All About the World Poker Tour
The World Poker Tour is one of the most prestigious poker tournaments in history. Each year, millions of poker fans around the world are glued to their seats as they watch the best poker players slug it out for the right to be considered the WPT champion and to win the million-dollar pot prize.
A brainchild of television producer Steve Lipscomb and casino tycoon Lyle Berman, the World Poker Tour first went live on the Travel Channel in 2003. From its humble beginnings of 13 events during its maiden season, the World Poker Tour has grown steadily to include more tournaments and events all over the United States.
What makes the World Poker Tour interesting is its groundbreaking concept of showing to the TV audience the players' hole cards during the actual play. Tiny cameras around the table show the hands of the players, making the tournament more intriguing and exciting than just waiting for the players to reveal the cards during the showdown.
Through the viewing of the players' hands, the audience can get the feel of real tournament action as if they were on the poker table themselves. You will know who has the upper hand going to the showdown and which players are bluffing. Expert analysis by poker pros Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten gives you a comprehensive idea of the strategies used by the poker players.
The final table of six players is surrounded by a live audience and filmed by several cameras that show the emotions and facial expressions of the players. It's just like being on the table yourself, and you can feel and see the joys and agony of the players as they struggle for supremacy.
The World Poker Tour has revolutionized the world of poker much like online casinos have changed the face of the gambling industry. There's no need to watch a poker tournament live because you can see it on television. Avid poker fans can enjoy a unique experience watching top-level competition from the comforts of their homes.
If you are a poker player who wants to join the World Poker Tour and get a shot at the life-changing pot, it will make you happy to know that you can join the WPT by entering in smaller satellite tournaments. Some of these tournaments offer winners an outright entry to the final event of the World Poker Tour. If you want to take it the easy way, you can shell out $10,000 to pay for the entry fee.
Whatever your skill and experience level in poker, you will learn a lot of things by watching the World Poker Tour every Wednesday night on the Travel Channel. The ability to see the players' cards as play progresses plus the mountain of information provided by the expert analysts will surely help you become a better poker player.