Why Poker has grown So Much
From an image of shady characters in smoke filled rooms, poker has emerged as a booming industry. The professional player was seen as a con man, or worse. Now he is an ambassador for his craft, an endorser of products, and a celebrity.
Three different events occurred that have created this new world. These three things have combined to change how poker is viewed by the public. It is now big business. Read on to see how this has happened.
It begins in 1998 when someone decided to open an online poker room. There were online casinos since 1994. But there were no poker rooms. Now we have people relaxing in front of their computers playing poker.
We have had poker on television all the way back into the 70’s. The coverage was very limited. Small audiences didn’t help inspire more coverage.
The second key event that happened actually happened first. A camera (pocket cam) is placed so that the audience can see the players’ hole cards. This device would be a major contributor to the poker explosion.
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.
For the first time, they will get action from beginning to end, and add air time. Pocket cam will be used even more. What happens in the 2003 WSOP changes the poker scene completely.
The tournament concludes with unknown Chris Moneymaker beating all the pros to capture the $2.5 million dollar first prize. He is basically just a small time internet player. He won $10,000 entry for $40, by working his way through two levels of qualifying.
When Chris Moneymaker goes from an unknown, small time, internet poker player, to WSOP Main Event Champion, the poker boom accelerates massively. He gives hope to every player that anyone can win the biggie. The rest is history, and the world has gone poker crazy.
The internet makes poker accessible. The pocket cam makes it fun and intriguing to watch on television. And, Chris Moneymaker makes us believe we all have a can be world champ.