Poker on TV still plays a significant role for the mainstream popularity of this brilliant game. Amateurs usually qualify online to earn a seat for those televised events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Surviving numerous virtual or brick-and-mortar tables requires ever evolving skills. Many talents you already own and apply to your business career and personal daily life.
No wonder poker amateurs come first in main events as well as here at RoyalFlop. Relive the last five world champions, then move ahead by taking advantage of the golden egg which actually initiated the poker boost.
Ever more, I wonder if poker is debated more than it is truly played. While poker supporters safeguard the future as sport of skill, others argue whether it's a game of chance and just a hype. Although nobody knows the exact origin of poker, the media boomed the game to an international, mass audience. Surely, poker is here to stay, yet settling on the key initiator is like the chicken and egg problem: what came first?
Prime Mover Who Laid Columbus' Egg of Poker
Broad coverage on TV, Internet poker rooms, video games, renowned players; all contribute to the vital, ongoing support and promotion of poker. Perfect instruments to enjoy watching others (how to) play cards, but also to improve your own game and learn new skills.
The individual to really credit is a man you might consider as the poker equivalent of the egg of Columbus; however, you probably never heard of him before. Mr. Orenstein invented the hole card camera, also known as the pocket cam. He received patent a year after his invention in 1995. Strangely, two more years passed by until the first TV show applied his grand innovation.
Hole card cam entering into the World Series of Poker
The first televised WSOP event using the pocket cam occurred in 2002. Semipro poker player and investor banker Robert Varkonyi ultimately won the main event in a field with 631 entrants, only 18 more players than previous year. This golden egg appealed to viewers, but also to participants of the 2003 event; the winner had to beat 33% additional opponents. Amateur Chris Moneymaker defeated 838 players earning him $2,500,000. Instead of paying the $10,000 buy-in, the onetime accountant qualified online via a $39 (satellite) tourney at PokerStars.
Online qualifier strength echoed by patent attorney Greg Raymer
Recreational players identified with Moneymaker's victory, resulting in a staggering 2,576 entrants for the 2004 main event. Last man standing turned out Greg Raymer and collected a dazzling $5,000,000 first prize. Raymer, formerly patent attorney, reinforced the image of online qualified amateurs as serious contender and world champion.
Trend of Amateurs Dominating the World Series Continues
Unlike the two previous Internet qualifiers, Joe Hachem paid his full buy-in to the 2005 main event. Most likely, still his most profitable investment, because the retired chiropractor yielded 750 times his $10K entry fee.
The upward field of opponents peaks in 2006 with an incredible number of nearly 8,800 players, resulting in a $12,000,000 reward for the final champion. TV producer Jamie Gold engaged professional poker player and legend Johnny Chan as coach to guide Gold to his historic victory.
Main event field shrinks, amateur champ pledges 10% to charity
The 2007 main event experienced a rare decline in participants, which only occurred once before in the WSOP history (in 1992). Nonetheless, psychologist and social worker Jerry Yang pledged a tenth of his first prize winnings to three different foundations, bravo!
Think interest in poker currently deflates? Better reconsider!
Don't simply believe this year's decrease in main event participants demonstrates any shrinking interest in poker. In fact, the total number of registrants for the 2007 WSOP set a record at 54,288 players. Rather petition against ridiculous laws, which banned many citizens to qualify online for a main event seat. People like you and me, who'd love to put their skills to the test or appreciate watching amateurs' strength unfold.
Develop Poker Skills with Business Talents All Together
Evidently, professional poker players struggle to reclaim championship in the WSOP from unknown, but skilled and victorious amateurs. Pocket cams show you how to play the game, but also how others play their hands. Take advantage of these insights and improve your poker expertise. Still, Orenstein's invention can't teach you certain vital skills.
At this point, put your business talents into action, like discipline, money management, risk assessment and stamina just to name a few.
There's simply no game that represents life at large like poker.
Relax restrictions else what's next, ban living? Let's hatch!
About the author
Hi, I'm Mike van Zandwijk, editor of RoyalFlop, amateur poker player and in my daily life CEO of my strategy and communication company. I'd love to hear from you, so please send me your thoughts, questions and comments. [full profile]
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