World Series of Poker 2008: First New Record
The first No Limit Hold'em event of the 2008 World Series has just set a new record for entries. Last year one of the later $1,500 NLHE events had 3,151 players, which set the then record for most entries in a non-main event WSOP tournament. Just moments ago player #3152 entered today's Event #2: $1,500 No Limit Hold'em and we have a new record.
The total for Event #2 will not be known until tomorrow because there are two Day Ones for this event, which is another first: an event other than the $10,000 main event with multiple Day Ones. Clearly the WSOP staff anticipated this record when they added the second Day One and opened registration two days before the Series actually began. The plan seems to have worked with over 2,900 players registered by midnight last night and the record broken nearly an hour before cards are in the air.
The "no alternates" announcement several weeks ago has also gotten the players attention; more than one player in line last night cited that new rule as the reason for their early registration. Several players also were veterans of last year's enormous registration lines and they too seem to have learned a lesson.
With the record now broken, the prop bets seem to be hovering at around 2400 for the new record. Looking at the registration windows, I would take the over.
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2008 Event #2
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em
Number of Entrants: 3,452+
2007 Reigning Champion: CIARAN O’LEARY $727,012
2007 Entries 2,998
(the record 3,151 was set in Event #49 last year)
WSOP Event #1 Day 1 Recap
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Shuffle Up and Deal!Doyle Brunson opens the 2008 WSOP
The 2008 World Series of Poker kicked off Friday at the Rio Casino with Event #1 $10,000 Por-Limit Hold'em. The opening event attracted 352 entrants and the top 36 would get paid.
The pro-heavy event included poker's superstars such as Phil Ivey, Jen Harman, Howard Lederer, Patrik Antonius, Doyle Brunson, Erik Seidel, Max Pescatori, Allen Cunningham, Daniel Negreanu, Vince Van Patten, Barry Greenstien, Isabelle Mercier, Vanessa Rousso, Kathy Liebert, and TJ Cloutier.
More after the jump....
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
The 2008 WSOP is officially underway
The Buzz
Everyone was buzzing about the start of the WSOP since it's still the most prestigious poker tournament series in the world. I mean, this is what every poker junkie in the world has been waiting for... a shot at winning a bracelet and achieving fame and fortune in Sin City.
The Backstory
This is the fourth year that the Rio has hosted the WSOP. They made some new changes such as reconfiguring the Amazon Ballroom with a media perch and moved the satellite areas to a separate area across the hall. The Poker Tent is no longer in action and has been replaced with the Poker Kitchen. The Rio also opened up registration much earlier than previous years to help alleviate the congestion of the hordes of players buying into the massive $1,500 donkament in Event #2.
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
UNLV marching band
Sight of the Day
The UNLV marching band burst into the Amazon Ballroom and played "Viva Las Vegas" for the start of the WSOP.
Quote of the Day
"Shuffle up and deal!" was said by none other than the legendary Doyle Brunson.
Hand of the Day
One of the craziest hands of the day involved a royal flush. German pro Jan von Halle was involved in a pot with Kathy Liebert. He checked the absolute nuts on the river... a royal flush! I suspected that he misread his hand. Some of his tablemates were not amused and called the floor over. Von Halle was given a warning about possible collusion.
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Orel Hershiser
Celebrity Players
Shannon Elizabeth, Jen Tilly, and former major league baseball player Orel Hershiser were among the 352 players in Event #1. Former WSOP champions Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Doyle Brunson, Greg Raymer, Tom McEvoy, Berry Johnston and Chris Moneymaker were also in the field.
WSOP Kicks Off Today
photos courtesy of Bodog Poker
The WSOP is kind of a big deal. Last year the 2007 World Series of Poker drew record numbers, Phil Hellmuth won his 11th bracelet and the young pros of the online poker world showed they had talent at the live tables as well. Today marks the official start of the 2008 World Series of Poker beginning with the $10,000 Pot Limit Holdem World Championship. This means the Bodog Poker Mini-SOP follows suit with a $100+$9 Pot Limit Holdem event. This online poker tournament series will run through July 3 with each tournament held on the same date as its counterpart in Las Vegas but with buy-ins equal to just 1 percent of the actual buy-in of the WSOP Event. After the completion of the series' 25 events, Bodog will host a final tournament on July 10 that will earn three winners seats to the 2009 WSOP Main Event, making Bodog the first online poker site to give away seats to next summer's Main Event.
