2008 World Series of Poker Improvements
As the Series draws to a close, with the main event final table, Director Jack Effel and Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack wrote off the situations as suggested areas for improvement for 2008. They spoke about the obstacles and objectives at a press conference at the Rio prior to announcing the final table. In the course of the discussion the debate about the final tables being moved to a private forum, being played in a black tent, keeping out the media, fans, and family members. This move irritated players who wanted their family members near by during their final table. Pollack deemed the test a successful in terms of live streaming the bracelet events and screening the hole cards. He did note, that the WSOP has to outline an improved way to make the tournaments available to players' supporters.
"We appreciate everyone's patience this year as we went through that test but I think it was a worthwhile effort," he said. "I think that the World Series of Poker, from a broadcasting and new media standpoint, the foundations of the business are set in terms of the next wave of global growth for us."
A practicalities issue opened for conversation at the press conference incorporated changes to tournament structures. The 2007 WSOP had organizers doing some fine-tuning to create more play for competitors in the early levels. The tournament organizers are also reviewing additional possibilities, and improvements for overall experience for the 2008 WSOP. One suggested change for the tournament design for next year was to bring back the 90-minute level at the final table during the preliminary events.
Additionally the players can expect the aggressive agents and their behavior to be addressed by the WSOP officials next year as was brought to attention by Pollack. The commissioner said he'd like to put an end it as it was taking place only feet from the tables this year. The World Series of Poker will always be supportive of players trying to capitalize on their success in its tournaments. It was made clear that the organization will not allow agents working for companies to infringe on players' rights to participate without distraction. Addressing this Jeffery Pollack stated, "While we're not looking and will not regulate agents - I have no interest in doing that - I think we're going to have to define some sort of geographical boundary because what I've seen the last couple weeks was not right in terms of the integrity of the event and how we're trying to position ourselves," Possible penalties issued for breaking any guidelines set out for the 2008 World Series of Poker would be against the companies, not the agents themselves. This is me putting some folks on notice. The last couple weeks I saw some things that I really didn't like seeing."
Along with the distraction provided by the agents, is the distraction often seen in the players apparel at the tournament table. It was noted that the organizers will likely work on a plan to adjust the tournament dress guidelines for next year to maintain tournament respectability. It is the desire of the tournament to keep the players from looking like Nascar drivers at the tables.
As you can tell based on the outcome and statements from this press conference, there will be a great deal of review and thus adjustments made based on the 38th Annual World Series of Poker. The desired results will be to see a better total experience at next years events.