CardsChat asked poker players on Twitter what changes they would make to the WSOP if they had that power. And the suggestions were, as expected, rather interesting.
There were a few common answers: eliminate crowded 10-handed tables, ban the cell phone accessory salespeople, and ditch the 10:00 am start times. Unfortunately, we have some bad news for the poker players who made those suggestions. Your wishes will not be granted, at least not this year. But, hey, there’s always next year.
Your Wish Has Been Granted, Champ
David “ODB” Baker, the recent WPT L.A. Poker Classic champion, however, received a satisfactory answer from the WSOP.
Not exactly our plan this year, but a WSOP Tournament Account is. Wire or deposit money to cage, open WTA and use funds to buy into tourneys via online/mobile reg & print seat card at kiosk. No reg line after 1st time to open account. Unused funds go back the way they came in. https://t.co/kwAQ3mBo8L
— WSOP – World Series of Poker (@WSOP) April 25, 2019
Baker applauded the response. He also proposed a dinner buffet and gift bags as incentives for those competing in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship and high rollers. The WSOP has yet to grant him a second wish, however. Don’t press your luck, David.
Mike “The Mouth” Matusow offered his two cents.
How about no one is allowed to buy in on day 2 of any event? How’s that! https://t.co/hagaaB5xAE
— Mike Matusow (@themouthmatusow) April 25, 2019
It’s unlikely he’ll get his wish. The WSOP, a for-profit organization, is focused on getting as many entries as possible, as they should be. More players means more rake, which equals more revenue. By limiting entries to Day One in certain events, the WSOP would see a significant decline in entries.
Other Proposals
If you’ve ever competed in a WSOP event – especially a massive-field tournament – you know all about the frustrating bathroom setup within the Rio Convention Center. Long lines often force players to hold “it” in until dinner break when they have more time. Mike Sexton has a plan to combat this issue.
Stagger bathroom breaks from each room (15 minutes apart) @wsop @CardsChat https://t.co/X9e70LQmf6
— Mike Sexton (@Mike_partypoker) April 25, 2019
We won’t hold our breath (or our pee) waiting for a solution to the bathroom problem. While Sexton has plenty of influence in the poker world, even he couldn’t solve this one.
Marvin Karlins (@TheDuckman22) proposed a self-fulfilling improvement. He asked the WSOP to “give me a bracelet.” We hate to be the bearer of bad news, Mr. Karlins, but you’ll have to earn that one, or at least get lucky like some past bracelet winners.
Jasper Meijer van Putten (@jaspermvp), who is clearly concerned with the long registration lines, proposes the WSOP – a Caesars Entertainment brand – “make registration possible at all Caesars properties.” That would certainly shorten lines at the Rio but could become a hassle for casino cashier cage employees at other hotels.
Another poster – @flintsworld – suggests the WSOP should host one event at Binion’s for old-times sake. Prior to 2005, the WSOP was hosted at Binion’s, a casino in Downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street.
