WSOP Player of the Year rules changed
The World Series of Poker organizers have changed the rules for determining their Main Event Player of the Year. In previous years players eligible for consideration of the award were all determined before the start of the Main Event. However, this year the Main Event result itself will count towards determining who wins WSOP Player of the Year.
Why change the rules?
Although the eventual winner won’t be decided until November, the organizers must be concerned that with the economy still very slow to recover, capturing and maintaining media coverage and sponsorship of this poker tournament could well flag as the year progresses. So, keeping the final result of who is Player of the Year until the end of the Main Event – would seem to be a logical way to keep and extend interest in that aspect of the tournament. Indeed, by their own admission, Vice-President of the WSOP Ty Stewart is quoted as stating that: “We’re confident the inclusion of the Main Event to the Player of the Year race will add some drama and excitement to the conclusion of this year’s WSOP”. WSOP Main Event starts early next month, with TV coverage beginning in August. However, the final won’t be shown live, but recorded and broadcast the day after, on November 10th.
Deciding on the winner.
Eric Lindgren won the 2008 WSOP Main Event Player of the Year
This year the Player of the Year award will be made at the final table of the 2009 Main Event, based on the points players win in tournaments, with the highest point’s scorer winning. For 2009 any Open events can count towards a players score; meaning that buy-ins as low as $500 could give players point scoring opportunities. This also means that 54 of the 57 WSOP bracelet event positions can be used for points scoring - as well as trying to win a coveted bracelet. Last years winner, Erick Lindgren won with just one bracelet, three final table finishes and five total cashes.