WSOP 2009 Final Table: Amateurs Make History, WPT Faces Challenges

In a surprising turn of events, two amateurs, Steve Begleiter and Kevin Schaffel, reached the final table of the WSOP 2009 Main Event. Schaffel, in particular, was the chip leader with 2,234,000 chips, showcasing his skill and strategy throughout the tournament.

While the WSOP final table is generating excitement, the World Poker Tour (WPT) is facing significant challenges. The Legends of Poker tournament, held in Los Angeles, saw a 25.2% decrease in participants compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to several factors, including the growing popularity of European and Asian poker tournaments and the economic situation in the United States.

Adding to the turmoil, the World Poker Tour Enterprises (WPTE), the company behind the WPT brand, was recently sold to PartyPoker. This sale comes after an initial agreement with Gaminya, which was later terminated in favor of a more lucrative deal with PartyPoker. The finalization of this sale is expected to be completed by February 24, 2010, pending approval from the majority of WPTE's shareholders.