More WSOP Final Table Controversy

Talk about a hornet's nest! Seems like one has fallen on my head! I realized the first time I went out to play poker, after the official announcement that the WSOP final table would be played three months after the fact, that this was the main topic of conversation AND I was in the vast minority. As a matter of fact, with the exception of Harrah's, ESPN, and Daniel Negraneau, I have not found one person who thinks it's a good idea.

On my radio show Monday afternoon my guests were Lupe Soto and Lisa Adams. They, along with my "cute as a puppy" co-host, Gavin Jerome were adamantly opposed. The producer of www.holdemradio.com Wade Andrews, who usually just runs the show and hits buttons, chimed in with his opinion. Their opinions were all in unison -- no, no. no! They believe it is a terrible idea for many good reasons so I had to do some rethinking.

Now that I have had a few days to let it all sink in and get yelled at from many directions, I still don't think it's such a terrible thing for poker. I guess I look at it sort of like the aging process ... there isn't a damn thing we can do to stop this runaway train so we may as well embrace it and make the best of it. There are however, many negatives and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. I do agree with my mama, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but life is a state of change and all change is not necessarily bad.

To reiterate, yes, Harrah's, ESPN, and all the sponsors will make the big bucks while the world waits for months to see who our 2008 world champ will be, but the nine final table players also will be making the big bucks with sponsorships and public appearances. They will have time to be well rested and in shape for the game of their lives and the amateurs will have the time and the money for first class coaching. I have always been one who tries to make lemonade no matter how sour the lemons. Time will tell. There could be another huge change in the schedule for 2009, that of putting it back the way it used to be. To quote my friend Daniel, "The sky isn't falling and the WSOP will be just fine.