The Chinese digital commerce leader, Alibaba, is partnering with the media group, Oceans Sports & Entertainment, to introduce the strategy-based card game, Competitive Poker, to the Chinese market. Although specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, both organizations harbor ambitious aspirations, aiming to develop a massive 2 million Competitive Poker participants in China within the next five years.
This is a significant development as wagering is largely prohibited in mainland China, with the exception of government-operated lotteries and the autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Unlike conventional poker variations like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, Competitive Poker eliminates aspects linked to gambling.
Championed by the International Federation of Poker (IFP), Competitive Poker is played in groups, with scores, not currency, deciding the victor. It’s also played virtually via a mobile application, abandoning the traditional in-person, cards-on-the-table structure.
The IFP stresses that Competitive Poker is entirely about proficiency, not chance. Their program is engineered to guarantee every team has an equivalent opportunity to succeed, something they contend traditional poker cannot ensure.
IFP Chairman Patrick Nally is understandably enthusiastic about this collaboration, stating: “The union of Oceans Sports and Alisports establishes one of the most influential sports marketing entities globally. I am thrilled that they are directing their energy, focus, and assets towards the advancement and expansion of Competitive Poker and that they echo my conviction in the immense worldwide potential of the Sport.”
