Making Mixed Games fun on Twitch with Mason Pye

We chat to newly sponsored Team PokerStars streamer Mason 'PyeFacePoker' Pye about whether Mixed Games can be popular on Twitch.

Mixed games have always been tough to make entertaining on TV because new players struggle to keep up compared to Hold’em. Is that the same issue for Twitch?

Mason Pye: Mixed Games can certainly be overwhelming for those coming from just a Hold’em background. They’re used to two cards, a flop, turn and river and now suddenly they’re watching someone play with four, five and sometimes even seven cards. The reason why Twitch itself is so popular is because of the variety of stream categories it offers, and this is the same for Twitch Poker. Although the majority of streamers broadcast Hold’em, there is certainly a place for Mixed Games. If there is more exposure on the platform, then viewers who are new will become more receptive for sure.

Why are you attracted to Mixed Games because a lot of people think they are dying out as a format online?

Mason Pye: What attracted me to Mixed Games was the variety they offer. Like most things, when things start to become repetitive, you become bored. I feared that I would fall out of love with the game if I just constantly played Hold’em, let alone the mistakes I would make deep into a long session. By mixing things up, you’re constantly focused and engaged, and this is what I liked.

I disagree with the statement that Mixed Games are ‘dying out’ as a format online. I accept they will never be as popular as Hold’em, but you only have to look as far as SCOOP and WCOOP to see how many people get involved and play them, not to mention the daily schedule which still attracts many.

"Mixed Games are refreshing on Twitch"

Which of the new Stars formats like Fusion and 6+ do you like?

Mason Pye: Being a Mixed Games player, I’m always open to new games being introduced no matter how crazy they may seem at first. My personal favourite was Fusion. The combination of the two most popular games in poker made it a real fun format for everyone. What’s great as well is that players are always willing to try out these new formats which is great to see for a Mixed Games player like myself.

How did you discover Twitch and what made you want to stream there?

Mason Pye: I discovered Twitch through a certain Jason Somerville who streamed in a way that was both entertaining and educational. It was all down to his ‘Next Great Top Twitch Streamer’ Platinum Pass Adventure that I decided to stream. He encouraged people to turn on their webcams and put themselves out there on the Twitch platform in return for a Platinum Pass for the eventual winner. I made the Top 5, but unfortunately didn’t take it down. Without that competition, I would not be where I am now.

What do you think you bring to Twitch that your audience responds well to? Why do you think you got the PokerStars sponsorship deal?

Mason Pye: For me I believe it is the energy, charisma and passion I bring to my stream. If you’re not having fun, how is anyone else watching meant to have fun? I like to get to know my audience. At the end of the day, they are taking time out of their day to watch you so it’s important for me to get to know them. Besides this, I believe I offer something different in terms of the fact I stream Mixed Games which can be a refreshing change from the multiple Hold’em streamers there is on the platform.

In one way Twitch connects you to hundreds or thousands of people, in another it’s just you alone in your room. How ‘social’ does Twitch feel to you the streamer?

Mason Pye: Although from an outsider’s perspective it seems that you’re alone in your room talking to a computer screen, it is more social than it first appears. The reason why Twitch has a chat box is so that you can interact and make the whole streaming experience more ‘social’. Not once have I felt isolated. If you do feel so, you should talk to yourself about your day, or what you got up to at the weekend for example because you never know who is lurking who might have something to say about it.

"Community support helps your mental game"

Has streaming hurt or helped your own game and development?

Mason Pye: Streaming has both hurt and helped my game and development. It has hurt it in the sense of the fact that I now must concentrate more on other things besides the tables that I’m playing. This may be looking at chat or reading out a sub message which can all be a juggling act at times. However, on the other hand, it has helped me in the sense of now I can control my emotions. Knowing that there are many people watching has helped my mental game since you get a lot of support from your community if things are not going your way.

How important is it to be a good winning player to also be a credible Twitch streamer?

Mason Pye: I don’t believe you have to be a good winning player to become a credible streamer or to receive a sponsorship. Yes, without a doubt it helps since viewers want to watch and learn from the best. However, people watch Twitch Poker for different reasons whether that may be for educational purposes, high stakes action, the community vibe, or entertainment. I believe that as long as you’re a good ambassador and passionate about the game, it will reciprocate well amongst your peers.

Do you have any idea how many people might have started playing poker because they were introduced to it on your stream?

Mason Pye: Since I’m a Mixed Games streamer, I have had many new people come to the stream who have no understanding of any of the games since they have only played Hold’em. What’s gratifying is the fact that some of our audience has watched the stream and decided to learn these new games and have gone onto to be successful in them. Not only this, some of the audience have even branched out to stream some of these games on their own channels which is amazing to see from myself who is passionate about people getting involved and playing Mixed Games.

You can watch Mason Pye stream Mixed Games live on Twitch.