Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Patrik Says No
Good interview with Patrik Antonious on Pokertube. Those of you who don't spend most of the day watching cats chase squirrels might not have time for the whole 50 minutes, but if you do I recommend it. If not, do check out the last 10 minutes where PA gives Harrahs and the WSOP both barrels. And quite right too, if only more of the top players would take a stand like this. The problem is that the most high-profile players (not at all the same thing as the top players) are highly dependent on their bracelet count to keep the endorsement money rolling in. Obviously Hellmuth is the prime example. I mean I've probably said enough about Hellmuth by now but, in a nutshell, the guy is a fucking joke. He only plays WSOP and TV events now and, by all accounts, he plays them terribly. What tilts me the most is that he is almost certainly the highest-profile, most recognisable player in the world. How did it come to this ? That the most well-known player of this awesomely cool game is a) not even very good at it and b) such a whining pantywaist ?
Anyway, /derail. I don't think Durrr gives a fuck about WSOP bracelets ; Antonious, see interview ; Ivey a bit more so but I have to wonder how much WSOP he'd play without the prop bets. What PA says about Harrah's making the schedule to suit their own ends (the very fact that it's in June/July in the first place for one) and no TV money coming back to players is spot on. I consider the "name players" to be as much part of the problem (see Players Advisory Committee) as all they want to do is perpetuate the myth that results 10 years ago, hell even 5, entitle them to more recognition than the swathes of better players who have come into the game since then (I don't include myself in that by the way).
So, think globally, act locally. I know I say this every year but ... I really don't think I'm going out this year. I really shouldn't, that's a fact. As for practical arguments, I'm pretty sure I have a better expected earn sitting in my front room, and I don't need a big score because I'm not broke. Enjoy if you're going but include me out this year.
Anyway, /derail. I don't think Durrr gives a fuck about WSOP bracelets ; Antonious, see interview ; Ivey a bit more so but I have to wonder how much WSOP he'd play without the prop bets. What PA says about Harrah's making the schedule to suit their own ends (the very fact that it's in June/July in the first place for one) and no TV money coming back to players is spot on. I consider the "name players" to be as much part of the problem (see Players Advisory Committee) as all they want to do is perpetuate the myth that results 10 years ago, hell even 5, entitle them to more recognition than the swathes of better players who have come into the game since then (I don't include myself in that by the way).
So, think globally, act locally. I know I say this every year but ... I really don't think I'm going out this year. I really shouldn't, that's a fact. As for practical arguments, I'm pretty sure I have a better expected earn sitting in my front room, and I don't need a big score because I'm not broke. Enjoy if you're going but include me out this year.
# posted by Andy_Ward @ 12:57 PM 
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Another thing about none of the TV money coming back to the players...
Certainly wrong it is of Harrah's not to make some sort of reinvestment in their own brand by providing additional motivation for the players to continue to pay, and/or attract new business.
But from my perspective, being a Vegas dealer, you might even think that Harrah's could show a little more appreciation to their employees with the huge dividends they must enjoy from televising events. Instead, the dealers make less and less each year, while the fields of play become larger and larger. Even true last year despite economic downturn. Last year, the opening $1000 event broke a record for non-main event turnout. This year there are four $1000 events, instead of just two, so there you go.
I will not be dealing the WSOP this year, or any subsequent year, and the sentiment is shared by many of my colleagues. What inevitably will happen is that the WSOP will be the 'break in house' of Las Vegas (as if it were not already that), and guest satisfaction will drop (as if it already hadn't), and the buy-ins at newly established and well managed tournament series' such as the Venetian Deepstack and the Caesar's Megastack that run concurrently with the WSOP will rise to fill demand from those unwilling to deal with WSOP shenanigans. This year, you will find me at both the Venetian and Caesar's Palace, thank you very much.
Certainly wrong it is of Harrah's not to make some sort of reinvestment in their own brand by providing additional motivation for the players to continue to pay, and/or attract new business.
But from my perspective, being a Vegas dealer, you might even think that Harrah's could show a little more appreciation to their employees with the huge dividends they must enjoy from televising events. Instead, the dealers make less and less each year, while the fields of play become larger and larger. Even true last year despite economic downturn. Last year, the opening $1000 event broke a record for non-main event turnout. This year there are four $1000 events, instead of just two, so there you go.
I will not be dealing the WSOP this year, or any subsequent year, and the sentiment is shared by many of my colleagues. What inevitably will happen is that the WSOP will be the 'break in house' of Las Vegas (as if it were not already that), and guest satisfaction will drop (as if it already hadn't), and the buy-ins at newly established and well managed tournament series' such as the Venetian Deepstack and the Caesar's Megastack that run concurrently with the WSOP will rise to fill demand from those unwilling to deal with WSOP shenanigans. This year, you will find me at both the Venetian and Caesar's Palace, thank you very much.
BTW, been watching your stuff on DragTheBar. It's been very helpful for my game. I appreciate the no BS style of approach to concepts that you use. Makes much more sense to me that way. Thanks for that.
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