News Topic - WPT
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"Real Deal!" offers audience shot at pros
Well, not quite, but if the Venetian has anything to say about it, these poker stars and a few others might just be part of the next big thing in the Las Vegas show scene. "The Real Deal!" is the first-ever interactive poker-themed stage show to appear in Vegas. Organizers are calling the show, which is set to debut this fall, a "new paradigm in entertainment." Whatever that means, it sounds like the show should be pretty cool. Using wireless handheld technology and audience participation, "The Real Deal!" is part theatre, part stand-up comedy and part game show. It will provide the audience the opportunity to play with and against some of the best poker players in the game for cash and prizes. "The Venetian sets the standard for entertainment in Las Vegas and we are excited to add 'The Real Deal!' to our existing line-up of world-class shows," says Jason Gastwirth, vice president of entertainment for Las Vegas Sands Corp, the company which owns the Venetian. "When looking for a new concept to add to our entertainment line-up, we searched for an entirely new experience that would promote audience participation while incorporating well-known personalities that shine beyond the bright lights of the Strip - we found that in 'The Real Deal!'" The concept allows audience members to earn points to vie for prizes ranging from show merchandise to home electronics to a $1 million grand prize. These prizes are awarded to audience members based on their game performance using the handheld devices. There are also random winning moments for everybody throughout the show. For example, audience members will be able to wager on simple instances that occur during play on stage. This includes such things as the suit of cards dealt on the flop. The entire cast of poker pros signed on to do the show includes Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth Jr., Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Laak, Scotty Nguyen, and Todd Brunson. Between them they have eight World Poker Tour Championships (WPT) and 35 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, and have raked in over $48 million in poker tournament prize money. "Never before has poker been so integrated with entertainment," said Merv Adelson, the creator of the show, cofounder of Lorimar Telepictures and former vice chairman of Time Warner Inc. "The popularity of poker is unquestioned, as is the viability of live game show experiences in Las Vegas. 'The Real Deal!' will keep guests laughing and give them the unique chance to get into the heads of the world's best pros as they share tips and strategy throughout the fast-paced game. We know it will quickly become a hot ticket." An elimination process will result in the chip-leading pro, the final surviving amateur and the point leader from the play-along audience ending up on stage for a three-handed finale. "Poker fans have been able to view and enjoy professional poker action for years on television," said Doyle Brunson. "This is different. Everyone in the audience can be in the game and compete with the pros and other guests. It is a one-of-a-kind-poker experience." The production runs six days a week at The Venetian Showroom, with shows at 4 p.m. and prime-time performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A limited number of VIP packages are available for each performance that include the opportunity to meet the pros after the show.Visit PokerListings.com
PokerListings.com – Jul 23, 2008 11:06 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
Well, not quite, but if the Venetian has anything to say about it, these poker stars and a few others might just be part of the next big thing in the Las Vegas show scene. "The Real Deal!" is the first-ever interactive poker-themed stage show to appear in Vegas. Organizers are calling the show, which is set to debut this fall, a "new paradigm in entertainment." Whatever that means, it sounds like the show should be pretty cool. Using wireless handheld technology and audience participation, "The Real Deal!" is part theatre, part stand-up comedy and part game show. It will provide the audience the opportunity to play with and against some of the best poker players in the game for cash and prizes. "The Venetian sets the standard for entertainment in Las Vegas and we are excited to add 'The Real Deal!' to our existing line-up of world-class shows," says Jason Gastwirth, vice president of entertainment for Las Vegas Sands Corp, the company which owns the Venetian. "When looking for a new concept to add to our entertainment line-up, we searched for an entirely new experience that would promote audience participation while incorporating well-known personalities that shine beyond the bright lights of the Strip - we found that in 'The Real Deal!'" The concept allows audience members to earn points to vie for prizes ranging from show merchandise to home electronics to a $1 million grand prize. These prizes are awarded to audience members based on their game performance using the handheld devices. There are also random winning moments for everybody throughout the show. For example, audience members will be able to wager on simple instances that occur during play on stage. This includes such things as the suit of cards dealt on the flop. The entire cast of poker pros signed on to do the show includes Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth Jr., Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Laak, Scotty Nguyen, and Todd Brunson. Between them they have eight World Poker Tour Championships (WPT) and 35 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, and have raked in over $48 million in poker tournament prize money. "Never before has poker been so integrated with entertainment," said Merv Adelson, the creator of the show, cofounder of Lorimar Telepictures and former vice chairman of Time Warner Inc. "The popularity of poker is unquestioned, as is the viability of live game show experiences in Las Vegas. 'The Real Deal!' will keep guests laughing and give them the unique chance to get into the heads of the world's best pros as they share tips and strategy throughout the fast-paced game. We know it will quickly become a hot ticket." An elimination process will result in the chip-leading pro, the final surviving amateur and the point leader from the play-along audience ending up on stage for a three-handed finale. "Poker fans have been able to view and enjoy professional poker action for years on television," said Doyle Brunson. "This is different. Everyone in the audience can be in the game and compete with the pros and other guests. It is a one-of-a-kind-poker experience." The production runs six days a week at The Venetian Showroom, with shows at 4 p.m. and prime-time performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A limited number of VIP packages are available for each performance that include the opportunity to meet the pros after the show.Visit PokerListings.com
PokerListings.com – Jul 23, 2008 11:06 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
Bluff: The journey to a title
What's it like to win a tournament? Brandon Cantu explains his run during his first WPT victory at the Bay 101 Shooting Star.
