Posted by Dr Fro 9:22 AM
Phooey to the naysayers that believe poker popularity is on the decline. I have discussed here that the WSOP (and in particular, the Main Event) is not the best meter of popularity. This is mainly because the ME attendance drop is due to fewer online qualifications due the legal issues. Well, even if the WSOP were to be the official meter, consider this (from WSOP):
This is the largest World Series of Poker in history. A grand total of 58,720 players entered into 55 gold bracelet events surpassed last year’s number of entries, which was 54,288. These figures represent an 8 percent increase over 2007.
This was the richest World Series of Poker in history. A grand total of $180,676,248 in prize money awarded in 2008 makes this the richest event in all of sports. Note: This figure does not include the upcoming four events to be played at WSOP-Europe. These figures represent an increase of 13 percent over 2007.
Random thoughts from a lawyer, an accountant, a commodities trader, an ex-Marine and a WSOP Main Event money finisher that don't know as much as they wish they did...