The second season of the Global Poker League (GPL) has been delayed, but according to founder Alex Dreyfus, that might not necessarily be a bad development.
Dreyfus, who created the idea two years ago, is trying the same concept, but making it more regional. He has already seen his efforts rewarded in China and has plans for other countries as well.
“Alongside GPL China, we are currently preparing the rollout of GPL India and GPL Latin America also,” he said in an email release. “Our goal is to connect poker fans and help them be a part of the GPL adventure, regardless of where they are.”
Lucrative China Market
Dreyfus had been eying China for a while and the company that runs GPL, Mediarex Sports & Entertainment, entered into an agreement with JuzhongJoy in Beijing to run GPL China’s operations, distribution and sponsorships.
“Alongside GPL China, we are currently preparing the rollout of GPL India and GPL Latin America also,” he said in an email release. “Our goal is to connect poker fans and help them be a part of the GPL adventure, regardless of where they are.”
The objective is to make the GPL as successful in China as the first season of the international GPL.
“Notably, we will focus on partnering with as many mobile applications as possible,” he said. “We want to stay neutral and become the NBA of Poker in China.”
Future of World League
Just because the second season has been delayed, Dreyfus said not to mistake that for quitting on his brainchild.
He did, however admit their were some problems with the inaugural run of the league and said those need to be corrected before another year of competition can get underway. He did some tinkering at the end of the first season and liked the changes. There is no timetable on when it will start, but there should be action by summer.
“More than ever, GPL will be a global entertainment platform that connects players and fans all over the world,” he said. “This journey is not a sprint, but a marathon. As such, we’re being careful to take our time to build up the long-term vision we have.”
