The WSOP's Multimedia Makeover
Poker has been making hooplahs everywhere since its unprecedented popularity among gamblers of all shapes, colors, and sizes. But worldwide knowledge about the game was cemented when its most prestigious tournament, the World Series of Poker, was given a multimedia makeover in 2001.
The television coverage for WSOP events started in early 1970s, when contest of Poker skills was becoming too serious. At that time, however, the casino battle of wits was not able to get a decent time slot. It was initially aired as a special one-hour feature by network giant CBS and then ESPN took over in 1980. The minute coverages are good but not good enough to cover the drama, the excitement, and the perspiration of each and every player just so they get a hand to the impressive jackpot. Due to time constraints, no WSOP coverage at that time was worth watching because they only leave unsatisfied hunger. Good thing, the Discover Channel joined in and decided it is time to give the tournament its rightful coverage. This all happened during the 2001 WSOP event where a Spanish pro emerged as the ultimate winner. Juan Carlos Mortensen gave the Americans a run for their money when he decided to enter again for the 2001 WSOP tournament and bloom gracefully by taking home the $1.5 million pot.
Anyway, back to the TV coverage, Discover Channel not only showed the progress of the tournament but also included player profiles, pre-taped interviews, and game recaps. Obviously, such innovations brought Poker closer to the heart of many from all over the world. Luckily, this happened at a time when satellite tournaments are also making their marks. Using the Internet as an entrance point for a high stake Poker game was popularized due to its offered convenience.
Aside from the excitement of the tournament, there goes some interesting side stories that are definitely worth every minute of airtime. The side stories, however, cannot match the flurry inside the casino. Mortensen was an aggressive, fearless, fiery, and downright lucky player! He bested many known professionals who already had glitters all over their well-documented poker careers. And so in the end, all fans and mere witnesses decided that the man from Madrid is the rightful king of the 2001 WSOP edition.
Then there is the exciting tale of 2000's second placer Phil Helmuth who won impressive stash of cash in all the seven events he joined where he did not ranked lower than 15. Indeed, Helmuth's winnings are enough to shake any biggies bank account.