Award-winning television and film producer Steven Lipscomb, a former Disney executive and branding expert Audrey Kania and poker Hall-Of-Famer Lyle Berman decided to create a worldwide poker show which would attract thousands of players and admiring spectators.
Their brainchild, the World Poker Tour was designed to project the stylish side and true image of poker - one that captivates the excitement of a sport once reserved for dark, smoky rooms. It has spawned a poker revolution - making it mainstream, sexy, and hip. Debuting on February 1, 2004 and now in its sixth season, the WPT is the Travel Channel's highest rated show ever. It is watched in over 100 countries and airs every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. on the Travel Channel.
The stunning array of ever-evolving female hosts has greatly added to the show's success. Hosts Shana Hiatt and Courtney Friel were adored by viewers. Then Sabina Gadecki, a beautiful, blonde model, dancer, actress and international business student at New York's Fordham University hosted the show. Currently Layla Kayleigh, who also can be seen on "The Best Damn Sports Show Period", is adding to the appeal of the show with the help of co-hosts Vince Van Patten and Mike Sexton.
Soon the Game Show Network plans to add the WPT to its lineup.
The WPT is set up as a series of 15 high-stakes Texas Holdem tournaments that span several locations and countries, including France, Costa Rica, Barcelona, and many locations around the United States. The WPT Championship tournament is held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
The WPT hit the $100 million mark in money paid out in tournaments in March 2005. Part of the WPT's widespread appeal is that prospects for the tournaments can be anyone from Hollywood stars to poker pros, to the average broke college student.
To date, Carlos Mortensen is the only player to win the WPT and the WSOP championships. Those aspiring to play that well may wish to attend a WPT boot camp, of which details are listed on their website at worldpokertour.com
