Once Prominent Poker Star Justin "BoostedJ" Smith Returns to WSOP After Nine-Year Absence

Key Takeaways:

• Justin Smith, known as "BoostedJ", returns to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) after a nine-year hiatus.
• Smith has transitioned from poker to producing movies and TV shows, and is involved in the music industry.
• He plans to enter a few events at the WSOP, aiming for his first bracelet.

Justin "BoostedJ" Smith, a name that resonated with the high-stakes pulse of the late 2000s poker scene, both online and at live tables, had vanished from the forefront of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) for almost a decade. Yet, the now 36-year-old made a noteworthy return to the WSOP arena, diving into Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship (8-Handed). Smith's journey from the virtual felt to the glitzy production sets of Hollywood and back again offers a tale of talent, transition, and the timeless allure of the game.

What's Been Happening with "BoostedJ"?

Smith, whose poker accolades were once the talk of the town, last made a WSOP cash appearance in 2013. His sudden urge to return to the poker tables was sparked by a spontaneous desire to engage with the game once more. "I was very burnt out, I took a very long hiatus," Smith disclosed, shedding light on his prolonged absence from the poker world. Despite stepping away from rigorous poker competition, Smith remained active, channeling his creative energy into the realms of movie and TV production, as well as the music industry.

An intriguing project that Smith is currently developing is a biopic on the legendary Doyle Brunson, a testament to his enduring connection to the poker community. However, transitioning from poker tables to the director's chair hasn't dulled Smith's competitive edge.

A New Era in Poker

Returning to the WSOP felt, Smith found himself in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by new faces and an evolved game dynamic. His wonderment at the current state of poker reflects the seismic shifts the industry has experienced over the past decade, with cryptocurrency and new economic influxes reshaping the landscape.

Smith's poker legacy is not one to be understated. With televised appearances on Poker After Dark and a commendable $2.2 million in tournament cashes, his poker journey encapsulates the zenith of the game's boom era. Yet, it's the untold stories, the high-stakes cash games away from the cameras, and the relentless grind that Smith reminisces about, highlighting the unseen dedication behind his success.

The Quest for a WSOP Bracelet

As Smith settles back into the world of competitive poker, his sights are set on capturing a WSOP bracelet, a symbol of pinnacle achievement in the poker world. His journey from playing micro-stakes online to competing in the world's most prestigious poker events illustrates a remarkable arc of growth and ambition.

Smith's return to the WSOP is not just a personal milestone but a moment of reflection for the poker community, reminding us of the evergreen nature of the game and the diverse paths its protagonists embark upon. As we follow Smith's endeavor in the $10k PLO and beyond, his story serves as a beacon for both enduring passion and adaptability, resonating with poker aficionados and dreamers alike.

Stay tuned to see if "BoostedJ" can turn this comeback into a golden triumph at the WSOP tables.