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Why Poker Has Triumphed The World

by: RoboHarrier
Total views: 14
Word Count: 398

Poker used to be a truly game played in private, behind closed. Professional poker players would be thought of as con men, or worse. Wow, has that all changed.

Three key things have happened that created the boom. They have caused poker to become a big money maker. It's an interesting combination of events that led to this happening.

The first step in the evolution of poker is when in 1998 Planet poker became the first online poker room. Online casinos had been around for about four years by then. So, with people starting to play poker from home our story begins.

Televised poker has been around since the late seventies. This was a one hour show, once a year, showing the WSOP Main Event. Not many people were watching.

This would change dramatically, eventually. The second key factor in changing poker is the hole card camera, or "pocket cam". Patented way back in 1994, and was used briefly in Europe in 1997. Once used to it's fullest, this tool revolutionized watching poker on the television.

2002 becomes sort of a stepping stone to the poker explosion. Having picked up the WSOP coverage again, ESPN uses the pocket cam for the first time. Also, the WPT (World Poker Tour) is formed and in 2003 will air the first season of the tour, with the pocket cam.

The 2002 WSOP coverage was more successful than past ratings. Pocket cam seems to make a big difference. ESPN decides it will cover more of the tournament next year.

They decide they will cover the tournament from beginning to end and increase the air time. Pocket cam is used at the feature table and obviously the final table. The story that unfolds changes poker forever.

With increased coverage the whole world sees Chris Moneymaker fight his way through the field of 839 to win the event. He outplayed many of the best players in the world in the last two tables. But, Chris is just an online player, having earned his $10,000 entry from a $40 satellite event.

When an unknown internet player turns $40 in $2.5 million, interest in poker explodes. Everyone wants to get involved in poker. The poker industry takes off.

It started with internet poker, the ease and convenience of playing at home. Then the poker cam made watching poker on television exciting. When Chris Moneymaker, wins the biggest tournament in the world, the poker industry booms.

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About the Author

Poker has become so popular that the best players have become celebrities. Phil ivey is one of these stars. His style is super aggressive and very creative. I think he might be the best player in the world. poker stars  

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