On the networks of ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3.com, viewers of the World Series of Poker Main Event will now be able to watch live, with the addition of shown pocket cards.
The event, which will be taking place from July 14th until July 19th, is finally giving avid fans the chance to watch every moment of drama as the biggest poker tournament in the world unfolds. These six dates will allow viewers to watch over 34 hours of tournament coverage, and will spread across Days 3-8 of the Main Event.
Normally, the World Series of Poker television broadcasts are scheduled several weeks behind the conclusion of each event. In order for viewers to enjoy the most heightened sense of intensity, the tapes are traditionally edited to portray the best light (or bad beat) for every situation. Despite being great for both players and fans alike, the skewed depiction of the tournament’s play often can lead aspiring and beginning players in the wrong direction.
The footage will now only be on a 30-minute delay from the satellite, the tape will run unedited, and will also divert between two feature tables that should play host to several big-name professionals.
Although the decision to broadcast a live WSOP Main Event has thus far received mixed reviews, followers of the game will finally be able to view each and every hand that players’ participate in, regardless of whether they fight or fold. Understanding the true dynamic of play should now be easier, as you’ll be able to witness players folding just as frequently as they play their rushes.
One of the biggest concerns both players and tournament directors have been focused on, is the compromise of the tournament’s integrity. With players or close friends being able to watch big hands just after they’ve occurred, it’s suggested that you could use the gathered information during actual gameplay. Despite an anticipated half-hour delay between live play and shown footage, it’s worrisome that with the simplicity of a phone call, tournament players can be informed of tells, clues, and what cards an opponent held for a distinct advantage.
But while some consider it a hindrance, established poker legend and WSOP Players Advisory Council member Barry Greenstein doesn’t expect compromised integrity. Greenstein instead views the live stream as well overdue.
“This is a long-awaited step to get live poker on television, and it represents another good collaboration between Caesars, the WSOP Players Advisory Council and ESPN to create a production format that maintains the integrity of the tournament while giving fans what they want to see,” he said.”
The WSOP Main Event will likely be the most watched event in regards to live broadcasts, however two of poker’s biggest events, the $50,000 Players Championship and $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em, have also acquired more TV time with several of their tables being displayed live on ESPN3.com. Starting in early June, these events will be shown.
Several pros and established employees of the WSOP tournament are calling the event a “historic milestone for ESPN,” and only time will tell just how far into the future the new idea could take us.
Professionals in their own right, the customary WSOP commentators of Norman Chad, Lon McEachern and David Tuchman will also be back giving the play-by-play for onlooking screeners.
Just as it has in years past, the 2011 World Series of Poker will air on ESPN starting July 26, just a week after the final table has been set for the WSOP’s final event; the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Championship.
The broadcasts will also still air on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m., and will continue to run for four months, nearly right up until the November Nine.
