Pokerbots 2025 Early Registration is live!
Intro-to-Poker Lectures will be May 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 6 from 2-3:30pm in PG6 114!
Competition Begins: May 10th!
Prizes: $3,000 Cash Prizes, $900+ Non-Cash Prizes!
What is Pokerbots?
Pokerbots is a computerized poker tournament. Teams have one month to program a completely autonomous pokerbot which competes against other bots in Texas hold'em Poker.
Competitors must learn and apply concepts in mathematics, computer science, and economics not normally developed together in academic settings in order to conquer their opponents and emerge victorious.
FAQ
Why Poker?
As a game of incomplete information and uncertainty, poker is a prime application of the game theory concepts and decision making skills essential to trading. While traders make risk decisions based on the limited information they get from the markets, poker players make decisions based on hidden information as well, taking into account factors such as expected value and probability distributions.
I thought this was a programming competition? What language is it in?
It is! To build a working pokerbot only requires both critical thinking ability and an eagerness to learn. However, an understanding of machine learning, algorithms, and data science can go a long way towards creating an advanced pokerbot. Competitiors can compete in the programming language of their choice.
Machine learning? Algorithms? Exactly how much coding experience is necessary?
We welcome students with all levels of programming experience. Nevertheless, some previous coding experience would certainly be helpful. Although not necessary, we recommend you have at least one team member with some programming experience.
What form of poker will it be?
We will be playing a heads-up Texas hold'em Poker Tournament. In heads-up, each game is a 1v1.
How many members can make up a team?
Teams may be composed of 1-4 students. All fields and levels of study are welcome to participate.
Do I have to be on campus?
Nope! Our lectures are recorded on Zoom and posted in the github, available for FIU Students. In addition, all submissions can be done online and we can hold virtual office hours via zoom.
Do I have to be an FIU student to participate?
For our course and tournament you must be an FIU student. All members of each team must be enrolled in FIU as a student. We are trying and considering opening it to other schools as well.
How do I register?
Here!
How much time will it take to make a pokerbot?
Creating a functioning pokerbot takes no time at all. However, creating a competitive and strategic pokerbot will require more effort and experimentation. Ultimately, the more you put into your pokerbot, the more value you will receive from the class!
Question? Comments? Concerns? We'd love to hear from you.
You can reach the Pokerbots Team at [email protected].