The four month break before the final table of the no-limit Texas Hold’em main even in the World Series of Poker, which was trialled for the first time last year, is set to remain in this year’s event. The break allowed ESPN to broadcast the final table without viewers already knowing the winner.
According to tournament officials, ratings went up by 50% for the final table last year, which aired the same day that play finished.
Professional poker players also spoke positively of the break. Phil Hellmuth – an 11time winner of the series, said that most players think the break is good for the game.
Dennis Phillips, who finished third in the main event last years, said that the break was a good idea, but 117 days was perhaps too long. “I was hoping they could cut it down” he said “I think it would help – it just seemed like it went on forever. I was ready for the final table probably 60 days after the break.”
The organizers have also announced that they are adding a one-time $40,000 buy-in to the tournament at the start of the series, in commemoration of its 40th anniversary. This year’s event will start on May 27th at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and will have 57 gold bracelet events. The main event will start on July 3rd, and the final table will conclude on November 10th.
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