Idea to delay broadcasting WSOP finals

[PPP]

Suppose the main event of the WSOP stopped with nine people remaining. Suppose the broadcast of that final table would be delayed three months, to give an Oscar-like drama to the finals, and giving ESPN three months to broadcast the preliminary events.

It would obviously make at least small "stars" of the final nine.

Would this lead to far more interest in poker on the Internet?
Would it seem stupidly anti-climatic?

Personally I think it is a lame idea, but will make us a bunch more money.


(This is not purely hypothetical. There has been a proposal to do this this year.)

[Brandon]

I think it would be hit or miss. There would have to be a big name at the final table, otherwise 3 months for a table of no name players (no offense) would not draw much attention.

It would give poker rooms a great marketing opportunity however. Also would help create more poker stars (no pun intended) with their 3 months in the limelight.

I would welcome the idea.

[ThePokerBank]

Originally Posted by Brandon

There would have to be a big name at the final table, otherwise 3 months for a table of no name players (no offense) would not draw much attention.

You would be suprised how shows can hype things up sometimes. I'm sure most have us have been casually watching a short clip about an upcoming boxing/mma fight or something similar about two guys you have never heard of and had no interest in, yet by the end of it you can be really interested in watching it.

With 3 months the ESPN could really do a lot to hype up the main event, giving in depth profiles about each of the players to get people interested. Some will have some pretty interesting stories to tell I'm sure, and you would have lots of people choosing their favourites and rooting for someone to win over another etc.

I would agree that it would spark a big interest for people to start playing poker, and in turn start playing online. Would be great to have 3 months of people getting interested in the game and sharpening their own skills.

But in reality I don't think it would happen. It would completely disrupt the flow of the tournament, and there is no doubt that many of the veteran poker players and organizers would object to it. It would be turning the game of poker into too much of a show.

[Randy]

I think it's kinduva neat idea. I'll be interested to see if they follow through with it.

[kaus]

Its a neat idea and I am assuming this is to not only increase players interest in the game but obvious ratings. I think I remember something about ratings for poker shows are alot lower than they used to be.

For myself I probably wouldnt watch anymore than what I do right now (which is very little if any) and the reason is once a winner is announced for teh main event. I know. everyone knows and we all read about, its all over the net...thanks to sites like Pokernews and Cardsplayer.

I think what would be completely kick ass and probably next to near impossible is for some semi live broadcasts. By semi I mean obv live would suck and probably turn out really shitty, but if they could tape, edit and release hours later or the next day and allow people to actually watch as its going on that would be great.Not just on specialty channels but give some rights to the major sports networks to air it live. Make it into the superbowl of poker events and play it up. Than splash up the final table with a live airing of the last nine players. I mean yeah it can take hours but so can watching most other sporting events and think about how many people would tune in to see it as its happening rather than down the road when you already know who won and the hands played. Than over the months you can do other things to continue on with it.

Would I watch if it was live- most likely. Do I now ...nope. I dont need to Pokernews does a bang up job filling everyone in.

[Aidan]

So these 9 players can blow their money 3 months before they even play....

[Notspot]

I love this idea - even if the final table was made up totally by newbs by the time the final came around they would be celebrities themselves if the promotion was done correctly. Would be great for the industry as a whole.

Would be great for the betting market too if there was a well publicised live final.

[Beanie]

Well it is going to suck to have to wax those other 8 guys, especially with the chip lead that I will have. But I suppose I can deal with that.

I think it is a great idea. We need something to energize this thing.

[mypokercorner]

That's an interesting idea PPP. Now would be a good time to mix things up a little because it does seem like the poker craze is diminishing a little. Depends on where you are I guess. Using the WSOP would be a great oportunity to do it. Those 3 motnhs could certainly be used to turn people into stars. Perhaps there is a potential to incorporate a little reality TV in that timeframe.

[kaus]

I think reality TV would actually be the worst thing. Yeah its great for the first year but it gets lame and its way over done