UB.com announced today that Prahlad Friedman is joining UB as the newest sponsored poker pro. A week after the departure of Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke, the news is meant to allay fears of an exodus and demonstrate the new direction that UB is moving.
The news is particularly compelling because Prahlad Friedman, who played as "Spirt Rock and Mahatma on UB years ago, was one of the biggest winners and the player considered to have been cheated of the most money by the notorious "super user" scandal occurred. Russ Hamilton orchestrated a "super user" access to see hole cards of his opponents and bilked high stakes poker players of millions of dollars. The site has since repaid a large percentage of the stolen money and new ownership has taken over UB. The hiring of Friedman symbolizes finally moving past that dark saga in their past.
Interestingly, Prahlad Friedman has always struck a very independent position in the poker world, never seeking sponsorship common to those of his prominence in the poker community. UB, in their promotion of the sign up, give great affect to both his independent rapping, style and basketball hobbies. He has been a confirmed vegan for years and promotes various causes on Twitter.
Friedman has won millions over the years playing high stakes poker, including a WPT Legends of Poker title, and a WSOP bracelet.
You can read more about his announcement HERE