Poker on TV - The World Series of Poker on ESPN

  Hockey is a sport where young men in their physical prime crash into each other at high speeds while shooting a rock hard object at a someone whose only protection is a plastic mask and a lack of self preservation. Considering the speed, athleticism, and sheer amount of blood that is spilled on the ice, this sport should have been a huge ratings winner for ESPN. What does it say about the popularity of poker when viewers will ignore hockey and would rather watch a bunch of guys (who look like their last physical struggle was against a "Little Debbie" snack cake) play Texas Holdem.  To the surprise of most people outside of Las Vegas, the World Series of Poker has been a ratings winner for ESPN. Conversely, anybody associated with the WSOP has being wondering why it has taken so long to get the game out into the pop-culture mainstream. The World Series of Poker is as rich in history, competitive flair, and personalities as any other sport that can be watched on America's most popular sports network. The WSOP is not just another card tournament, as the name suggests, this is the best of the best playing for the eventual right to be called the champion.  The World Series of Poker is something that was started back in 1970, and has grown every year. Today thousands of people play for the championship bracelets. One of the most interesting aspects is that such legends and celebrities as Doyle Brunson, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, and Jennifer Tilly can find themselves competing against poker enthusiasts from all walks of life. It would not be unusual for an engineer from Tacoma, Washington to eliminate a giant from the poker world. Such an event happened at the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event. Chris Moneymaker walked out of cubicle in the accounting office and shocked the poker world by winning it all. This is the beauty that is the WSOP. Anybody can become a star.  In June of 2006, ESPN saw the writing on the ratings wall, and locked up the World Series of Poker through 2010. This year the Main Event was offered to the public as a pay-per-view event as well.  The World Series of Poker is the sport's biggest stage, and the Main Event is its Stanley Cup. Anything can happen here. Perhaps this is why it is becoming a viewing rival for those sports that have long held a position of prominence in the United States.