There are still plenty of WSOP Main Event online poker satellites at Bodog Poker to win a $12,000 2008 WSOP VIP prize package.
The 2008 WSOP runs May 30-July 14 and features 55 different bracelet events in almost every variation of poker. Also, for the first time in the WSOP's 39-year history, the Main Event final table will be delayed in order to have it taped and broadcast in primetime on ESPN the same day the player actually wins the event.
World Series of Poker 2008: First Look
Well it seems that the returning players, professional and amateur, are very happy with the 2008 version of the Amazon Room at the Rio Hotel and Casino. There is a lot more room between the tables and there are two side rooms, one to serve as a satellite venue and the other for overflow tables for any event.
Remember one priority at the WSOP is to get the scheduled events started on time; all the events, all the time. Today that was Event #1: $10,000 Pot Limit Hold'em, but as we move on through the seven weeks of the Series, we will have days of two tournament starts and two second day restarts and a couple of final tables. Those days can get very busy and empty tables can be at a premium. Add to this the cash games, Super and Mega-Satellites and everyone can be thankful there are more tables in more rooms for the 2008 World Series of Poker.
The first real test will come tomorrow when Event #2: $1,500 No Limit Hold'em goes off but the WSOP staff has anticipated the huge field that last year was still registering as the first level ended. No alternates at the Series this year, so Event #2 will have two Day Ones on Saturday and Sunday. Already over 1100 players are signed up for Saturday. Event #2 will in all likelihood be the biggest non-Main Event field ever at the WSOP, but it appears the WSOP staff is ready.
All-in-all a good first day for the Series; evidence of some good planning and preparation since last summer.
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2008 Event #1
$10,000 Pot Limit Hold'em
Number of Entrants: 352
2007 Reigning Champion: ALLEN CUNNINGHAM $487,287
Number of 2007 entries: 398
(the 2007 event was a $5,000 buy-in)
Should you turn pro? Radio show answers question
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Wanna be like Mike? Turn pro...
At 6 p.m., "Keep Flopping Aces" airs on Rounder's Radio.
The subject of tonight's program involves whether you should turn to the life of a poker pro.
Stepping in for regular host Lou Krieger is psychologist and author of The Psychology of Poker, Dr. Alan Schoonmaker.
Poker pros guesting on the show include Roy Cooke, Barry Tanenbaum, Mark Gregorich, and Don Olney, who will all be onhand to discuss what led up to them turning pro and if they have any regrets. They'll also chat about the best and worst things about turning pro.
Other topics include cash vs. tourney pros, bankroll required, how relationships have been affected, and more.
Attorney Tom Walter will then talk about health and life insurance, mortgages, retirement, and other financial planning issues.
It promises to be an enlightening evening.
If you miss tonight's broadcast, it'll be archived a few days later at roundersradio.com.
Another Million Dollar Party Poker Event
Another $1,000,000 Guarantee Event is underway this weekend at Party Poker. As the countdown to this Saturday’s $1 million guaranteed tournament continues, Party announced that 200 SEATS are up for grabs on Friday. In addition, seats will be available EVERY HOUR on Saturday morning in the build up to the main event.
The tournament takes place on Saturday 31st May at 12.45pm ET (5.45pm BST, 6.45pm CET), with a championship style blind structure. There are still many ways to qualify for the tournament on a daily basis, starting from as little as $1, with other options such as freerolls.
The $1 million guaranteed is the finale to ‘May Madness.’ Throughout the month of May, PartyPoker.com guaranteed the prize pool of EVERY TOURNAMENT run on the site meaning a staggering $12 million was up for grabs! Saturday’s tournament brings the promotion to a close. Blind levels for the $1 million guaranteed start at 25/50, with the starting chips 20,000 and blind levels every 20 minutes.
To view all the ways to qualify for Saturday’s showpiece; See the entire schedule here.
