What Do You Want to See at the 2015 WSOP?
Over the years, online poker sites and land-based venues have experimented with unique tournament structures and have even created new game variants, all in an attempt to attract more customers. The World Series of Poker, it seems, doesn’t want to be left behind and has called out to players asking for suggestions on which events to include in next year’s schedule.
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WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel (pictured) took to Twitter to pose the question to his 20,000 followers: “What new event would you like to see at the 2015 @WSOP? This is your chance to weigh in and send suggestions! Only serious comments please.”
The post received plenty of responses from pros and amateurs alike, some serious and others off-the-wall. Allen “Chainsaw” Kessler was one of the first to chime in, suggesting a $10K Dealer’s Choice event along with lowering the buy-in of the Poker Player’s Championship to “increase interest and attendance.”
Kessler recently brought attention to a controversial tournament buy-in structure known as the Quantum Reload, which is offered at the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles. In a recent rant, the pro voiced his strong opposition to the structure, which allows players to buy into Day 2 of a tournament for an inflated price. In protest, he boycotted the Legends of Poker Main Event and thinks that Quantum Reloads discourage recreational players and are bad for poker.
Parx Poker Room Ambassador Matt Glantz (pictured) agreed with Kessler on running a $10K Dealer’s Choice event and lowering the Poker Player’s Championship buy-in. He also suggested adding a $2K NL Turbo and a $5K NL Turbo.
PocketFiver Ari Engelreceived quite a bit of love for his suggestion of running $1K/$1.5K No Limit Omaha Hi-Lo events, as did three-time bracelet winner Dominik bounatirouIMO Nitsche for his comment on adding $1K Turbos. “How about a massive 100-seat Guarantee Saturday before the Main Event,” he added.
Dan KingDan Smith, currently ranked #1 on the Global Poker Index, gave his thoughts, proposing the addition of a Big Bet Mixed Event including PLO, NLSD, NLHE, and PLO8.
The Monster Stack proved to be a player favorite this year, with many users asking for its return. “Weekly Monster Stack. Also, name at least three events per week something fruity,” demanded Eric basebaldyBaldwin (pictured). “One Monster Stack a week please, and bring back the $2,500 Four-Handed NLH – it was the most fun I’ve ever had at a poker table,” said WPT champ Jordan Christos.
Other suggestions were a bit more logistical, but clearly welcomed by players. “Does an entrance where we don’t have to walk through the smoking section count as a new event,” said one user. “Less rake. Less fake charitable write-offs. Less ego. Better location. Better food. Better dealers. Better management,” griped pro Corey comandr_cool Burbick.
In less than three weeks, the 2014 WSOP Main Event will resume and the so-called November Nine will battle for the $10,000,000 first-place prize and $28,000,000 in total prize money. Odds-makers have given chip leader Jorryt van Hoofthe best chances of taking the bracelet, with Brazilian Bruno Politanohaving the smallest stack and the longest odds at 16/1. See the odds.
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