ESPN – Jul 23, 2008 2:19 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
What's it like to win a tournament? Brandon Cantu explains his run during his first WPT victory at the Bay 101 Shooting Star.
ESPN – Jul 23, 2008 2:19 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
Mike Watson wins WPT Bellagio Cup IV
With 336 players taking to the felt at the Bellagio last Friday, it came down to a final table of six players on Thursday. World Series of Poker bracelet winners David Benyamine and John Phan were there along with Ralph Perry, Gabe Thaler, Luke Staudenmeier and Watson. Phan has been on a good run this year, finishing at a WPT final table in March and winning two WSOP bracelets this year as well. Benyamine also won a WSOP bracelet this year as well as making two other final tables and a 10th place finish in an event as well. Staudenmaier is a well-known online player who goes by IWearGoggles. Watson is also a prominent online player known as SirWatts. The final table played out as follows: Michael Watson - $1,673,770 David Benyamine - $840,295 Luke Staudenmaier - $452,465 Ralph Perry - $290,900 John Phan - $193,915 Gabriel Thaler - $129,275 On the final hand, Benyamine got all-in with #Kh#9h against Watson's #Qh#9s. The flop couldn't have been any better for Watson, bringing #Ad#Qc#6c. The turn brought a nine and the river was the #7d, giving Watson the win. To read more about the event and how Watson made it to his win, visit the WPT Live Tournaments section. The next stop on the WPT is at the Bicycle Casino in California in August. You better believe that PokerListings' top tournament reporting staff will be there as well to bring you the best coverage to be found anywhere online.Visit PokerListings.com
PokerListings.com – Jul 18, 2008 10:36 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
With 336 players taking to the felt at the Bellagio last Friday, it came down to a final table of six players on Thursday. World Series of Poker bracelet winners David Benyamine and John Phan were there along with Ralph Perry, Gabe Thaler, Luke Staudenmeier and Watson. Phan has been on a good run this year, finishing at a WPT final table in March and winning two WSOP bracelets this year as well. Benyamine also won a WSOP bracelet this year as well as making two other final tables and a 10th place finish in an event as well. Staudenmaier is a well-known online player who goes by IWearGoggles. Watson is also a prominent online player known as SirWatts. The final table played out as follows: Michael Watson - $1,673,770 David Benyamine - $840,295 Luke Staudenmaier - $452,465 Ralph Perry - $290,900 John Phan - $193,915 Gabriel Thaler - $129,275 On the final hand, Benyamine got all-in with #Kh#9h against Watson's #Qh#9s. The flop couldn't have been any better for Watson, bringing #Ad#Qc#6c. The turn brought a nine and the river was the #7d, giving Watson the win. To read more about the event and how Watson made it to his win, visit the WPT Live Tournaments section. The next stop on the WPT is at the Bicycle Casino in California in August. You better believe that PokerListings' top tournament reporting staff will be there as well to bring you the best coverage to be found anywhere online.Visit PokerListings.com
PokerListings.com – Jul 18, 2008 10:36 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
WPT inks deal with Fox Sports Net
In the deal, FSN received exclusive rights to air 26, one-hour episodes in the United States across its network. The current season of the WPT is airing on GSN and before that it was on the Travel Channel. The first two episodes for the new season were shot on Thursday during the final table of the Bellagio Cup IV in Las Vegas. The remaining episodes will be filmed at the WPT's events taking place all over North America over the next year. "The World Poker Tour has a track record as the ultimate brand name in televised poker," said George Greenberg, FSN executive vice president of programming and production. "FSN is very happy to televise such quality content and we look forward to future programming opportunities with the WPT." FSN is already home to Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and, National Basketball Association. Now the network will be home to one of the most recognizable poker tournaments around the world as well. According to a press release from the WPT, FSN's 16 owned and operated regional networks and its affiliated networks reach more than 80 million homes across the United States. "FSN and News Corporation are two incredible powerhouses in the television industry that have played key roles in the growth and popularity of televised poker," said Steve Lipscomb, WPT founder, president and CEO. "It couldn't be a better fit for WPT and our fans. We're thrilled." FSN and the WPT plan to announce the timeslot and schedule for the complete season at a later date. To see the schedule of events for the WPT's seventh season, visit WorldPokerTour.com. Related Articles: WPT rolls into Vegas for Bellagio Cup IVWPT discusses Season 7 with GSNVisit PokerListings.com
PokerListings.com – Jul 18, 2008 5:36 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
