USA Today is reporting that in a surprise move the WSOP Main Event Final Table to be played 117 days late.
Players will play down to the final 9 on July 14 as scheduled. Rather than coming back 2 days later to determine a champion, final table action won't begin until Nov. 9, 117 days later.
Why the change you ask? In the past, the Final table was played in July with a tape-delayed telecast in November on ESPN. This year, ESPN will have a two-hour taped and edited telecast of the final table set for 9 p.m. on the following day.
Jeffrey Pollack, WSOP commissioner, says the new format allows for an "almost virtually real time" telecast. "This is no different than the final chapter of American Idol or The Apprentice. It's about building interest and excitement for the final chapter of this story," says Pollack.
The WSOP says its 15-member Player Advisory Council was consulted on the switch.
"It's going to create way more buzz. … It's going to be more like a live event," says Daniel Negreanu, a council member who applauds the move.
Says Doyle Brunson, two-time main event winner: "Frankly, I don't like it. … I guess it will create a lot of hype. ... It seems a little overkill or something to me."
Read more here...
World Series of Poker stretches out Main Event - USATODAY.com
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