Flipchip Joins Pokernews 2008 WSOP Media Team
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Greg Raymer, 2004 WSOP World Champion $5,000,000
I will once again be a part of the PokerNews 2008 WSOP media team that provides the most complete coverage of any poker tournament on the planet. Just like the PokerNews WSOP team in 2007, we are the official media partner of the WSOP, and this year promises to the best ever. I will be joined by more than 5 dozen experienced journalists, live bloggers, photographers, internet specialists, interns and floor people, all dedicated to bringing readers the best coverage possible...every minute, every event, every day of the big poker show.
Whether you're looking for a quick update for a particular player or you want to experience the events from start to finish then PokerNews will be your one stop for everything WSOP. Plenty of photos (and videos) direct from the Rio Resort Las Vegas to your computer screen will keep you in the middle of the action. For a better view of the WSOP poker action you'll need to make a trip to Las Vegas and spring for a buy-in. So remember, if you can't make the WSOP you can still be here with the best seat in the house, your house, and best of all its always free.
Joseph Hachem, 2005 WSOP World Champion $7,500,000
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Jamie Gold, 2006 WSOP World Champion $12,000,000
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Jerry Yang, 2007 WSOP World Champion $8,250,000
2008 WSOP First Look
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Beautiful weather at the Rio Las Vegas
Bright red carpet has been rolled out, the huge poker room is almost finished, ESPN is assembling the TV set, dealers are trained, restaurants are all stocked with food, and even the weather is Las Vegas perfect for the Friday kick off of the 2008 World Series of Poker. The Rio Pavilion was a busy place on Tuesday afternoon with workers completing the final tasks and adjustments to the huge WSOP poker room. Dealers were attending the final training sessions while a group of Rio suits kept a watchful eye on the progress. Sponsor's banners hang from the rafters and signs are in place to direct the tens of thousands of players and spectators to the locations and services dedicated to the big poker show of 2008.
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
The red carpet is out and waiting
This year will see major improvements in the player registration process, vastly improved food service (rumor says the Saõ Paulo Cafe will be mostly open), more restrooms, a separate satellite room and best of all...no poker tent (anyone remember the wind storms of 2007?). Flipchip spent Tuesday afternoon checking out the facility and sent in few photos to share with readers.
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
A view of the 2008 WSOP poker room at the Rio
2008 WSOP in Three days
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Day 1 of the 2007 WSOP Pot-Limit Hold'em world championship
A Mega Satellite will have the cards in the air on Thursday, May 29, at Noon. A $500 buy-in will put players in a seat behind a $4,000 stack of tournament chips. No rebuys and no add-ons for this race to win a seat in the 2008 World Series of Poker Championship Main Event. The tournament is scheduled for 1 day.
All levels will last 30 minutes. One seat will be awarded for every $10,200 collected from buy-ins. Seats are non-transferable so winners must play the seat in the event. WSOP staff will receive 3% from the total buy-ins. This event is a great way to start your 2008 WSOP experience and it offers players an opportunity to get a feel for the World's biggest poker show.
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Defending Pot-Limit Hold'em champion Allen Cunningham
Event #1, the World Championship Pot-Limit Hold'em contest, gets under way on Friday at Noon and is a 3 day tournament. The Pot-Limit Hold'em defending champion, Allen Cunningham, collected $487,287 after outlasting a field of 398 players. A major difference in the 2008 championship is the doubling of the buy-in from the $5,000 in 2007 to $10,000 in this year's event. All levels will last 60 minutes and players will begin with $20,000 in play money.
The Big Poker Show is here. All the excitement, the thrills, the winners, the losers, the drama, and and the greatest collection of finely honed poker skills in the world. Throw in the life changing prize pools of millions and millions of dollars paid out to players and you have a formula that will keep the adrenalin flowing continuously for the next month and a half.
Of course, you really need to be here and experience this poker circus first hand at least once in your poker life so make plans to spend some quality time at the Rio Las Vegas, home of the 2008 World Series of Poker.
photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Flashback of the Milwaukee's Best Lite Beer girls at the 2007 WSOP TV table
What’s Wrong with Poker on Television?
