Online Poker

Mid July used to be exciting for poker fans. It was when the biggest prize in poker was decided - the World Series of Poker Main event.

Now it's a anti-climax...

I briefly got excited when catching up with the main event chip counts, until I realised we wouldn't get a winner until the made-for-TV final table is played in an ESPN studio in November.

And between now and then we'll have to endure endless pimping of the nine players that make it.

It was kind of sad. No more co-workers huddling around a often refreshed page of chipcounts this July, or trying to project the final table stream on a projector so everybody can watch while they work.

At first I thought it was a good idea, that was worth a try. But now I really wonder if this attempt to re-invigorate poker on TV will work. It's beginning to feel like people will become less interested in the event every July and then not really care about the final table when it rolls around a few months later.

People like poker, there's no doubt about that. But in my experience, it's something that the general population will like when they have nothing better to do at the time. I can't really see it becoming a must watch TV event. I don't see WSOP final table parties taking place like it's a big football, soccer or basketball game.

Maybe I'm wrong - perhaps it will turn into a bigger event than I foresee. One thing is for certain though, and that is that the TV execs will have their fingers crossed that the only female remaining - Tiffany Michelle (pictured) - makes the final table. Their ratings will be looking a lot rosier if they have a pretty young girl to advertise!