WSOP Announces Final Table Delay
Sunday May 4, 2008
The champion of this year's World Series of Poker main event won't be decided until November because of a change in format. The 39th annual WSOP begins on May 30th at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with 55 events this year. The $10,000 no limit main event will get under way on July 3rd and is scheduled to be played for 13 days until the field is narrowed down to the nine players making the final table. Instead of playing it out immediately, the final table action will be stopped and will not resume until November 9th when it will be played down to the final two players who will compete in a heads up match on November 10th to determine the champion. The taped delayed action of the event will be broadcast on ESPN within hours of the actual tournament.
Jeffrey Pollack, the WSOP commissioner said that during the 117 day delay, players will have an opportunity to line up sponsorships, coaches, review the play of all their competitors, participate in other tournaments, and take advantage of the new publicity and promotional opportunities that will be available.
Some players were excited about the new format while others expressed displeasure at the prospect of having to stop and wait months to conclude the event.
Comments
Well, that just plain stinks–especially if you are from another country.
You’ll have to travel to Las Vegas TWICE, spending more than TWICE the amount of money–no more money. Even if you live in the USA, you’ll still have to travel twice. If you happen to be a working stiff, try getting the time off to go back for another few days.
Clearly, by November, the price of jet fuel at that time will increase the price of the transportation many times over the original ticket. Don’t count on the WSOP picking up that tab. (Go get yourself a sponsor, eh?!)
I agree that a delay would be good…say a couple of day’s worth to catch up on some rest.
Sounds like the WSOP folks have screwed up a good thing. It’s an absolute shame. Ahhhhh, but THEIR pockets will get lined with more gold from the interest that the money accrues.
It’s a bad beat all around for the players, but it’s a cash cow for the WSOP and the Rio.
This is a really stupid idea. Must be because of ESPN. Look for participation to take another huge drop with this move. Anybody remember “New Coke”?