If you are reading this article, you are not the audience that television executives and advertisers are seeking to grab with their poker programming. If you are interested enough in poker to be on this web page, you are part of the royal poker family and you are going to watch poker on television. But television needs viewers to be attracted to a program who are generally not poker players and certainly not poker blog readers. And despite all the noize on various poker forums, the viewer numbers for televised poker are down and down even more among the "sports" viewers who buy beer and sign-up for online poker sites. The Game Show Network is about to dump the World Poker Tour; the World Series has had to try moving the Main Event final table to November; if you can't see the writing on the screen, then you could be related to an ostrich.
So, what is wrong with poker on television?
None of the shows have changed to keep up with their audience. Viewer retention has not been given any perceivable thought that I can see. Viewers actually do learn how the game is played and they find the same simple action played over and over gain to be boring. "We" who know and study the game can glean more from the hands and are not so easily turned off by the stale presentation but, again, "We" are not the audience the programs are after. Here are some obvious examples:
World Poker Tour: At first the simulated live format attracted viewers but anyone paying attention will soon catch on that many hands are being left out. More importantly, in this respect WPT is the main offender, there are some great storylines at those six player final tables but instead of following them and developing them; we get Vince talking over the players. I wrote about one instance of this at the Bellagio Cup last year. Mike Matusow had a running conversation about the beauty of true deep stack poker. Every other player at the table was in the conversation at one time or another and still Mike Sexton and Vince never mentioned it. Clearly a production decision not to include the players in the show.
At the WPT tapings they have an entrance room with a bar and the direct feed from the table. You hear everything the players say and nothing Mike or Vince says. Back in the days when I covered WPT final tables for PokerPages, I never sat in media row, you couldn't hear the players from there. I hung out in the room where I got the table feed. The "real stories" of the WPT final tables are told by the players but the WPT television show has never once captured that story. A story, I believe, that would capture and grow a television audience.
The World Series of Poker and ESPN have also found a way to turn the 55 event WSOP into tedious television. First, while I cannot stand Norman Chad, he is good for the audience they need to attract, so what "We" say about Norman should not matter. But ESPN does not cover 55 events. This year they are coming in at the beginning of the Series to catch a few events (1, 2, 3 or 4 & 5); they will be back around the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. tournament (events 45 & 50) and then again back for the Main Event. So if Phil or Doyle or Johnny or Mike or Daniel makes a final table, we have a 1 in 7 chance of ever seeing it. They choose which events to cover before the Series begins. They did not cover Phil Hellmuth's 11th bracelet last summer because it was not on the schedule. They do cover final tables with no name players and nine silent amateurs because it is on the schedule. Surprisingly what ESPN seems not to understand is that this is television. You need conversation and animation from the players; otherwise you might as well show hockey or horseshoes.
The WSOPE tournaments were even worse but this was their first year, so they get some credit for start-up blues. Still, more international players need to be identified and followed early in those events. Hire some "player spotters" from countries other than the UK.
Let's group all of the other "invitation only" shows together. What they lack is just more of what the WPT and WSOP telecasts lack. For example:
-If someone is a great poker player but never speaks at the table, then you do not invite them to play. This is a television show. Invite: Phil and Mike and Daniel and the other Phil (Laak not Ivey) and every other player who "gets" it that they are poker players but also entertainers and if you can't do both--stay home!
Next, if you are going to edit, you have to let the audience know. There is a show out there, where Phil Hellmuth has the button on the first hand and the announcers explain the button and the blinds naming the players who have each position in the first hand. On the very next hand (on the show that is) Phil has the button again and on the third hand he has the big blind. Do you think this might confuse the audience you are seeking to win over?
For several years the late night poker shows in the UK seemed to understand the line between entertaining and playing poker but alas on recent viewing they too have fallen into the same boring patterns. Poker is not a perfect fit for television. Hockey doesn't make it because there is not enough scoring. The phenomenon of NASCAR is based partially on the potential for injury and death. Maybe poker needs a big guy with a baseball bat to administer a real "bad beat" when your aces get cracked.
Or just maybe some fresh eyes and fresh minds in the production booth.