Tay Stewart: The Biggest Poker Boom is Yet to Come

Tay Stewart has been leading the World Series of Poker since 2005. In a recent interview, he discussed the upcoming WSOP 2012, highlighting several key changes and new features. The WSOP 2012 schedule includes new tournament formats such as re-entry tournaments and heads-up PLO. Stewart emphasized that the series aims to grow each year, attracting more viewers and new players.

The final table of the main event will be held in October, not November. This decision was made to maximize commercial opportunities and television ratings. Stewart believes that this format is better for the development of the game overall, as it allows for a more engaging and continuous viewing experience. The final table is seen as a pivotal moment when poker truly resembles a sport.

Jack Links is the general sponsor for the WSOP series and broadcasts. Additionally, the WSOP has partnerships with Miller Light, Red Bull, Klipsch, and Dearfoam. More than 30 players have already confirmed their participation in the $1,000,000 tournament, with the potential to reach the maximum of 48 players. This tournament is expected to bring tens of millions of new dollars into the poker economy.