2010 WSOP Schedule Musings
The schedule for the 2010 WSOP has finally been released as well as some details about the upcoming WSOP. I thought I would give my thoughts on a few of them.
More $1,000 buy-in Events
There will be six open $1,000 buy-in NL Holdem events. I personally played in the event that started this trend and while they may be viewed as giant “donakaments”, I like this idea. It puts more fannies in seats and creates more interest. Although I don’t play many NL events, I may play another of these.
$50,000 Players Championship
The $50,000 HORSE event is no more. Instead, we have an 8 game event dubbed the “Players Championship.” I’m conflicted on this. Personally, I liked the 50k HORSE event, but I can’t complain too much over a game that incorporates multiple disciplines. My only gripe may be that this was done to get better ratings. They did make a $10k HORSE event to compensate, so for now I am taking a wait and see approach.
No Poker on the Fourth of July
You really can’t blame the WSOP for dropping the 4th of July. Mothers Day and Fathers Day are one thing, but the 4th of July is too big of a holiday to expect people to skip in lieu of a poker tournament.
The Food Tent is No More
Hallelujah! No longer will we have to go through a cloud of smoke to get food. The food court was inside back in 2007 and it did fine. I like this move personally.
Expanded Capacity and Larger Footprint
Both the Amazon Room and the Pavillion Ballroom will be used for the WSOP in 2010. This will mean more tables and hopefully less of a chance to sell out. I have been wondering why they didn’t use this in the past. Well now they are and things should be much more comfortable, or so we hope.
$25,000 NL Holdem Six Handed Event
Interesting is the word I use for the $25,000 six-handed event. I was expecting a larger buy-in event, but not a six-handed event. I think that this will attract many online players as six-handed play is huge online. Otherwise, I am not so certain how this will turn out. I think it will do better than the turnout for the $40,000 Event in 2009, but time will tell.
The November Nine is Back…..For Now
For yet another year, the November Nine is back. Even after a slight ratings drop off, ESPN has decided that this is still a good thing. Ok, let’s see how it goes this year. I am predicting a HUGE drop in ratings unless something happens to make fans interested. If Phil Ivey can’t draw big numbers, nothing short of Doyle Brunson being at the final table will. Sorry Hellmuth, but you just don’t equal ratings in my book.
Personally, I am looking at Events #12 ($1,500 Limit Holdem), 27 ($1,500 Stud 8 or Better), and Event #31 ($1,500 HORSE.) I may play in one of the $1,000 NL Holdem events, but I am not certain.
It will be interesting to see what type of attendance numbers we get for this year’s WSOP. Last year, attendance was better than anyone could have imagined in most games. This year, I am wondering if the reduction of buy-ins in many events will translate into more numbers. With at least six events in shooting range of most tournament hacks, we may see a significant jump.
I do worry about the non-Holdem and mixed games. Most did fine last year, but buy-ins were not adjusted on any of the events. As a result, I think these will be more pro heavy than NL. Either event, I am really looking forward to this schedule and trying my hand at competing for another bracelet.
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Comments
How do you get a sponsor to play in the 2010 WSOP Tournament?
Ben,
It depends a lot on your skill level and your networking. If you play any live, you might want to look into nurturing relationships with players that back other players. You do have other options such as chipmeup.com where you can sell pieces of yourself. Otherwise, you can contact the poker sites such as PokerStars directly but you better have some game and stats to back up your request of being sponsored.
Of course, if you win a satellite into the main event on a big site such as PokerStars or Bwin, you will technically be “sponsored” by them in the event. The difference is that you will not be paid to play for them.