WSOP: Foreign poker players responsible for World Series of Poker growth
10th July, 2008
Although Las Vegas has seen a decline in visitors, gamblers and, thus, gambling revenues, the World Series of Poker seems virtually unscathed as the most prestigious series of poker tournaments in the world has continued to grow from the previous year.
Many in the industry are pointing to the increase in the number of foreign poker players coming from outside the US to play on poker’s biggest stage.
“It is clear that a lot of the growth is coming from outside the U.S. Six continents, 118 different locations, countries, territories,” said Seth Palansky, WSOP tournament spokesman. “Really, any more people playing poker is going to benefit the World Series of Poker.”
Poker really took off in America in 2004 with the miracle WSOP Main Event win by amateur Chris Moneymaker who took the poker world by storm with ESPN’s constant replaying of the tournament. From then on America has been hooked and now it seems the rest of the world is starting to come around as well.
“Poker had been growing in America for so long that the rest of the world is starting to catch up,” said Joe Hachem, 2005 WSOP champion from Melbourne. “With ESPN and the World Series getting more countries now than ever before, they’re watching guys like me win and getting excited.”
Poker is one of those games that is very simple when broken down to its basic elements, but in reality there is a lot more going on at the table than cards and chips. This is what draws people in, the mystery and suspense of the game, and the fact that millions of dollars are up for grabs.
“Poker calls to human qualities – it’s not something like more Asian, Westerner, or whatever – it’s just human qualities like psychology reading your opponent, manipulation, bluffing,” said Isabelle Mercier, professional poker player who lives in Monaco. “This appeals to everybody, I think.”
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By Michael
