Should the WSOP change the format of the main event?

[blkmoney12]

Should the wsop change the format of the main event?

A few weeks ago, Phil Hellmuth announced he would not be playing the 2025 WSOP Main Event since he did not feel he could endure 7 days in a row approximately 12 hours each day. In the video clip below, Phil explains his reasons.

Should the WSOP change up the format? Why or why not?
What could they change it to?
Do you think Phil has a valid point stating it's more of an endurance event than poker?


I'm kind of curious as to what you all might think. Thank you and have a great day!


Here is Phil Hellmuth statement on x

 

[dorsk]

Take some monkey juice Julius Cesar

 

[MK_]

I mean the guy shows up hours late as it is already now he wants a day off.....

there's tons of other shorter games if he's too tired to sit and play poker,

....Man up Phil😎👍

 

[pentazepam]

Yes. Make it a mixed game and play it for a year. World champion my ass.

 

[Poker_Mike]

Why change a game just because Phil won't play it anymore?

The WSOP ME is a true sport and requires immense physical stamina!

Successful poker players always adapt to their circumstances.

And Phil has made a decision for himself - which he can change any year he wishes.

Good luck everybody - and best wishes Phil !

 

[Luvepoker]

While i don't think they need to change it for Phil he does bring up a valid point. Having made a few day 2's of events and knowing how tied i was after them I could not imagine a deep run and playing several days like that in a row. Giving the players a day or 2 off is probably not the worst idea in the world.

 

[Shooter74]

I like the current format… when was November Nine it was a long way from to the July event

 

[Poker Orifice]

I don't think they should make any big changes to the Main Event at all. The MainEvent shouldn't be geared towards the desires of pros who have been around for years. The structure of it is one of the things that attracts the amateurs to play in it... long slow structure so that they can get more value for their $$'s (so that they can enjoy the experience).

BUT, I think maybe slightly shorter days prior to it being 'In the Money' (ie. 5x 2-hour levels per day), and then taking 1 day off once the tournament 'Pops the Bubble'.

 

[Spielkind]

Its THE HIGHLIGHT of the Year in Vegas, that need no changes

 

[dorsk]

I like the current format… when was November Nine it was a long way from to the July event

November Nine ran from 2012-16. Four-five years too many in my opinion.

 

[MK_]

November Nine ran from 2012-16. Four-five years too many in my opinion.

November Nine was the worst idea ever, took all the fun out having to wait so damn long😎

 

[Propane Goat]

Leave it as is, just make sure players aren't hosting coaching teams on the rail with laptops running solvers for the entire time. If Hellmuth doesn't like it then that's up to him, there are plenty of other shorter games running.

 

[dreamer13]

Its format has become too exhausting for older players. I think that nothing will be changed, the duration of the tournament is earnings from advertising.

 

[TeUnit]

I don't know how the live pros do it, between the travel and the long days.

 

[SPANKYSN]

I don't like the idea of days off in between sessions, but I do think that the sessions should be shortened. In 2019, I had the chance to play in the WSOP Colossus event. I survived Day 1...it took 15 hours, from 10:00 am to after 1:00 am. I was exhausted, and also too excited to fall asleep quickly. I lasted less than an hour on Day 2. I was 66 years old at the time, but in pretty good shape. 15 hours at one sitting is too much for 25 year olds, never mind seniors.