In the deal, FSN received exclusive rights to air 26, one-hour episodes in the United States across its network. The current season of the WPT is airing on GSN and before that it was on the Travel Channel. The first two episodes for the new season were shot on Thursday during the final table of the Bellagio Cup IV in Las Vegas. The remaining episodes will be filmed at the WPT's events taking place all over North America over the next year. "The World Poker Tour has a track record as the ultimate brand name in televised poker," said George Greenberg, FSN executive vice president of programming and production. "FSN is very happy to televise such quality content and we look forward to future programming opportunities with the WPT." FSN is already home to Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and, National Basketball Association. Now the network will be home to one of the most recognizable poker tournaments around the world as well. According to a press release from the WPT, FSN's 16 owned and operated regional networks and its affiliated networks reach more than 80 million homes across the United States. "FSN and News Corporation are two incredible powerhouses in the television industry that have played key roles in the growth and popularity of televised poker," said Steve Lipscomb, WPT founder, president and CEO. "It couldn't be a better fit for WPT and our fans. We're thrilled." FSN and the WPT plan to announce the timeslot and schedule for the complete season at a later date. To see the schedule of events for the WPT's seventh season, visit WorldPokerTour.com. Related Articles: WPT rolls into Vegas for Bellagio Cup IVWPT discusses Season 7 with GSNVisit PokerListings.com
PokerListings.com – Jul 18, 2008 5:36 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
World Poker Tour to move to Fox Sports Network
Yesterday evening, World Poker Tour Enterprises announced that it came to an agreement with Fox Sports Network (FSN) to broadcast season seven of the World Poker Tour. FSN now has the rights to broadcast 26 one-hour episodes of WPT in the United States, which are being filmed now. Details such as...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 18, 2008 3:04 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
Yesterday evening, World Poker Tour Enterprises announced that it came to an agreement with Fox Sports Network (FSN) to broadcast season seven of the World Poker Tour. FSN now has the rights to broadcast 26 one-hour episodes of WPT in the United States, which are being filmed now. Details such as...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 18, 2008 3:04 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
WPT: Michael "SirWatts" Watson Wins the Bellagio Cup IV
It could be assumed that the biggest story to come out of the World Poker Tour would be the winner of the first stop on Season VII, the Bellagio Cup. But just hours before the final table began, an announcement was made to ensure that everything was going to be alright. The players and poker...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 18, 2008 06:59 AM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
It could be assumed that the biggest story to come out of the World Poker Tour would be the winner of the first stop on Season VII, the Bellagio Cup. But just hours before the final table began, an announcement was made to ensure that everything was going to be alright. The players and poker...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 18, 2008 06:59 AM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
World Poker Tour Signs TV Broadcast Deal with Fox Sports Net
It was announced today that the World Poker Tour has partnered with Fox Sports Net (FSN) to broadcast 26 episodes of Season VII. FSN is the nation's leading provider of local sports and will air the one-hour WPT episodes in the United States. The first two episodes are being filmed today at...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 17, 2008 11:43 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
It was announced today that the World Poker Tour has partnered with Fox Sports Net (FSN) to broadcast 26 episodes of Season VII. FSN is the nation's leading provider of local sports and will air the one-hour WPT episodes in the United States. The first two episodes are being filmed today at...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 17, 2008 11:43 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
Fox Sports Net and World Poker Tour(R) Ink Broadcast License for Season VII
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WPTE) and Fox Sports Network (FSN) announced today a partnership and
Business Wire – Jul 17, 2008 11:39 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Business
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WPTE) and Fox Sports Network (FSN) announced today a partnership and
Business Wire – Jul 17, 2008 11:39 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Business
SpadeClub Awards First Free WPT Boot Camp Seat
SpadeClub.com, the innovative online poker community, offers a risk-free way to win at poker with no deposits and no buy-ins. Find out more. SpadeClub member Mike "MIKEG23" Garcia took first place in the July 12 WPT Boot Camp Giveaway, and he has been telling everyone about his exciting...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 17, 2008 11:10 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
SpadeClub.com, the innovative online poker community, offers a risk-free way to win at poker with no deposits and no buy-ins. Find out more. SpadeClub member Mike "MIKEG23" Garcia took first place in the July 12 WPT Boot Camp Giveaway, and he has been telling everyone about his exciting...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 17, 2008 11:10 PM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
WPT: Bellagio Cup Day 4
A play-down day on the World Poker Tour that was packed with professional intrigue began today at noon at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Thirty-two remaining players were left in the $10,000 no-limit hold'em championship event of the Bellagio Cup IV. For many of the professionals remaining, this...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 17, 2008 09:00 AM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker
A play-down day on the World Poker Tour that was packed with professional intrigue began today at noon at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Thirty-two remaining players were left in the $10,000 no-limit hold'em championship event of the Bellagio Cup IV. For many of the professionals remaining, this...
CardPlayer.com – Jul 17, 2008 09:00 AM [GMT] ¦ comment?
found in Sports: Poker