The Chicago Series of Poker is back, and The Overlay is breaking down everything players need to know before the cards hit the air.

This episode dives into the full CSOP schedule featuring 50 poker events, mixed games, deepstacks, specialty tournaments, and 40 Main Event seats being awarded throughout the series. From No-Limit Hold’em grinders to mixed-game sickos, there is something for every kind of poker player.

The series builds all summer long toward the $400 CSOP Main Event on Labor Day weekend, one of the biggest charity poker tournaments of the year in Chicagoland. We talk structures, seat giveaways, points races, tournament value, and why the CSOP has become a must-play poker series for local players.

Shuffle up, lock in, and start planning your CSOP run.

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

🎙️ Episode 122: “The Return of the November Nine?”

Is the World Series of Poker Main Event about to hit the pause button again? 👀 In Episode 122 of The Overlay: A Poker Podcast, Ken and Brandon dive into the buzz around the WSOP Main Event final table delay and the possibility of a return to the legendary November Nine format.

Would a delayed final table build hype… or just give everyone too much time to study solvers and practice their victory speeches in the mirror? 🤔

The guys break down the pros, cons, and poker politics of hitting the brakes on the biggest final table in the world. Then things get spicy as Ken and Brandon imagine they’re King of the WSOP for a Day—drafting their dream sponsors and unveiling their completely serious but chaotic master plan to improve poker’s biggest stage.

Expect strategy talk, industry insight, and a few laughs along the way—because whether you’re grinding your local charity tournament or dreaming of a Vegas bracelet, poker should be smart, fun, and maybe just a little ridiculous.

If you love poker stories, poker strategy, and poker debates that are half think tank and half poker table banter, pull up a chair and listen in.

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations

🎙️ Episode 121: “Run Good or Run Bad: Poker’s Wild Ride Through 2025”

Poker in 2025 had everything: heaters, coolers, scandals, and spreadsheets. In Episode 121 of The Overlay, we break down the highs and lows of the year that reminded everyone why poker is equal parts dream factory and bankroll test.

We talk about the post-COVID poker boom and how the game shifted from pure competition to a full-blown experience, highlighted by the WSOP posting its 3rd largest turnout ever. From packed fields to massive prize pools, poker feels like we've flopped top set with the nut flush draw against a pretty dry board but wet enough to get some action from the fish at the table — and then some.

The crew digs into standout moments, including the impact of Michael Mizrachi's HOF year, the biggest crash-out of 2025, and why variance still doesn’t care about your feelings. We also rant (politely… kinda) about the new poker tax, and unpack the effects of an NBA / poker cheating scandal that had the whole gambling world buzzing and checking their pockets at their own home games for safety.

If you love poker stories, industry debates, WSOP talk, and honest grinder takes from the largest poker market in the Midwest, this episode is for you. Buckle up — 2025 played fast, loose, and occasionally on tilt. ♠️🔥

The Overlay a poker podcast ♧♢♡♤

If you enjoy our show, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. If you are listing on Spotify, please hit that follow button. Wherever you listen to our podcast please share us with your friends or enemies (however you see fit) and we thank you for supporting our poker podcast.

Do you have questions or suggestions for the show? Do you want Brandon to go over a hand you just played? Do you have a prop bet story for Ken? Please send us a tweet or direct message on Twitter.

Follow us on Twitter @theoverlaypod and check out our website at LinkTr.ee/theoverlaypod or search for and listen to The Overlay a poker podcast on all major podcast apps and platforms.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Are you in the Chicago area?
Check out CCGpoker.com for weekend charity poker events with great tournaments and cash game action.

Are you in the Central Illinois area?
Check out CICGpoker.com for local charity poker events brought to you by Central Illinois Charitable Games. Tournaments and Cash Games every Saturday in Central Illinois locations