Matt Berkey Returns to WSOP After a Summer Break: Life Beyond the Only Friends Podcast

Matt Berkey is back at the tables, but this time with a refreshed perspective after a summer of cash games and a significant chapter closure in his poker career. What led to this hiatus, and how does Berkey feel about his return to the World Series of Poker?

After 719 episodes, Matt Berkey bid farewell to the Only Friends podcast on April 25, 2025. This marked the end of a poker podcast that had steadily grown into a fan favorite, akin to the popular sports talk formats like The Pat McAfee Show. Despite its immense success, Berkey and his rotating crew of poker professionals decided the time had come to close this chapter. It wasn’t an easy decision, but as Berkey reveals, the final episode left him with mixed emotions, as he realized just how deeply the show had impacted the poker community.

Image Courtesy: WSOP

A Shocking End to a Staple Podcast

“When we wrapped up Only Friends, I was genuinely shocked by the reaction. I didn’t realize the show had become such a cornerstone for poker fans. We mainly tracked the analytics, and it was hard to gauge the true loyalty of our audience,” Berkey confessed. 

Despite a show that aired five days a week, the team was unaware of the sheer size of their core following until the end. This emotional closure added a bittersweet touch to the otherwise carefree summer.

After ending the podcast, Berkey’s next steps were less about the spotlight and more about cash games. He chose a quieter route, retreating to Bobby’s Room—a well-known high-stakes poker setting in Las Vegas where legends have been made. The decision to distance himself from the pressure and attention surrounding his podcast’s end seemed to suit him just fine.

A Return to Tournament Poker

However, the lure of the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was undeniable. This summer, Berkey returned to the tournament scene, taking a seat on Day 1D of the WSOP Main Event. It marked his first bracelet event of the season, and Berkey seemed eager to recapture some of the magic that saw him finish 43rd in the 2010 WSOP Main Event, securing a prize of $206,395.

When reflecting on the significance of the WSOP Main Event, Berkey expressed, “This tournament is special. Until I’m so financially secure that $10 million doesn’t matter, I can’t imagine missing this event. The significance of this tournament is too great, and I can’t stay away.”

With career earnings totaling $4.8 million, Berkey’s love for tournament poker remains, despite his more casual involvement this summer.

Life After Only Friends

Many assumed that with the Only Friends podcast wrapped up, Berkey would dive deeper into his poker pursuits. However, he clarified that the end of the podcast didn’t create as much free time as some might think. 

“People assumed I had a lot more time on my hands after ending the show. But in reality, it didn’t take up that much of my time. Running a five-day-a-week show wasn’t taxing—it was only a couple of hours a day,” he explained.

Instead of poker domination, Berkey found himself focusing more on fitness, adjusting his morning routine, and minimizing distractions. As a result, his summer felt noticeably different, though not necessarily less productive.

For fans of Only Friends, Berkey’s insights into the significant poker moments of the summer—such as Benny Glaser’s three bracelet wins, Nick Schulman’s rising legacy, and Martin Kabrhel’s Player of the Year contention—would have been welcomed with open arms. Yet Berkey didn’t seem too disappointed by his lack of involvement in these discussions. His main priority this summer was enjoying a quieter lifestyle, far removed from the buzz surrounding the poker community.

What’s Next for Berkey?

Now that Berkey has returned to the WSOP tables, his involvement in the poker world is back in full swing. While the Only Friends podcast may have come to an end, Berkey’s poker career is far from over. Whether or not he returns to the studio for another podcast or focuses entirely on high-stakes games remains to be seen.

As for now, Berkey is relishing his time at the WSOP Main Event, hoping to make a deep run and remind the poker world that his competitive spirit is alive and well.

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FAQS

Q1: Why did Matt Berkey end the Only Friends podcast?
Matt Berkey and his team decided to end the podcast due to a combination of studio lease issues and questions about the long-term financial viability of the show. Despite the popularity of Only Friends, they felt the show had run its course.

Q2: Has Matt Berkey played many poker tournaments this summer?
No, Berkey focused primarily on cash games, particularly in Bobby’s Room, before returning to the WSOP Main Event for the first time this summer.

Q3: How much has Matt Berkey earned in his poker career?
As of now, Matt Berkey’s career earnings amount to $4.8 million, with his deep run in the 2010 WSOP Main Event remaining one of his top finishes.

Q4: Will Berkey return to podcasting?
It’s unclear whether Berkey will return to podcasting, but for now, he seems content focusing on high-stakes poker and personal fitness.l