WSOP Main Event Final Table to be pushed back 117 days?

[Fonzi]

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

[targetguy1]

so if you die before the time to play the final table what do they do post and fold you the whole time

[Fonzi]

Originally Posted by targetguy1

so if you die before the time to play the final table what do they do post and fold you the whole time

Didn't Stu Unger overdose as the massive chipleader the night before the Final Table and eventually blind out? Or is that an urban legend? I can't find it anywhere.

[KingBorgo]

Just a note to everyone:

This sounds really cool. However, find this in another credible source, I challenge you. There isn't one.

The article claims a Pokerstars press release reinforces this. I looked through the PS press releases, and there none.

Ill keep my eyes and ears open on this.

[Fonzi]

I checked Pokerstars as well as some other sites and found nothing. But USA Today is a credible news organization.

[KeepBlinkin]

this sounds really interesting.. but i dont like the idea of wait to long to play the final table. i think its better to finish the whole tournament than waiting so long time.

[lkport]

Try to do anything live, involving showing hole cards, and with the amount of money involved, someone will find a way to relay that information. Live without showing the holes, ok. I can see that

[YellowRoses]

I understand the concept, but why do they have to wait so long. Seems like the excitement for the final table will not be as great.

[KingBorgo]

It seems USA Today broke the story early, but it is true!

ESPN - ESPN announces 2008 WSOP TV schedule and final table date change - Poker

[KeepBlinkin]

well in that case im going to see almost live.. the final table with fonzi and kingborgo playing head-ups.. lol