Brian Balsbaugh is a Las Vegas-based attorney and sports/entertainment agent specializing in poker, iGaming, and sports betting. He founded Poker Royalty, the first management agency dedicated exclusively to professional poker players, representing top talent such as the late Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth. His career in the industry began in 1998, negotiating sponsorships, media deals, and player contracts.
A graduate of Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Balsbaugh has leveraged his legal expertise to build a prominent agency that bridges poker, eSports, and sports betting. In 2012, he co-founded eSports Management Group (eMG) with Tobias "Tumba" Sherman, expanding his reach into professional gaming. He continues to be an active voice on industry trends through his Twitter presence @Balsbaugh.
Balsbaugh’s current focus remains on Poker Royalty, where he oversees representation and business development for poker professionals and iGaming talent. His work has been cited by Forbes and industry outlets, and his agency is recognized as a gaming service provider by regulatory bodies like the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Career History
| Company | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Poker Royalty, LLC | Founder & CEO | – present |