Big Turnout Due to More Starting Chips and Better Structures
Through 17 events this year at Harrah's New Orleans, the World Series of Poker Circuit has attracted more than 4,000 participants. With an average of 243 players per event, attendance has actually increased over last year despite a so-called gloomy economy, more gold ring events on the schedule, and a greater number of games offered other than No-Limit Hold'em. This is an enlightening statistic, given that many tournaments held elsewhere are either stagnant or have experienced a decrease in attendance recently.The big question is why? Why has Harrah's New Orleans done so well this year? It would be easy to explain New Orleans' unique appeal as a fun and exciting city to visit. That certainly accounts for some added interest. But an informal poll of the tournament room and its players reveals near-unanimous enthusiasm for more chips and better structures at this year's event. In short, players are convinced they are getting a lot more play for their money, and a lot more bang for the buck.
This year, players in New Orleans are starting with an average of 40 percent more in chips, over the previous year. Furthermore, blind and ante levels increase incrementally. So, players get more play. The tournament is far from a crapshoot. The competition is a test of skill, as it should be. The events and final tables tend to take longer to finish. But given thousands of dollars in prize money is at stake, these are widely-popular changes favored by every poker player. Credit should go to Supervisor Larry Barrett and Tournament Director Steve Frezer and the rest of the tournament staff for listening to the players and creating a competitive structure that should be copied elsewhere. Indeed, imitation is the best form of flattery.
Other WSOP Circuit events have been just as innovative. Last month, Caesars Palace Las Vegas ran "double-stack" tournaments, which gives players twice as many starting chips over normal events. These tournaments, which are an extension of the mega-stack concept introduced by Caesars Palace Las Vegas, are expected to become more popular in months and years ahead. Coming up soon, Caesars will be hosting the "2009 Summer Mega Stack Series." Forty mega satellites with lots of play will be held between May 28th and July 10th which will award seats into the $10,000 buy-in WSOP Main Event, which takes place at the Rio Las Vegas in July.
Across the country at Caesars Atlantic City, the WSOP Circuit in March also did something completely different. In addition to its regular slate of events, Caesars ran two Turbo No-Limit Hold'em tournaments. This was a completely opposite approach to the slower, more chip-heavy structures introduced elsewhere. Aware that many players prefer to wrap up a tournament within a single day, Caesars Atlantic City introduced gold ring events which award big prize money, but also are suited to players who have limited time and seek to finish the tournament within one day.
It is clear that WSOP Circuit events continue to be not only rich and prestigious, but ground-breaking, as well. Next year's WSOP Circuit schedule should be announced in the coming months. Poker players everywhere would be wise to check out the 2009-2010 schedule and make plans to attend.
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by Nolan Dalla
posted by AllStars at 8:36 PM
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