PLAYER PROFILE – Jason Somerville
Jason Somerville did as much as anyone to turn poker into compelling live-streamed content. Known in the streaming world as “JCarver,” he went from a card-obsessed kid on Long Island to one of the defining voices of poker on Twitch. What set him apart wasn’t just that he played well; it was that he could narrate his own thinking out loud while he did it, turning every session into a lesson you didn’t realize you were taking. This is the story of how he reshaped poker streaming.
A Long Island Lad with a Vegas Dream
Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Jason’s affinity for poker began at a young age. But it wasn’t just the thrill of the game that captivated him; it was the nuances, the strategy, the sheer unpredictability of it. That fascination turned into a profession, and set him on the path to becoming a poker streaming pioneer.
The Twitch Revolution
Enter Twitch, the live streaming platform that would become Jason’s stage. Before Twitch became synonymous with gaming of all kinds, poker content was a rarity. Jason, sensing an opportunity, launched his channel, “Run It Up,” bringing poker to the masses in a way it had never been seen before. His approach was simple yet revolutionary: be authentic, be educational, and, above all, be entertaining. This approach resonated with viewers around the globe, quickly amassing a following that would turn “Run It Up” into a poker streaming phenomenon.
Run It Up: More Than Just a Channel
But “Run It Up” was more than just a channel. It was a community, a gathering place for poker enthusiasts of all levels to learn, laugh, and love the game. He had a real gift for breaking down complex poker strategy into something anyone could follow. Whether it was a high-stakes tournament or a casual game, viewers could always expect to walk away with new insights and a greater appreciation for poker. That community was the real draw: a place where fans of every level could interact, trade experiences, and grow closer to the game, whether they were grinding for a living or just learning which hands to play.
Marathons and Milestones
70 Days of Streaming: Somerville once ran a 70-day streaming marathon on Twitch: an unbroken stretch of content that showed just how far he was willing to go for the audience he was building, and it cemented his reputation as one of the hardest-working streamers in the game.
Broadcasting the WSOP on Twitch: Somerville helped bring World Series of Poker coverage to Twitch for the first time, putting the year’s biggest poker event in front of a global audience for free, a reflection of his belief that the game should be open to anyone curious enough to watch, not just those who could afford a seat at the table.
Streaming the 2020 Aussie Millions: Working with Poker Central and Run It Up, Somerville streamed the 2020 Aussie Millions Poker Championship to a global audience, bringing one of the circuit’s most prestigious tournaments to viewers who would never have had a seat near the action otherwise.
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A Pioneer of Poker Education
His contribution went beyond entertainment: he used the platform to teach, not just to perform, treating his audience as players who genuinely wanted to get better. From analyzing hand histories to discussing psychological aspects, Jason’s teachings have helped many players refine their skills. In doing so, he raised the standard for what online poker content could be.
Breaking Boundaries
Jason’s impact on poker and streaming extends beyond the felt and the screen. In 2012, he made the courageous decision to come out as gay, becoming the first high-stakes male player to do so openly. This decision was not just a personal milestone for Jason but a significant moment for the poker community, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity within the game. His openness and bravery have inspired many, contributing to a more welcoming and diverse poker world.
The Legacy of JCarver
Today, Jason Somerville’s legacy is not just defined by his achievements at the table or the number of viewers on his streams. It’s found in the vibrant community he built, the players he inspired, and the conversations he started. Jason has shown that poker is not just a game of luck and skill but a platform for storytelling, education, and community building.
As the next generation streams and stacks chips of their own, Jason’s mark on the poker world is hard to miss. His journey from a poker-loving kid on Long Island to a streaming superstar on Twitch speaks to what one person can build with a camera and a genuine love of the game. Through his streams, his teaching, and the Run It Up community, he changed how a lot of us watch poker, and how the next wave of players learned to love it.
About the Author: Shawn Altbaum has been writing and editing in the online gaming industry since 2007, reporting live from the WSOP Main Event and conducting interviews with professional players. An active poker player, he combines industry expertise with firsthand knowledge of the games he covers. He currently serves as Global Head of Copywriting at NSUS Group, overseeing brand voice and content strategy across GGPoker and GGVegas.
