Poker Legend Tony G Resigns from European Parliament

Antanas Guoga, better known in the poker community as Tony G, has resigned his Lithuanian Parliament seat. It appears for now that his political career is over.

According to the Baltic Times, Guoga stepped down based on his “own free will.” Tony G tweeted that he plans on devoting more time to business interests and playing poker in the near future.

Yesterday, I decided to resign from the Lithuanian Parliament for a number of important reasons - I don’t think I can exact the change desperately needed in national politics. I now focus on business - maybe I may have some more time to play some poker! 🚴 https://t.co/QhrEJ8rtWL

— Antanas Guoga (@TonyGuoga) January 13, 2021

Tony G Clashed with Labor Party Chairman

Guoga kicked off his political career by successfully running for a European Parliament seat in 2014. Representing Lithuania in the EU, he established himself as one of Europe’s rising politicians.

Tony G kept his European Parliament seat until 2019, when he lost a re-election campaign. However, he was able to secure a seat in the Lithuanian Parliament and continue in the field.

A member of the Labor Party, Guoga sometimes clashed with the party’s chairman, MEP Viktor Uspaskich. Citing disagreements with Uspaskich, Tony G no longer felt that he could be a difference-maker for his country.

"People elected me to the Seimas on the Labor Party's list. […] I'm leaving, first of all, because I don't want to mislead these people,” he explained.

“I feel a great responsibility towards them, but at the same time, I see that with the Labor Party, it is impossible to deliver what they were promised before the election.”

"There are decent, smart and energetic people in the Labor Party. However, they are all held hostage by one individual today," Guoga added.

Tony G particularly had problems with Uspaskich’s claims that mineral water can cure COVID-19. He was replaced by Arturas Skardzius in the Labor Party after resigning.

Expect to See More of Tony G in Poker

Guoga may not be carrying on in the political realm. As he said, though, this now frees him up to play more poker.

Even as a politician, Tony G still found time to enjoy the game. He was spotted at high-stakes games in King’s Casino (Rozvadov, Czech Republic) during his political days. Guoga competed in some live tournaments at King’s Casino as well.

Tony G gained fame in the poker world for a long resume of impressive results and his brash table talk. Guoga also became a star in televised games for humorous banter along with memorable outbursts. He famously berated Ralph Perry by continuously shouting “bring on more Russians” after winning a big hand.

Guoga’s poker success was even greater off the felt. He started iBus Media, the parent company behind PokerNews. He sold eventually iBus Media to PokerStars for an undisclosed sum.

Tony G also ran an online poker room called PokerChamps with Gus Hansen. He earned a $5 million cut after selling PokerChamps.

It’s unclear what type of business Guoga intends to pursue more now that he’s done with politics. He may even dive back into the poker media world again.