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The WSOP Moves the Main Event Final Table to November

By launchpoker, May 2, 2008
The WSOP Moves the Main Event Final Table to November


  USA Today broke the news that that the World Series of Poker is going to move the final table of this year Main Event to November. For many of us this was a baffling move. On the one hand, it was confusing because this news was floating around on a number of blogs over a month ago and officials from the WSOP kept denying that there was any truth to the rumor. Secondly, it is a bewildering move because on the surface it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense.



  The World Series of Poker is a summer event, and as so is well placed. As we creep into July and get to the Main Event, the only sport it is competing with is baseball. Let's face it, by the time we get to the middle of the summer, even hardcore baseball fans are looking for a distraction from the near endless season.



  ESPN generally broadcasts the final table of the WSOP in the fall, and by this time of the year the event has been over for months. For many people it is like watching a tape of the Superbowl in August. To move the final table to November so that a sports channel can broadcast the proceedings in almost real time smacks of the tail wagging the dog. Instead of trying to compete for attention with the NFL, NBA, and NHL, it would make more sense if they kept the Main Event in July and adjusted the broadcast date.



  Reaction by the players has been mixed. PokerStars teammates Victor Ramdin and Greg Raymer both told LaunchPoker.com what they thought of the idea.



  Victor was enthusiastic about the change and had the following to say about it: "I think it's a phenomenal idea. People think poker is about luck and being hot or cold, but it's not. A good poker player should be able to play at anytime of the year. Good poker players don't rely on hot cards or their opponents being on tilt. This is a great thing for pros and poker."



  Greg Raymer was a little more measured in his response. "I am very torn over this proposal. The down side is this long gap allows the players to become completely different people between the time they make the final table, and when they play it. You know that all 9 will get coaching, and especially they will get coaching tailored to each of their 8 opponents."



  If these PokerStars pros are representative of what the industry as a whole is thinking, then we have a dynamic split in opinion. At the very least an issue like this could make the delayed final table a more caustic and entertaining event to watch. The players who are grateful for the time they were given to prepare for the competition against the ones who feel that their momentum was blunted by the interruption.