The World Series of Poker or WSOP is the most renowned poker tournament in the world and has been around since 2005. It comprises a series of games that are held annually in Las Vegas. The 2010 World Series of Poker tournament was held at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. The tournament lasted from May 27 to July 17. The winner of the 2010 WSOP was Jonathan Duhamel, who also became the first Canadian to win the event. He won a whopping 8.94 million US dollars in prize money.
The 2011 WSOP event is slated to start from May 31 and will last through July 19. The location for the WSOP 2011 remains the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. November will see the return of the final table game of the main event, as has been the trend since 2008. The WSOP 2011 has been in news for the fresh changes that have been introduced.
Slated Changes for Better Viewership
WSOP directors had promised to viewers that the visual experience pertaining to WSOP 2011 will be richer than ever before. Poker fans, who were earlier either attached to online casinos or their land-based cousins, are assured a wider coverage of all the games that would be played during the course of the tournament. They have been promised a comprehensive television broadcast of the event and various facets associated with it.
Therefore, gambling enthusiasts would now be able to see the poker tables and players. In addition, visual aids would also be provided for better understanding of the game. An announcer will explain the developments during the wagering session in case the viewers find it difficult to understand and follow. This style of broadcasting is a first in the history of poker gaming and WSOP.
Contract with ESPN
Naturally, WSOP directors had to engage themselves in a contract with a sports channel broadcaster for comprehensive coverage as desired. The contract for television coverage was established with ESPN, and the term lasts up to the year 2017. Apart from showcasing events that occur on the same day, ESPN will also be providing additional coverage during the course of the principal event of the tournament. The experience would be quite similar to enjoying events at online casinos, which is very much a part of the virtual gaming experience.
Internet televisation will allow maximum coverage of the events, and WSOP fans can instantly receive the coverage on their television sets. However, WSOP director Ty Stewart has clarified that televising all 58 events might not be an achievable feat. But visual accounts of all events will be surely provided.
Changes in Game Rules
Apart from the broadcasting rights that have been provided to ESPN, several other changes are also slated for the 2011 WSOP event. To begin with, the rules of the Poker Hall of Fame will change this year. In addition, the venue for the WSOP will be provided with Smartphone charging stations, and there will be free internet access at the venue as well. All these facilities are bound to benefit players at online casinos. Satellite services have also been enhanced and additional games have been added to the list. Such changes will definitely enhance and enrich the experience of enjoying the WSOP even more from this year on.
Given the huge popularity of poker, organizers of the 2011 World Series of Poker have signed with a contract with ESPN to provide better and more elaborate coverage of the game to viewers.