing this January on Fox Sports Net.

Next up on the tour is a the annual WPT Festa al Lago event at Bellagio Oct. 15-20.